In response environmental charities, including David Suzuki Foundation, Ecojustice, Environmental Defence, Equiterre, Greenpeace, Nature Canada, CPAWS, Pembina Institute, Sierra Club Canada, West Coast Environmental Law, and WWF Canada have launched a major campaign to defend nature and democracy called: "Black Out Speak Out."

On June 4th, 2012 organizations, businesses and citizens from across Canada will blackout their websites in protest against efforts to silence Canadians and undermine environmental laws.

"The attacks on environmental charities and gutting of environmental review processes aim to silence Canadians of all sectors and many backgrounds who participate in decision-making about large-scale industrial developments," said Peter Robinson, CEO of the David Suzuki Foundation. "This is not only undemocratic-it will undermine the government's ability to make sound policy decisions and to protect the environment."

"We are compelled to speak out and we're inviting Canadians from all walks of life to join us.", said Sidney Ribaux, executive director of Equiterre.

Over the next four weeks, environmental groups will build support for the campaign, inviting other organizations, community and social justice groups, and individuals from across Canada to join them in expressing their concern about this erosion of core Canadian values.

Canadians wishing to support the campaign can sign up at blackoutspeakout.ca