CPC targetting foreign funding for environmentalist groups

[olpfan1]

So, foreign donations to environmentalist groups = bad... is that what this looks like?

Do you know what this reminds me of?

This is basically the Conservatives getting rid of any competition or problems for the oil industry in Alberta.. kind of like your crooked police who are working for a drug king and maximizing his profits by getting rid of all of the competition and problems

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2012/02/29/pol-senate-foreign-charitable-donations.html

The Conservative government has quietly begun looking into the charitable status of environmental groups in the Senate.

Senator Nicole Eaton is sponsoring an inquiry into what she calls "funding by foreign foundations." Eaton began her debate Tuesday by laying out what she considers to be a threat to the Canadian economy.

"This inquiry is about master manipulators who are operating under the guise of charitable organizations in an effort to manipulate our policies for their own gain," she said in the Upper Chamber.

Environmental groups don't see it that way.

"My fear is that they will just try to smear us and then walk away," said John Bennett, executive director of Sierra Club Canada. "And that they're hoping to frighten off U.S. foundations from supporting us... And they're going to try to turn off the public from supporting us."

Eaton offered another explanation in an interview with CBC News.

"Even if the inquiry only serves to give a heads up to some foundations that you're being looked at and if you want to keep your charitable status you might think about your money you get [then it is worthwhile]."

That reaction didn't surprise the opposition.

"They are being such bullies and they are pushing back on these perfectly legitimate groups that have every right as Canadian foundations and NGOs to take money that's legal money ... and make the case that reflects the interests of many, many Canadians," said Alberta Liberal Senator Grant Mitchell.

There was speculation in January that the government would go after environmental charities in the House of Commons finance committee. That committee is in the middle of a 12-part study of tax incentives for charitable donations. So far, the finance committee has focussed mainly on how to encourage Canadians to increase their donations to all charities.

The thinking behind starting this process in the Senate is that if any changes need to be made to legislation, the government can do it faster this way.

"The Senate has the time to do things ... that [MPs] don't. And I think it's a good use of the Senate, quite honestly, because you can originate bills in the Senate," explains Eaton.

So far, besides Eaton, six other Conservative senators are expected to speak on this subject. The presentations will cover a variety of issues related to funding by foreign foundations. They range from the economic impacts to the effect on Canadian sovereignty.

Senator John Wallace was to speak Wednesday about the current state of legislation related on the issue.

[cybercoma]

If foreign investment in charities is going to be against the law, then foreign investment in companies ought to be illegal too. Ideally, of course, neither would be illegal and Harper is an idiot.

[Moonbox]

If foreign investment in charities is going to be against the law, then foreign investment in companies ought to be illegal too. Ideally, of course, neither would be illegal and Harper is an idiot.

That was so cleverly and eloquently written...

[mentalfloss]

If foreign investment in charities is going to be against the law, then foreign investment in companies ought to be illegal too. Ideally, of course, neither would be illegal and Harper is an idiot.

I don't think Harper will follow through on that. The media will call hypocrisy on it.

[olpfan1]

I don't think Harper will follow through on that. The media will call hypocrisy on it.

yeah as if harper cares what the media says

[Wild Bill]

Yep! Since the Saudis are afraid of the competition for oil from Canada, why shouldn't they be allowed to fund lobby groups here to try to prevent it?

Or perhaps China would like to further reduce our manufacturing competitive industries, by funding similar groups under the guise of anti-CO2 or other pollutants.

This would be even more effective, considering that China puts ZERO environmental constraints on their OWN industry!

Of course, I'm only being too cynical and suspicious! China or the Saudis would NEVER do such a thing! Certainly, the eco-warriors would ALWAYS deeply and seriously investigate where their money is coming from!

[Battletoads]

Yep! Since the Saudis are afraid of the competition for oil from Canada, why shouldn't they be allowed to fund lobby groups here to try to prevent it?

Or perhaps China would like to further reduce our manufacturing competitive industries, by funding similar groups under the guise of anti-CO2 or other pollutants.

This would be even more effective, considering that China puts ZERO environmental constraints on their OWN industry!

Of course, I'm only being too cynical and suspicious! China or the Saudis would NEVER do such a thing! Certainly, the eco-warriors would ALWAYS deeply and seriously investigate where their money is coming from!

Would this be the same china that's investing billions in the oil sands? Try to look a little less like a partisan shill bill.

[Wild Bill]

Would this be the same china that's investing billions in the oil sands? Try to look a little less like a partisan shill bill.

China can invest here all they want! While they are here though they have to obey OUR anti-pollution laws!

Meanwhile, you pick at my model and ignore my point!

What's more, when it comes to my country I cheerfully admit to being VERY partisan!

[olpfan1]

what we learned here is its okay to accept foreign money only if

the aholes in the government agree

[Battletoads]

China can invest here all they want! While they are here though they have to obey OUR anti-pollution laws!

The good old Con diversion eh? We're talking about influence here, not whether or not they follow alberta's almost non-existent environmental regulations.

Meanwhile, you pick at my model and ignore my point!

Divert Divert Divert! Seems to about sum your point up.

What's more, when it comes to my country I cheerfully admit to being VERY partisan!

Accuracy counts.

[Sa'adoni]

So, foreign donations to environmentalist groups = bad... is that what this looks like?

Do you know what this reminds me of?

I support this measure. Canada shouldn't be having the public taxed to fund any foreign groups. Usually it is connected with corruption and political interference. Canada as a state has no business meddling in other countries affairs.

If people want to pay for overseas organizations they should be free to do so, but people shoulnd't be getting taxed by force to do it.

This is basically the Conservatives getting rid of any competition or problems for the oil industry in Alberta.. kind of like your crooked police who are working for a drug king and maximizing his profits by getting rid of all of the competition and problems

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2012/02/29/pol-senate-foreign-charitable-donations.html

The Conservative government has quietly begun looking into the charitable status of environmental groups in the Senate.

The environment is a public interest so it should have charity status.

Senator Nicole Eaton is sponsoring an inquiry into what she calls "funding by foreign foundations." Eaton began her debate Tuesday by laying out what she considers to be a threat to the Canadian economy.

"This inquiry is about master manipulators who are operating under the guise of charitable organizations in an effort to manipulate our policies for their own gain," she said in the Upper Chamber.

money into Canada is good, if they provide false information or violate the law in doing so, that is what the courts are for.

"They are being such bullies and they are pushing back on these perfectly legitimate groups that have every right as Canadian foundations and NGOs to take money that's legal money ... and make the case that reflects the interests of many, many Canadians," said Alberta Liberal Senator Grant Mitchell.

I agree 150%

There was speculation in January that the government would go after environmental charities in the House of Commons finance committee. That committee is in the middle of a 12-part study of tax incentives for charitable donations. So far, the finance committee has focussed mainly on how to encourage Canadians to increase their donations to all charities.

The thinking behind starting this process in the Senate is that if any changes need to be made to legislation, the government can do it faster this way.

"The Senate has the time to do things ... that [MPs] don't. And I think it's a good use of the Senate, quite honestly, because you can originate bills in the Senate," explains Eaton.

Charities need more support not less. It needn't be money but it should be in the form of making it easier for charities to operate - afterall charities serve the public benefit through education, alleviation of poverty and improving the public benefit.

[olpfan1]

so charity for oil men = good' charity for enviro groups = bad!

I'm sure most disagree

why not ban all foreign funds for both sides then

at least be decent enough to be fair