When a group of
Saskatchewan people who follow us on Facebook and our webpage erected a huge
billboard to support our work, we were thrilled. It was simple. effective
and inspiring. Here’s the
backstory. We hope it might inspire
action in your community.
by Don Kossick
Saskatoon is a community that is overwhelmingly branded.
Here’s what I mean.
Walk into the hospital, on to the university campus or go to
a cultural or sports event and you are welcomed by corporate messages reminding
you in big, bold letters that a service or venue is supported or provided by a major corporate entity. Here in Saskatoon, Cameco or Potash Corporation are among those with the
highest profile. .
The publicity is effective.
It makes it look like they are giving to the community. The reality is
much different. These companies are
taking much more away in vast corporate profits and diminishing natural
resources.
A group of citizens had been following the work of Canadians
for Tax Fairness. We were particularly interested
in an
article that illustrated how the uranium giant Cameco has avoided paying at
least 1 billion dollars’ worth of taxes through an off shore tax haven in Switzerland.
Our group became known as Saskatchewan Citizens for Tax Fairness. We decided to
publicly engage Cameco in their community and demand that Cameco “Pay Up” what
is owed the citizens of Saskatchewan and Canada. The method used to deliver the
message of “Pay Up” was a billboard
campaign. A simple billboard was designed.
It was erected on one of the busiest intersections in Saskatoon. Thousands
of people got the message as they drove or walked by. And we got lots of media
attention.
Cameco has responded – sort of. They urged groups that receive their funding
to take out newspaper ads about how much Cameco does for the
community. However, our message is out there now and it is pretty clear: what
they give in grants and donations is a pittance compared to what they owe. And
that’s not a fair tax system.
The billboard is down now and that part of our campaign is
over. We are pleased. It worked.