Finding Solutions — Spring 2012 (PDF) - David Suzuki Foundation

Dr. David Suzuki
last word
An open letter from David Suzuki
Dear friends,
Some of you may have seen media coverage
about my decision to step off the board
of directors of the David Suzuki Foundation.
I am writing to tell you more about
this and what it means.
After my children and grandchildren,
my greatest pride is the David Suzuki
Foundation.
I am fiercely proud of how the Foundation
brings science and solutions to
environment problems. I’m determined to
ensure that the Foundation continues to
have the ability to solve critical environmental
issues and bring hope for the future.
But I have reached a point in my life
where I would like to consider myself an
elder. I want to speak freely without fear
that my words will be deemed too political,
and harm the organization of which I
am so proud. I am keenly aware that some
governments, industries and special interest
groups are working hard to silence us.
They use threats to the Foundation’s charitable
status in attempts to mute its powerful
voice on issues that matter deeply to
you and many other Canadians.
This bullying demonstrates how important
it is to speak out.
The Foundation’s science-based, solutions-oriented
research and educational
work has enriched our democracy and
reflected Canadian values for two decades.
While not always happily received by governments
or industrial interests, this work
is strictly non-partisan, as required by the
laws governing charities, and has made
the Foundation one of the most trusted
environmental voices in Canada.
Our opponents, however, are redoubling
their efforts to marginalize the Foundation
by getting at me, personally.
So last year, I made the decision to step
off the board of directors of the David
Suzuki Foundation. I remain one of its
most active volunteers and committed
major donors. This way I can fulfill my
personal mission and the Foundation can
continue to build on its inspiring work—
for us and our grandchildren—in finding
solutions to our shared, and very real,
environmental challenges.
I hope you understand this decision
and will continue to show your, steadfast
support.
This is a critical moment, and I’m deeply
grateful to you for standing with the David
Suzuki Foundation.
Sincerely,
David Suzuki
We’re just getting started
Dear friends,
David Suzuki has worked tirelessly for the
last two decades, as a volunteer, helping
make the Foundation the most trusted
environmental voice in Canada. Extraordinary
people — pre-eminent scientists,
community activists, and thousands of volunteers
and donors like you — have joined
him along the way.
After he announced that he was stepping
off the Board of Directors, we received incredible
encouragement from many of you. Thank
you for expressing your support through messages
and donations. You told us that respect
for the natural world is a truly Canadian
value. You asked us to be brave, strong, and
work harder than ever before.
Let me tell you: we’re just getting started.
Today there is a dire need for a sciencebased
and solutions-oriented response to
mounting environmental problems. You
can count on us to continue to find effective
solutions to environmental challenges, with
courage and conviction. We are guided by
David’s vision, and he will continue to be one
of our most active volunteers.
I would like to express my sincere thanks
to you for being part of the David Suzuki
Foundation. I welcome your feedback on our
work anytime. We absolutely could not do our
work without you.
Now let’s make David Suzuki proud!
Peter Robinson
Chief Executive Officer