SOUND OFF: Transparency and accountability — setting the record straight
RECENT CFJC EDITORIALS by James Peters and Joey Jack have suggested that Kamloops Citizens United (KCU) should be more transparent about our fundraising — who our donors are and how much they’ve donated.
Fundraising is perfectly legal in Canada. People have every right to give money to anyone for any reason. This is how fundraising campaigns on platforms like GoFundMe, Kickstarter or Indiegogo work. These platforms allow fundraising for personal causes, projects or initiatives. Nonprofit organizations are typically funded by citizens and members who believe in their cause, and KCU is no different.
Take the alternative approval process (AAP) court challenge, for example. Thousands of Kamloops residents believe the city’s actions were underhanded and unfair, and many were utterly unaware that the AAP process even occurred. That is neither fair nor just. Unfortunately, access to justice for the average person is often unattainable due to its exorbitant cost, particularly when faced with the endlessly deep pockets of taxpayer-funded opposing counsel.
As an organization, our primary focus remains to hold Kamloops city council accountable for its increasing spending, lack of transparency and failure to engage meaningfully with residents. KCU is currently in the process of becoming a registered non-profit society. Our request for donations is to cover essential costs, including incorporation, the AAP court challenge, our website and office materials. Once KCU achieves non-profit status, financial records will be publicly available as the law requires. In the meantime, we are committed to transparency with our donors. Anyone who has contributed and wishes to review our financials is welcome to contact us directly. Additionally, anyone interested in supporting our cause is encouraged to reach out. KCU has always been open and willing to engage with the public and has been consistent in our message.
