Canadian Citizen - Led Advocacy Circle -

In an effort to bring more Canadian Voices to the tables that make decisions, ensuring the experience is woven within all policies that impact our every day lives and livelihood.

GET STARTED

Timeline, November 14, 2025

Vigil @ Fallowfield CFIA

 

Founding Reasoning;

Ostriches at Edgewood, BC

 

 

A Candle was Lit,

I stood on the corner and shared on live why it was important to show up and have a voice the rest is history as more people stopped.

 

What I witnessed yesterday was eye-opening. There were a lot of onlookers… A lot of people who nodded, waved, or simply slowed down. And yes—many who drove by without stopping.

But I understand those people. Some are afraid to speak up. Some prefer not to engage. Some know, deep down, that what happened was wrong. And many work for the federal government and feel they cannot publicly stand against decisions their employer has made. Trust me—I know this world. I’ve been part of Ottawa’s white-collar landscape for almost two decades. I understand the NDAs, the policies, the paperwork, the fear of repercussions. But here’s what else I know: Just because someone can’t stop doesn’t mean they don’t care. Just because they stay quiet doesn’t mean they’re blind. Just because they drove past doesn’t mean their heart wasn’t with us. And yet, a few did stop. Some said they wouldn’t have stopped at all—if no one was there. But because a few showed up, a few more came. And even after we left, others continued to arrive.

 

What we did yesterday was peaceful, respectful, and human. No signs. No shouting. Just candles, presence, and shared purpose. We gathered to honour the birds and to express our deep dismay at government decisions that were made without transparency, without consultation, and without the voices of Canadians at the table. We don’t agree. We weren’t asked. And now citizens are rising. People are no longer willing to stay silent while experts behind closed doors make sweeping decisions that impact farmers, families, animals, and entire communities. We’re stepping forward—not to fight—but to take our rightful place in the circles, at the tables, and in the discussions that shape this country. Because if Canada wants to be a true leader—one that other nations can look to with pride—then real Canadians need to be included. Farmers. Families. Advocates. Citizens.

 

The people who feel the impact of these decisions firsthand. We showed up yesterday because we care. And more will continue to show up. This is only the beginning of a movement toward accountability, compassion, and genuine improvement in how things are done.

What this Advocacy is,

Being A Canadian and contributing to our Country and being a partner welcomed to the tables where decision are made and ensuring our voices are involved,

 

( I will do my best to bring the voices to the tables that matter if you share)

 


Over night I've had this come together for me and naturally makes sense.

 

After the last few weeks I've witness just how important this project can be..

 

While I love helping people, coaching and striving to make more of a difference in life and at my own point in life where legacy matters and the country my children grow up in and this....

 

Canadian Citizen-Led Advocacy Circle: ( circle must be included as my first place of employment in the federal government was with First Nations and Inuit Health Branch) Pharma/ Medical Devices and Supplies and Mental Health/ Transportation approvals created the foundation for all the work I did that involved care and compassion into all projects and management engagement.

 

To the many colleagues I had that helped carve the way for me. Mike and I have lived the Canadian story.

We went to school here, both graduated from Carleton University right here in the capital, worked hard, travelled, raised our family, camped in the country side, and did everything we could to give back to our neighbours and our community. I've been a member of all community associations as far back as I can remember. Living in a very small town growing up provided the strong desire to know your neighbors, to be involved and help make it a better place. Mike lived all over North America growing up with the military. I spent my entire adult life in federal service and traveled all across Canada with the government projects I had the privilege of working on. For almost two decades, I worked inside the systems Canadians rely on:

I helped create the MedEffect Adverse Reaction Program — the same reporting tool citizens and medical professionals use today.

I helped move millions of medical devices across borders so healthcare teams could do their jobs and save lives.

I worked on licensing and regulatory processes for pharmaceutical products.

I’ve been a project manager my entire career — and at home, in my business, and in every community space

I’ve touched.

I’ve always loved being involved

I’ve always loved helping where I can. And I’ve always believed in being a productive, contributing Canadian.

Life coaching came naturally to me — and I love it.

But this bigger calling has lit something inside me I can’t ignore.

I’ve spent years inside the government. Daily I see my pass which continues to remind me of the access I had into the very building we mostly rely upon.

I understand policy, process, and how decisions move through a system.

I also understand what happens when citizens aren’t invited to the table — and how much gets lost when real Canadian voices are missing.

That’s why this new Canadian Citizen-Led Advocacy Circle matters so deeply to me.

This group is NOT about violence, name-calling, finger-pointing, or blame.

It’s not about tearing people down.

It’s about: Respectful engagement Peaceful presence Constructive dialogue Being part of long-overdue improvements Bringing citizens into the rooms where decisions are made Working with government, not against it — when they let us in Offering lived experience, insight, and accountability Building a Canada we can be proud of again

We have always done everything we can to help and contribute.

This is simply the next evolution of that commitment.

We’re stepping forward not as critics — but as citizens who care enough to participate.

If that speaks to you…you are welcome here.

