• What you can do for #metoo in Ontario
    [Not your Province? Find the petition for your Province here: https://you.leadnow.ca/efforts/what-you-can-do-for-metoo] 1 in 5 Canadian women will experience sexual assault while at university. Evidence suggests that these numbers are actually much higher due to the systemic barriers to reporting assaults that many women face. [1] Universities have the means to prevent women from experiencing sexual assault and harassment on campus, but they need sufficient policies put in place to do that. Currently, almost no Canadian universities have adequate policies, and many have none at all. [2] The provincial government needs to mandate that all post-secondary institutions implement sexual violence prevention policies, provide the funding necessary for them to do so, and create oversight mechanisms to hold those institutions to account. Legislation should recommend that educational institutions’ sexual violence prevention policies have: A Specific Immunity Clause for Drug and Alcohol Use Protection from Face to Face Encounters During the Complaint Process Survivor-Centric Interim Measures Anonymous and Third Party Complaint Options Recognition of the Intersectional Impacts of Sexual Violence Required Sexual Violence Support and Sensitivity Training for all those involved in the Complaint Process Independent Third Party Member of the Appeal Committee Existence of Clear Timelines Acknowledgment of Campus Rape Culture Policies should not have: Time limits for Filing a Formal Complaint Threatening Sanctions for Vexatious, Malicious or False Complaints Gag Order (During or Beyond the Complaint Process) A Loophole whereby a complaint can be suspended if the respondent ends their relationship with the school (i.e. transfers or drops out) [3] Sources: [1][3] http://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/4106721/Our-Turn-Action-Plan-Final-English-2.pdf [2] http://www.universityaffairs.ca/news/news-article/universities-across-canada-implement-sexual-violence-policies/
    2,023 of 3,000 Signatures
  • UVic, stop investing in fossil fuel companies
    UVic invests millions of dollars from its endowment fund into fossil fuel companies. Trying to profit from corporations that have a history of climate change denial is sustainability leadership in high speed reverse. UVic students and faculty have already voted overwhelmingly in favour of divestment. But the administration's response has been to increase their fossil fuel investments. By raising your voice you can help end UVic's hypocrisy. The university spends millions on branding and is very sensitive to public criticism that challenges its carefully cultivated image as a sustainability leader. If you support divestment from fossil fuel companies like Imperial Oil then please sign our petition and help UVic close the book on its complicity with climate change denial and policy obstructionism. For more information please see this recent article in the Tyee: https://thetyee.ca/Opinion/2017/11/03/UVic-Seeks-to-Profit-from-Corporate-Climate-Change-Deniers/
    1,374 of 2,000 Signatures
    Created by James Rowe
  • Indigenous Languages Need You in Yukon
    Indigenous languages are making a comeback but Canada still doesn’t have legal protections for Indigenous languages. Previous governments took very little action on Indigenous languages, but enough people join this campaign we can get legislation passed that is a true example of building a better relationship. The UNDRIP, TRC Calls to Action, and true reconciliation demands Canadians get active in defending Indigenous languages. Indigenous languages are making a comeback, but our rights are still being denied and just like Residential Schools, present-day schooling doesn’t protect Indigenous languages. ********************* TRC Calls to Actions: 14. We call upon the federal government to enact an Aboriginal Languages Act that incorporates the following principles: i. Aboriginal languages are a fundamental and valued element of Canadian culture and society, and there is an urgency to preserve them. ii. Aboriginal language rights are reinforced by the Treaties. iii. The federal government has a responsibility to provide sufficient funds for Aboriginal-language revitalization and preservation. iv. The preservation, revitalization, and strengthening of Aboriginal languages and cultures are best managed by Aboriginal people and communities. v. Funding for Aboriginal language initiatives must reflect the diversity of Aboriginal languages. 16. We call upon post-secondary institutions to create university and college degree and diploma programs in Aboriginal languages. ********************* UNDRIP: Article 13 1. Indigenous peoples have the right to revitalize, use, develop and transmit to future generations their histories, languages, oral traditions, philosophies, writing systems and literature, and to designate and retain their own names for communities, places, and persons.
