"Voices-Voix, came together because of growing and serious concerns that the space for dissent and debate in Canada is rapidly shrinking," says Alex Neve, Secretary General of Amnesty International Canada.

On June 17, 2010 Voices-Voix released its "Raise Your Voices" Declaration signed by human rights, women's, aboriginal, labour, environment, student, faith-based and development organizations.

• Reputable organizations with a long history of service to the public such as KAIROS, Climate Action Network, Canadian Council for International Co-operation, Canadian Arab Federation, and the National Association of Women and the Law and the Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women have had their funding threatened, reduced or discontinued
• The mandate and funding of the Court Challenges Program, which funded many human rights and public interest cases, has been drastically reduced.
• Robert Marleau, the Federal Information Commissioner, reports that access to government information has been restricted.
• Parliament has been prorogued to avoid serious allegations of Canadian Military involvement in torture in Afghanistan.
• International government actions have set back or weakened crucial Canadian commitments such as protection of the rights of indigenous peoples, reduction of green house gases, and protection against torture.

"If you shut down diversity, there will be weak policy debate and that means bad public policy," explained Gerry Barr, President and CEO of the Canadian Council for International Co-operation.

1. Respect the right to freedom of opinion or expression.
2. Act in accordance with Canada's democratic traditions and values.
3. Be transparent.