WHO WE ARE

We are a small grassroots group of people who are concerned about the increasingly restrictive communications policies of the Federal government. Unmuzzle Canada includes journalists, programmers, librarians, artists, authors, and others concerned about the free flow of information and the preservation of knowledge.

 

MISSION

Our goal is to increase awareness of the serious restriction of information flow from government that affects every Canadian. This includes raising awareness of muzzling, as well as other forms of information restriction, such as the closing of libraries and the destruction of archival material. We are using duct tape as a symbol for raising awareness – both in social media and through a traditional mail-in campaign. 

 

THE PROBLEM AS WE SEE IT

Information flow from a variety of Federal government and research offices has almost ceased due to a mix of specific policies that restrict government scientists and others from engaging with the public; increased use of corporate style communications, and an overly zealous multi-departmental approval process (too much red tape). In addition, many civil servants, including research scientists, have been asked to sign “loyalty agreements” that limit their ability to talk about their work or experiences (especially in the areas of climate change, fisheries, Arctic research, and environment) for the rest of their lives. Many dare not speak out for fear of losing their jobs and/or pensions. We'd like to see information flow from publically funded sources become more open, like it used to be. 

 

OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

 

The Unmuzzle Canada: Send Duct Tape to Ottawa campaign echoes the concerns of numerous organizations, and overlaps with some of the campaigns they have launched. For more information regarding concerns about transparency, informed decision-making, muzzling, lab closures, scientific freedom, environment security and more check out:

 

EVIDENCE FOR DEMOCRACY
SCIENTISTS FOR THE RIGHT TO KNOW
CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY TEACHERS
CANADIAN CENTRE FOR POLICY ALTERNATIVES
CANADIAN JOURNALISTS FOR FREE EXPRESSION
COUNCIL OF CANADIANS
DESMOG CANADA
ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE
PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTE OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE OF CANADA
RECLAIM OUR DEMOCRATIC CANADA
SCIENCE FOR PEACE
VOICES-VOIX

 

If you would like your organization listed here, contact us at unmuzzlecanada@gmail.com