    4 of 100 Signatures
    Created by Martina Volfova
  • Indigenous Languages Need You in British Columbia
    Indigenous languages are making a comeback but Canada still doesn’t have legal protections for Indigenous languages. Previous governments took very little action on Indigenous languages, but enough people join this campaign we can get legislation passed that is a true example of building a better relationship. The UNDRIP, TRC Calls to Action, and true reconciliation demands Canadians get active in defending Indigenous languages. Indigenous languages are making a comeback, but our rights are still being denied and just like Residential Schools, present-day schooling doesn’t protect Indigenous languages. ********************* TRC Calls to Actions: 14. We call upon the federal government to enact an Aboriginal Languages Act that incorporates the following principles: i. Aboriginal languages are a fundamental and valued element of Canadian culture and society, and there is an urgency to preserve them. ii. Aboriginal language rights are reinforced by the Treaties. iii. The federal government has a responsibility to provide sufficient funds for Aboriginal-language revitalization and preservation. iv. The preservation, revitalization, and strengthening of Aboriginal languages and cultures are best managed by Aboriginal people and communities. v. Funding for Aboriginal language initiatives must reflect the diversity of Aboriginal languages. 16. We call upon post-secondary institutions to create university and college degree and diploma programs in Aboriginal languages. ********************* UNDRIP: Article 13 1. Indigenous peoples have the right to revitalize, use, develop and transmit to future generations their histories, languages, oral traditions, philosophies, writing systems and literature, and to designate and retain their own names for communities, places, and persons.
    885 of 1,000 Signatures
    Created by Indigenous Languages Speakers Alliance
  • Indigenous Languages Need You in Ontario
    Indigenous languages are making a comeback but Canada still doesn’t have legal protections for Indigenous languages. Previous governments took very little action on Indigenous languages, but enough people join this campaign we can get legislation passed that is a true example of building a better relationship. The UNDRIP, TRC Calls to Action, and true reconciliation demands Canadians get active in defending Indigenous languages. Indigenous languages are making a comeback, but our rights are still being denied and just like Residential Schools, present-day schooling doesn’t protect Indigenous languages. ********************* TRC Calls to Actions: 14. We call upon the federal government to enact an Aboriginal Languages Act that incorporates the following principles: i. Aboriginal languages are a fundamental and valued element of Canadian culture and society, and there is an urgency to preserve them. ii. Aboriginal language rights are reinforced by the Treaties. iii. The federal government has a responsibility to provide sufficient funds for Aboriginal-language revitalization and preservation. iv. The preservation, revitalization, and strengthening of Aboriginal languages and cultures are best managed by Aboriginal people and communities. v. Funding for Aboriginal language initiatives must reflect the diversity of Aboriginal languages. 16. We call upon post-secondary institutions to create university and college degree and diploma programs in Aboriginal languages. ********************* UNDRIP: Article 13 1. Indigenous peoples have the right to revitalize, use, develop and transmit to future generations their histories, languages, oral traditions, philosophies, writing systems and literature, and to designate and retain their own names for communities, places, and persons.
    202 of 300 Signatures
    Created by Indigenous Languages Speakers Alliance
  • Indigenous Languages Need You in Manitoba
    Indigenous languages are making a comeback but Canada still doesn’t have legal protections for Indigenous languages. Previous governments took very little action on Indigenous languages, but enough people join this campaign we can get legislation passed that is a true example of building a better relationship. The UNDRIP, TRC Calls to Action, and true reconciliation demands Canadians get active in defending Indigenous languages. Indigenous languages are making a comeback, but our rights are still being denied and just like Residential Schools, present-day schooling doesn’t protect Indigenous languages. ********************* TRC Calls to Actions: 14. We call upon the federal government to enact an Aboriginal Languages Act that incorporates the following principles: i. Aboriginal languages are a fundamental and valued element of Canadian culture and society, and there is an urgency to preserve them. ii. Aboriginal language rights are reinforced by the Treaties. iii. The federal government has a responsibility to provide sufficient funds for Aboriginal-language revitalization and preservation. iv. The preservation, revitalization, and strengthening of Aboriginal languages and cultures are best managed by Aboriginal people and communities. v. Funding for Aboriginal language initiatives must reflect the diversity of Aboriginal languages. 16. We call upon post-secondary institutions to create university and college degree and diploma programs in Aboriginal languages. ********************* UNDRIP: Article 13 1. Indigenous peoples have the right to revitalize, use, develop and transmit to future generations their histories, languages, oral traditions, philosophies, writing systems and literature, and to designate and retain their own names for communities, places, and persons.
