In April 2010, more than 100 representatives of organizations from across Canada assembled in Ottawa to address the state of democracy and especially what appeared to be unprecedented sustained attacks on civil society under the Harper federal government.
[2] The Voices-Voix Coalition was formed in response to these concerns, and led by organizations working in international cooperation, women's equality, human rights, immigrant and refugee settlement groups, and Indigenous activism.
They shared goals of democracy, human rights - including minority and women's rights- the environment and sustainable development, peace and respect for the law.
Its research revealed an overwhelming bias against progressive organizations by the Harper government using a range of tactics, from public vilifications to defunding and attempts to strip leading Canadian non-profits of their charitable status.
The work has been cited in mainstream media, submissions to the United Nations, reports by the Special rapporteur on the rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly, the international NGO CIVICUS, and the CCPA publication The Harper Record 2008-2015 among others.
Voices-Voix sought to raise awareness on issues of free speech, transparency and equality in Canada which they believe, are necessary elements of a more informed citizenry and a thriving democracy.