More -- and faster -- power for ministers, crackdown on charities? Needed: A Freedom Train!

So the rules are being changed and the federal environmental review process is being shortened to 'speed up' projects delayed by the due diligence obligated by the review.  


The concentration of powers is alarming.  A cursory reading of a news article describing the new budgetary changes evokes the image of a dictator seeking to 'fast-track' discretionary powers and authority while the apathetic public looks the other way.  Some examples: 

• "...the environment minister is given more power to decide which resource developments should be subjected to scrutiny... budget bill gives federal cabinet the final say over oil and gas pipelines... overhauls the Fisheries Act to focus only on major waterways, not every single body of water..."
• "...the minister of environment has greater leeway to give industry players exemptions and extensions of their permits... And it cracks down on charities involved in political activity..."
• "...[Finance Minister Jim Flaherty said] "These are quite important long-term changes... We need to get them done quickly..."

So the government is cracking down on charities and giving more discretionary powers to the cabinet and the ministers -- as fast as possible?  That sounds like the perfect recipe for a healthy democracy, doesn't it?


What is the rush?


Is our government rushing to seize authoritarian, dictatorial powers?  The Canadian democracy might just need the Freedom Train 2012 with the Yinka Dene Alliance ironically showing the democratic way to the children of democracy.  


Welcome them in Toronto on the lawn of Metro Hall, 55 John Street, Toronto on 9th May at 11:45am. 

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