    24 of 100 Signatures
    Created by Indigenous Languages Speakers Alliance
  • Indigenous Languages Need You in Alberta
    Indigenous languages are making a comeback but Canada still doesn’t have legal protections for Indigenous languages. Previous governments took very little action on Indigenous languages, but enough people join this campaign we can get legislation passed that is a true example of building a better relationship. The UNDRIP, TRC Calls to Action, and true reconciliation demands Canadians get active in defending Indigenous languages. Indigenous languages are making a comeback, but our rights are still being denied and just like Residential Schools, present-day schooling doesn’t protect Indigenous languages. ********************* TRC Calls to Actions: 14. We call upon the federal government to enact an Aboriginal Languages Act that incorporates the following principles: i. Aboriginal languages are a fundamental and valued element of Canadian culture and society, and there is an urgency to preserve them. ii. Aboriginal language rights are reinforced by the Treaties. iii. The federal government has a responsibility to provide sufficient funds for Aboriginal-language revitalization and preservation. iv. The preservation, revitalization, and strengthening of Aboriginal languages and cultures are best managed by Aboriginal people and communities. v. Funding for Aboriginal language initiatives must reflect the diversity of Aboriginal languages. 16. We call upon post-secondary institutions to create university and college degree and diploma programs in Aboriginal languages. ********************* UNDRIP: Article 13 1. Indigenous peoples have the right to revitalize, use, develop and transmit to future generations their histories, languages, oral traditions, philosophies, writing systems and literature, and to designate and retain their own names for communities, places, and persons.
    62 of 100 Signatures
    Created by Indigenous Languages Speakers Alliance
  • Protégez les sources d'eau au Québec - Protect water sources in Quebec
    Si les gouvernements sont incapables de s’assurer que l’activité industrielle n’impacte pas les sources essentielles d’eau potable, le bien-être des populations locales est mis à risque. Le petit village de Ristigouche Sud-est au Québec fait face à une poursuite contre une pétrolière pour vouloir protéger son eau potable. Gastem, une pétrolière Montréalaise, poursuit Ristigouche Sud-Est pour avoir passé une loi interdisant le forage du pétrole près de leur source principale d’eau potable. [1] Si Ristigouche Sud-est perd le procès, qui se déroule au cours des deux prochaines semaines, ils auraient à payer 1,5 $ million en dommages – un montant 5 fois supérieur à leur budget annuel. [2] Nous avons besoin de règlements plus stricts au Québec concernant le forage du pétrole et du gaz près des sources d’eau potable. Nous appelons le gouvernement du Québec à mettre en place des règlements plus stricts afin d’assurer la protection des sources d’eau des intérêts corporatistes. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If governments are unable to prevent industrial activity from impacting vital water sources, the water that that sustains the lives of local people is at risk. The small village of Ristigouche Sud-Est in Quebec is being sued by an oil and gas company for trying to protect their water. Gastem, a Montreal based oil-and-gas exploration and development company is suing Ristigouche Sud-Est for passing a bylaw establishing a no drill zone near their main source of water. [1] If Ristigouche Sud-Est loses the trial, which is happening right now, they could be forced to pay up to $1.5 million in damages - which is more than 5 times their annual budget. [2] Municipalities should not be punished for passing laws to protect their water. We need stricter regulations in Quebec on oil and gas drilling near water sources. We are calling on the government of Quebec to implement stricter regulations and ensure that vital water sources are protected from corporate interests. Sources: [1] [2] http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/ristigouche-gastem-oil-gas-lawsuit-1.4276727
    3,855 of 4,000 Signatures
    Created by Deborah Smith
  • The BC Government must provide affordable long-distance transportation on the Highway of Tears
