Nonprofit environmental organization ForestEthics is calling out the Harper government for reportedly targeting the group to keep them from speaking out regarding the oilsands development on Canada’s west coast and the proposed Gateway Pipeline project between B.C. and Alberta. A former ForestEthics employee named Andrew Frank released a sworn affidavit on January 23, claiming that he was told the Prime Minister’s office had called the environmental group an “an enemy of the government of Canada,” and ordered fundraising group Tides Canada to stop supporting ForestEthics, lest their other charitable efforts be affected. Frank was later relieved of his post as organization spokesperson when he announced plans to go public about the perceived threats against the group.
The Prime Minister’s office has denied all claims, but has refused to comment when asked whether the government is targeting ForestEthics or Tides Canada. The Globe and Mail reports that the Harper government has pointed to ForestEthics as an example of a group that is working against the government and people of Canada.
In a news update on the ForestEthics website, Director of BC Forest Campaigns, Valerie Langer says that the group shares Frank’s concerns. Striking back, the NGO has launched an online petition, asking concerned individuals to “demand that the government stop its attack on democracy, our citizens, and our wilderness.”