News releases

• Statement by the Canadian Unity Council Following Publication of
  Les Secrets d'Option Canada
  CUC (01.09.06)
  In the wake of the publication of Les Secrets d'Option Canada , the Canadian Unity Council (CUC) issued the following statement:
  The Council
  The Council, established in 1964, is a private, non-profit, pan Canadian organization supported by people in every part of Canada who share a commitment to Canada. This coalition of people from varied backgrounds is active in every province and territory. They include community leaders, business people, academics, professionals, and trade unionists. The CUC pursues its objectives through several programs.
• Canadians Want Budget to Stay Balanced
  CRIC (10.25.05)
  Maintaining a balanced federal budget is among the top three priorities for Canadians. On the basis of a list of 12 policy choices, the environment came first with support from 78% of Canadians, increased health spending came second with backing from 74%, while keeping the budget balanced came a close third, it rallied 73% of Canadians.
• Canadians Questions the Integrity of their Leaders
  CRIC (10.25.05)
  More than eight out of ten Canadians (82%) judge the integrity of their leaders harshly, taking the view that most political decision-makers do not tell the truth or keep their promises. This is an increase of 9 percentage points over 2002 when 73% held this view. However, 69% of Canadians think the job of political leaders has become more difficult in recent years (down slightly from 72% in 2002).
• Quebecers See Advantages in Key National Public Policies
  CRIC (10.25.05)
  A significant majority of Quebecers agrees that certain key characteristics of Canada make it an advantage for Quebec to be part of the country. More than two-thirds of Quebecers 67% agreed that being part of Canada allows Quebec to benefit from Canada's international stature. Sixty-five percent also agreed that the protection of rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is an advantage for Quebec.
• Medicare, Bilingualism, Peacekeeping, CBC Essential to Canada's Nature, but not the monarchy
  CRIC (10.25.05)
  Significant majorities of Canadians feel that medicare (85%), two official languages (73%), peacekeeping (69%), and the CBC (60%) are essential characteristics of the country, and that their disappearance would fundamentally alter its nature. However, less than half (43%) believes that cutting Canada's ties with the monarchy would result in a fundamental change to Canada's nature.
• Keep Any Religion Out of Family Arbitration, Canadians Say
  CRIC (10.25.05)
  Nearly two thirds of Canadians oppose giving any religious community the right to use faith-based arbitration to settle family disputes. Forty-four percent are strongly opposed to religious tribunals and 19% voice some disagreement with the idea.
• Preserve Civil Liberties But Deport Foreigners Who Support Terrorism
  CRIC (10.25.05)
  A majority of Canadians (54%) would rather safeguard than sacrifice their civil liberties in the fight against terrorism, even if that means accepting a lower level of public security. However, 42% think it will be necessary to give up civil liberties to curb terrorism. And two out of three Canadians say non-citizens who promote terrorist activity should be deported, even at the risk of facing mistreatment. Only 33% feel that non-citizens who promote terrorist activity should be dealt with in a Canadian court of law and not be deported.
• Background and Methodology
  CRIC (10.25.05)
  Portraits of Canada is an annual survey of public opinion in Canada conducted by the Centre for Research and Information on Canada (CRIC). It tracks how the attitudes of Canadians have evolved on a range of issues relating to the nature and well-being of the country and its citizens. This is the night Portraits survey in eight years.
• Breaking the Fast - Building Bridges - Vancouver - Calgary - Toronto
  CUC (10.22.05)
  Muslims and non-Muslims will come together in three Canadian cities for a dialogue, organized by the Canadian Unity Council. The event, called Breaking the Fast Building Bridges, will be held in Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto. The theme reflects the fact that the dialogue is being held during the Muslim Holy Month of Ramadan. During Ramadan, Muslims fast during the day, breaking their fast at sundown. Participants in Breaking the Fast Building Bridges will share a meal at the appropriate time for sundown in each city.
• "Leaders of Today Engaging Leaders of Tomorrow" - Seven universities come together to feature high calibre speakers
  CUC (10.14.05)
  The 2005 Canada Conference, Leaders of Today Engaging Leaders of Tomorrow hosts by the Canadian Unity Council (CUC) and the University of Alberta, is one of the concluding events marking the centennial of Alberta and Saskatchewan's entry into Confederation. It is a unique occasion, a gathering of generations that will celebrate the past and explore the future challenges facing both provinces.
• George N. Addy is the new Chair of the Board of the Canadian Unity Council
  CUC (09.25.05)
  Mr. Addy is the senior partner heading the Competition and International Trade Law Group at Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP. He says the CUC must be able to identify, analyze, and foster a better understanding of the emerging challenges that confront a diverse and rapidly evolving Canada.
• Canadian Unity Council Launches Outstanding Canadian Award
  CUC (06.08.05)
  The Canadian Unity Council (CUC) will launch its Outstanding Canadian Award in conjunction with Alberta's Centennial. The first award will be presented at a gala in Calgary on Thursday, June 9. The award recognizes a Canadian with a lifelong track record of dedication to Canadian unity and who is a champion of CUC programs. It will be presented annually to a new recipient at galas in different Canadian cities.