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All Together Now! campaign’s Days of Action used both old and new media to get its message out – yes to more resources for mental health services and no to corporate tax cuts.
Ottawa (4 March 2011) – A week of events are wrapping up that saw Canadians across the country demand governments get their priorities straight and make the desperately needed investment in mental health services.
The need for support has never been greater as demonstrated by a video produced by our friends at Operation Maple about the challenges faced by a mother and her teenage son who has a mental illness.
The story of Jackie and her son Caine highlights the need for action in the sector.
Participants in the Days of Acton also made the important point that governments could afford this investment in mental health services if they cease making further cuts to corporate taxes. It is quite simply about priorities - helping people versus corporate handouts.
As one Prince Edward Islander said in their letter to the Charlottetown newspaper the Guardian:
“Canadians need to send a loud and clear message to their elected officials that they demand the health-care services required by Canadians to be a priority. We can no longer sit back and watch as big business profits at our expense — it’s time Canadian taxpayers develop their own Economic Action Plan, a plan where people — not profits — come first.” (read the full letter here)
Activities during the Days of Action ranged from letters to the editor, traditional rallies, leafleting and meetings to using the new social medias with a facebook rally.
Planning is currently underway for the next steps in All Together Now! campaign.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE
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