    Greyhound will be ending their bus service along the Highway of Tears on May 31st -- and the BC government have no plans to replace it. [1] [2] The Highway of Tears is known for the number of primarily indigenous women and girls who have gone missing or been murdered hitchhiking along the highway since the 70s. The end of the Greyhound service will put more people at risk, as hitchhiking may become their only option for long distance travel. We need the BC government to take action now to replace the Greyhound service, and keep communities who rely on the bus for long distance transportation safe. Sign the petition now, and demand that the BC government to provide safe and affordable long distance transportation along the Highway of Tears. [1]http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/greyound-decision-northern-bc-1.4545836 [2] http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/greyhound-leaves-worrying-gap-in-northern-bc-1.4606851
    8,643 of 9,000 Signatures
    Created by Joanna Larson
  • We want our buses back! Reverse the cuts between Union and Unionville
    Off-peak GO Transit buses on the Stouffville line were recently cut by Metrolinx as part of their regional express rail plan. Metrolinx promised that their new transit plan would “increase public transit to improve people's commute [as] part of [their] plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives.” [1] This new plan completely disregards the needs of those who live in Markham, Stouffville - Lincolnville-Uxbridge and use the GO Transit service between Union and Unionville every single day. Living in Toronto is becoming as unaffordable as the likes of New York and London, and these transit cuts make it increasingly challenging for people who work in the city to sustainably live in more affordable nearby towns. I live in Markham, and my commute is around 50 minutes longer because I have to transfer and wait for the bus everytime I need to get home at non peak hours (which is often!). We need to let Metrolinx know that these changes to our transit system have direct impacts on people’s lives, and that transit “improvements” can’t come at the expense of people who rely on their services to get around. Sources: [1] https://news.ontario.ca/mto/en/2017/06/all-day-go-train-service-coming-to-stouffville-go-line.html
    152 of 200 Signatures
    Created by Nimish Hegde
  • Stop Woodfibre LNG
    Howe Sound is magical. Visitors and locals alike are drawn here by its wild natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and the vibrant communities we call home. However, Howe Sound is under threat from Woodfibre LNG, which proposes to construct and operate a liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility on the previous Woodfibre Pulp and Paper Mill site located approximately 7 km west-southwest of Squamish. Why is Woodfibre LNG a problem? The project is owned by Sukanto Tanoto, an Indonesian billionaire that has been found guilty of tax evasion and human rights violations. LNG tanker traffic puts Howe Sound residents, Vancouver residents, and Victoria residents at risk, and the potential conflict between recreational sailors and LNG tankers has not been adequately addressed. Increased local air pollution will affect human health, particularly the elderly and kids with asthma. Underwater noise and light pollution will affect salmon migration routes, herring, and marine mammals. Locally, Woodfibre LNG will create nearly double the greenhouse gas emissions of all of Squamish. Woodfibre LNG's local and upstream greenhouse gas emissions are equivalent to adding 170,000 cars to the road. If Woodfibre LNG goes ahead, it will result in 24 new fracking wells per year in northeast B.C. Please sign the Howe Sound Declaration now and ask your friends and family to sign too.
    12,416 of 15,000 Signatures
  • Remove the Edward Cornwallis Statue
    Edward Cornwallis was a British military commander commonly known as the founder of the city of Halifax. In 1749 Cornwallis issued a bounty on the scalps of Mi'kmaq people, an action Mi'kmaq historian Daniel N. Paul has characterized as a policy of genocide. The Cornwallis statue is a painful reminder of Canada’s history of colonialism, violence and racism against Indigenous peoples. In the spirit of reconciliation and in the interests of moving towards a new nation-to-nation relationship, we are calling on Halifax Regional Council to remove the statue and take immediate steps to work with Indigenous communities to ensure that public spaces in HRM are respectful and inclusive of Indigenous histories and treaties. On July 15th a ceremony was held to cover the statue, but the cover was removed shortly afterwards. Now we are calling on the city to permanently remove the statue.
    1,368 of 2,000 Signatures
    Created by Suzanne Patles