Civil society organization wants Stephen Harper to reveal his ‘enemies list’

A group claiming to represent over 200 "civil society organizations" is asking the Harper government to reveal it's 'enemies list.'

Voices - Voix says that they're concerned about reports that government staffers were directed — by the PMO — to compile "enemy lists" of bureaucrats and stakeholders to be included in transition documents for incoming cabinet minsters.

"Prime Minister, we are in particular deeply troubled about the use of the term “enemy”; seemingly to describe individuals or organizations with views critical of or in opposition to government policies and initiatives," the lengthy letter notes.

"Civil society organizations across the country are waiting to see you demonstrate and assert the urgent leadership that is needed in the wake of the revelation of this intention to prepare enemy stakeholder lists; leadership that affirms and appreciates the work we do. As such, we call on you to you to: Make public any “enemy stakeholder” lists that may already have been compiled, confirm that such lists will not be used by the government, and make an unequivocal commitment to prepare no other such lists."

The full letter, signed by representatives from Oxfam, Amnesty International and the Canadian Council for International Cooperation, can be seen here.

[ Related: Harper government enemies list: what’s the big deal? ]

The Prime Minister's Office did not respond to an email from Yahoo! Canada News asking for comment.

Nobody, however, expects the PMO to respond to Voices-Voix. If there truly was an enemies list, they'd be on it. The group's website is full of stories about the Harper government silencing its critics.

But Franke James, an environmental advocate and artist, says the letter is good step because the 'enemies list' story needs to be taken more seriously.

"I'm just concerned it's not being treated with enough seriousness," she told Yahoo! Canada News in a telephone interview.

"There are real serious repercussions when the government puts you on their enemies list."

[ Related: Broadbent Institute mocks Harper’s ‘enemies list’ with ‘frenemies list’ ]

James believes she's on some sort of black list. In 2011, she alleged that the Harper government pulled her funding for an international art show because her 'visual essays' challenged the Canadian government over its inaction on climate change.

While Ottawa has denied any interference, James has since obtained documents under the Access to Information act that appear to show Canadian officials did block a grant.

"The fact that my show was cancelled...was a real financial blow to me. And it was a serious loss for my career as an artist," she said.

"In a democracy, we don't all have to agree with one another but the government should not be slapping us down for disagreeing with them.

"Many people are afraid to speak up and disagree with the government currently. My example is unfortunately a reason why people would be afraid."

(Photo courtesy of Reuters)

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