Meta, Coca-Cola, Loyalist Public Affairs, Roll'n, KOCH, Modern Miracle Network, and DoorDash are sponsoring the Canada Strong and Free extremist conference being held in Red Deer, AB on September 21, 2024. Chris Rufo is listed as a featured speaker and is being promoted on social media by the organization using a photo of Rufo with the text, “Fighting the left and wokism.”

• Rufo has been credited with creating the hysteria around Critical Race Theory (CRT) in educational settings.
• Rufo campaigns against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
• Rufo appeared with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) as DeSantis signed the Stop W.O.K.E. Act, which limits workplace conversations about diversity and race.
• Rufo, appointed to the board of New College by DeSantis, bragged that New College was “the first public university in America to begin rolling back the encroachment of gender ideology and queer theory on its academic offerings.”

Why this campaign matters:

• Hypocrisy: Major corporations are publicly championing diversity, equity, and inclusion while simultaneously sponsoring a conference featuring a far-right activist known for promoting harmful ideologies and attacking marginalized groups.
• Undermining DEI Efforts: By sponsoring this event, these corporations are sending a contradictory message and undermining its own stated commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Normalizing Extremism: Sponsoring this conference can contribute to the normalization of extremist views and further marginalize vulnerable communities.

What we are asking these corporations to do:

Cancel Sponsorship: We urge Meta, Coca-Cola, DoorDash, and others to immediately cancel their sponsorship of the Canada Strong and Free Regional Networking Conference. 
Take a Stand: We call on them to publicly denounce the harmful ideologies promoted by the conference speaker and commit to supporting genuine diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

What we're asking you to do:

Hold Corporations Accountable: This campaign aims to hold corporations accountable for their actions and encourage them to align their practices with their values. As a result of this petition and media exposure Sun Life, Bruce Power, MasterCard, Canadian Bankers Association, and CPKC have all cancelled their sponsorship. Let's keep up the pressure on the remaining sponsors.