Admittedly, it's a provocative proposition: isn't the right to vote one of the keystone and defining elements of citizenship? Certainly, the act of casting a vote for an elected official or on a topic put to the public is one of the most tangible displays of citizenship, but of course citizenship means much more than just that.  For example, one additional privilege that citizens have over permanent residents or visitors is the right to entry and habitation in Canada.  Permanent residents and visitors get to stay here as long as the government says that they may.  So, voting is an important part of citizenship, but not the be-all and end-all of it.

Earlier this week (on November 16th) I filed a lawsuit in the BC Supreme Court seeking declarations that sections of the Vancouver Charter and the School Act that prohibited non-Canadian citizens from being eligible to vote or run in municipal elections was contrary to the Charter.  I claimed that these provisions were discriminatory and infringed expression and could not be justified in a free and democratic society.

Please join West Coast LEAF and special guests for firsthand accounts of the Polygamy Reference case.    

WHAT:  Annual General Meeting at 5:30 followed by presentation at 6:00
WHO: Robyn Trask, counsel for the BCTF in the Polygamy Reference, Jim Quail, author, "Be Careful What you Criminalize", Janet Winteringham, West Coast LEAF co-counsel in the Polygamy Reference.

Light refreshments and cash bar will be provided.  Cocktail reception to follow.

Press Release

CONTACT:
John Dunn
Executive Director
Foster Care Council of Canada
12-1160 Meadowlands Drive East
Ottawa, ON
K2E 6J2

PHONE:
(613) 220-1039 (Cell/Text)

E-MAIL:
johndunn@afterfostercare.ca

WEBSITE:
http://www.afterfostercare.ca

NEWS BLOG:
http://www.fostercarenews.blogspot.com