Save the Canadian Environmental Network (RCEN)

The federal government is cutting of funding for the RCEN after a long-standing, 34-year partnership. Not only is this unacceptable after such a long association, but it was also done without giving the organization a proper notice or even a valid explanation. Furthermore, the RCEN is important to Canadians, and you will find that many citizens of this country will not stand for this. The RCEN is vitally important in many ways. It provides Canadians with an opportunity to network, to express themselves and to exchange information about environmental issues, including health and energy issues. Cutting off the RCEN’s funding will affect over 640 environmental groups, both large and small, which depend on it for funding and resources. Cutting funding to the RCEN is endangering the future of all of these groups and will significantly hinder communication between groups across this nation. This will cause environmental groups to become disconnected, isolated, and will hinder them from taking well-informed action. The RCEN is much more than just an environmental organization. It’s a method of information exchange and a way of opening dialogue between individuals, communities and governments. In many ways, the RCEN is the voice of the people. Not only is the decision to essentially kill the RCEN unacceptable; it is also undemocratic. The RCEN has been a formidable example of an effective network that brought people and communities together. In fact, it was considered the world’s best environmental network. In a time where environmental issues become more and more pressing, we desperately need networks like the RCEN. Therefore, the decision that has been made is not only tragic, but also borders on outright stupidity. On behalf of all Canadians concerned with environmental issues and of the students at Acadia University, we urge you to take action to make right this terrible decision. Please sign this petition to show your support and bring up this issue to your local MPs.