Polaris Institute

Polaris Institute

"Initially, the idea of the Polaris Institute was conceived in 1996 following a decade of social movement building in opposition to two major free trade agreements that dramatically restructured the economy and society here in Canada. The pivotal lesson that emerged from this social movement experience was that transnational corporations had effectively secured control over the reins of public policy making in this country [and elsewhere] to the point where citizens were becoming politically disenfranchised. In effect, a form of corporate governance had been established which, in turn, meant that citizen movements had to develop new methods, strategies and tools in order to bring about democratic social change. What's more, it became evident that citizen movements in other countries were facing similar challenges. As a response, the Polaris Institute was launched in 1997."

Team
Accessed November 2008:


 * Tony Clarke - Executive Director
 * Karl Flecker - Director Water Program
 * Richard Girard - Research Coordinator
 * Joe Cressy - Campaign Coordinator
 * Zoe Maggio - Water Campaigner
 * Jessie Kalman - Tar Sands Campaigner
 * Office Manager - Patricia Flores

Contact

 * Web: http://www.polarisinstitute.org

Related Sourcewatch articles

 * Anuradha Mittal