KICLEI Canada

Presented to the People of Canada

The KICLEI Localism Over Globalism Declaration
A Declaration for Canadian Sovereignty, Democratic Accountability, and Community Self-Determination

Preamble

In this age of profound global challenges and rapid change, the need for Canadian sovereignty, self-reliance, and respect for local governance has never been greater. While international collaboration has its place, the growing influence of unelected international networks, federally funded municipal programs, and multinational corporate interests has too often overshadowed the voices of Canadian communities.

Programs administered through organizations such as the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), including the federally funded Green Municipal Fund, along with initiatives promoted through international municipal networks such as ICLEI, have increasingly shaped local priorities without sufficient public awareness, meaningful consultation, or direct democratic consent. At the same time, large multinational corporations seeking to profit from the global transition to "green" technologies have helped drive policy agendas that may not always align with the practical realities, economic interests, or unique circumstances of Canadian communities.

This declaration—rooted in the principles of Confederation—is a call to action for all Canadians to prioritize localism over globalism, strengthen our communities, restore transparency and democratic accountability, and reaffirm our commitment to protecting the land, freedoms, and opportunities entrusted to us.

Declaration

We, the people of Canada, united in our shared commitment to fairness, freedom, democratic accountability, and environmental stewardship, solemnly declare that:

Canadian Sovereignty is Paramount.

The governance of Canada must remain in the hands of Canadians, free from undue influence by international organizations, externally driven frameworks, federally administered programs that bypass meaningful local consent, or corporate interests that place profit above the public good.

Any policy that compromises Canadian sovereignty, property rights, democratic accountability, or local governance shall be reconsidered or rejected.

Local Solutions Over Global Mandates.

Decisions affecting Canadian communities must prioritize the voices and expertise of local leaders, citizens, and regions. One-size-fits-all policies imposed from afar will not work for a country as diverse and vast as ours.

Municipalities should critically evaluate participation in international frameworks and programs, including those advanced through ICLEI and related sustainability initiatives, to ensure they reflect local priorities, transparent decision-making, and community consent.

Local governments should also carefully assess the conditions attached to federally funded initiatives, including programs delivered through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Green Municipal Fund, to determine whether they support locally determined objectives and deliver measurable value to residents.

Environmental Stewardship, Not Ideology.

We commit to protecting Canada's natural beauty through practical, measurable efforts to prevent pollution, enhance water quality, preserve biodiversity, and manage resources responsibly.

Environmental stewardship must be guided by evidence, transparency, and local circumstances rather than ideological commitments or externally imposed targets.

Policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions must not disproportionately harm Canadian families, farmers, workers, or industries, nor sacrifice energy affordability, food security, or economic competitiveness for technologies whose costs, benefits, and long-term impacts have not been fully assessed.

Transparency in the Green Transition.

Canadians deserve full transparency regarding the financial, political, and commercial interests influencing environmental policy.

Governments at all levels should disclose partnerships, funding arrangements, and procurement relationships connected to climate and sustainability initiatives, including those involving multinational corporations seeking to profit from the transition to green technologies.

Environmental responsibility must never become a vehicle for greenwashing, corporate preferential treatment, or the transfer of decision-making authority away from Canadian communities.

Energy Security is Essential.

Canada's abundant energy resources must be managed responsibly to ensure affordable, reliable access for all Canadians, particularly those in rural and remote communities.

We will pursue energy security and independence by supporting innovative Canadian solutions while reducing unnecessary reliance on unstable foreign supply chains and ensuring that energy policies strengthen, rather than weaken, Canada's economic resilience.

Protecting Property Rights.

The right to own and manage private property, including farmland, is fundamental to our freedom and prosperity.

No policies or regulations shall undermine the autonomy of farmers, landowners, Indigenous communities, or small businesses in the name of externally defined sustainability goals without meaningful consultation and democratic accountability.

Resilience Through Self-Reliance.

Canada's resilience depends on fostering strong local economies, sustainable agriculture, domestic manufacturing, and vibrant rural and urban communities.

Municipalities should prioritize investments in infrastructure, emergency preparedness, local food systems, and economic diversification to protect against natural, geopolitical, and economic disruptions.

Defending Privacy Rights.

Canadians' privacy must not be compromised by digital surveillance, data-sharing agreements, or intrusive technologies justified under security, environmental, or administrative pretexts.

Any collection or sharing of personal information must be transparent, proportionate, lawful, and subject to public oversight.

Restoring Democratic Accountability.

Policies that affect Canadians must be developed through transparent, inclusive consultation processes that respect local knowledge, provincial jurisdiction, and community priorities.

Municipal participation in programs, declarations, partnerships, or networks that commit communities to long-term objectives should be openly debated, approved by elected councils, and clearly communicated to residents.

Governments, institutions, and publicly funded organizations must be accountable to the people they serve and operate with openness, fiscal responsibility, and respect for democratic consent.

Call to Action

We call on all Canadians—citizens, communities, and elected representatives—to unite behind this declaration and commit to:

• Advocating for local solutions that respect the unique needs and priorities of their communities.

• Promoting transparency regarding municipal memberships, funding arrangements, and external partnerships.

• Evaluating federally funded programs, including those administered through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Green Municipal Fund, to ensure they align with local priorities and democratic accountability.

• Examining international frameworks and municipal networks, including ICLEI initiatives, through the lens of informed consent and community benefit.

• Rejecting external pressures that undermine Canada's independence, prosperity, democratic institutions, or freedoms.

• Holding governments and publicly funded organizations accountable for decisions that affect Canadians.

• Supporting environmental stewardship efforts that are practical, measurable, locally driven, and resistant to corporate greenwashing.

Conclusion

This KICLEI Localism over Globalism Declaration is not a rejection of international cooperation, scientific inquiry, or environmental responsibility. Rather, it is a reaffirmation of the principle that strong, resilient communities are the foundation of a strong and resilient nation.

Canada prospers when decisions are made transparently, democratically, and as close as possible to the people affected by them. By prioritizing localism over globalism, Canadians can safeguard their sovereignty, strengthen their communities, steward their natural environment responsibly, and ensure that future generations inherit a nation that remains strong, free, prosperous, and accountable to its citizens.

Together, we will forge a future where Canada's prosperity, environment, democratic institutions, and freedoms are protected for generations to come.

Signed,

The Advocates of Canadian Sovereignty and Localism