Email me to express interest I've also created a quick survey so that I understand the level of interest and possible engagement to help.

Respectful of those who show up but don't wish to be identified but are called to help get this off the ground and started.

I will need help.

Thank you, Trisha

The Start of Something New -

A CANADA WE NEED TO BE ENGAGED IN,

  • Canadian Citizen-Led Advocacy Circle — Est. 2025 A new space for everyday Canadians who want to stay informed, ask questions, and respectfully engage in the decisions that shape our country. This circle is for citizens who believe in: Transparency Accountability Community leadership Peaceful advocacy Being included at the tables where decisions are made You don’t need a title. You don’t need permission. You just need to care. If you want to understand policies, speak up respectfully, and connect with others who value accountability and informed dialogue, this circle is for you. Comment “” or message me to join the first discussion.

When informed citizens participate, systems improve. When citizens are excluded, systems fail and trust is eroded.

Why this Matters

Canada’s policy landscape is shifting rapidly, and many of these changes are occurring without sufficient public consultation, stakeholder engagement, or transparent communication. This creates gaps between policy intent and real-world impact, particularly for rural communities, farmers, small business owners, and families whose daily lives are affected by regulatory decisions.

Effective policy-making requires: Stakeholder input Impact assessments grounded in lived experience Clear communication Public transparency Community engagement Ongoing monitoring and adjustment

Currently, Canadians are witnessing decisions being implemented without these critical components. When citizens are left out of the process, policies risk being disconnected from practical realities, creating unintended harm, compliance challenges, and erosion of public trust.

This matters because Canada relies on: Farmers who sustain our food systems Small businesses that carry local economies Rural communities that maintain national infrastructure Healthcare professionals and families who depend on safe, clear systems Frontline workers who experience the real outcomes of government decisions

Citizen involvement is not optional — it is a foundational pillar of responsible governance. The Canadian Citizen-Led Advocacy Circle exists to bring non-partisan, lived-experience insight into conversations where decisions are being made, ensuring policies reflect the realities of the people they impact.

This movement matters because effective democracy requires informed, engaged, and respected citizens — and Canada is strongest when all voices are included in policy formation, not just the ones in boardrooms or government offices.

What Happens If We Don’t Act If citizens do not step forward — respectfully, peacefully, and constructively — several risks emerge:

1. Policy Gaps Widen Without citizen perspectives, policies may overlook practical implications, resulting in rules that harm farmers, families, small businesses, and rural communities.

2. Trust in Institutions Declines Lack of transparency and consultation leads to growing distrust in government systems. This erodes compliance, participation, and confidence in public institutions.

3. Communities Become More Vulnerable When voices closest to the impact are ignored, communities face: Financial strain Mental health stress Operational challenges Loss of autonomy Poorly designed interventions

4. Decisions Become Centralized If everyday Canadians disengage, decisions will increasingly be made by: Departments Lobby groups External consultants Individuals with no connection to community realities This leads to policy that is disconnected, inconsistent, and potentially harmful.

5. Rural and Agricultural Sectors Are Silenced Farmers, producers, and rural families often have the least access to decision-making tables. If we don’t act: More farms may close More communities may lose local supports More policies may be implemented without understanding consequences

6. Democratic Participation Weakens When citizens feel they have no say, they stop participating. When participation drops, accountability drops. When accountability drops, systems fail the people they are meant to serve.

7. A Single Narrative Takes Over Without citizen voices: Media narratives become one-sided Policy narratives become unchallenged Decisions go unscrutinized Problems escalate instead of being solved

8. Future Generations Inherit the Consequences If we allow a system where citizens are excluded, our children inherit a future shaped entirely without public involvement. --- In Simple Terms If we don’t act now: Policies will continue to be made without us, implemented around us, and enforced against us, while the people most affected have no seat at the table. Acting now ensures that Canada remains a country where citizens: participate are informed are respected influence decisions help shape solutions This is why your work — your Circle — your voice — matters.

Who is Behind this,

I’m Trisha Searl — a former federal project manager and long-time community leader. I built my career inside the systems that govern Canadians, and I’m now committed to helping citizens engage with clarity, integrity, and respect. This work matters, and so do the voices of everyday Canadians.

You are invited to participate,

How to Become Involved,


How to Participate & Help

The Canadian Citizen-Led Advocacy Circle welcomes everyday Canadians who want to stay informed, ask thoughtful questions, and take part in shaping the future of our country. Whether you have one hour a month or want to be actively involved, there is a meaningful place for you here.

Below are the ways you can contribute, support, and engage. ---



1. Join the Advocacy Circle Discussions Participate in small, respectful citizen roundtables — online or in person — where we: Review policies affecting Canadians Share lived-experience perspectives Prepare questions for MPs and ministries Learn how to navigate federal systems Develop constructive, solutions-based recommendations No experience is required. Just honesty, thoughtfulness, and a willingness to participate.

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2. Share Your Skills We welcome Canadians from all walks of life. You can contribute by offering skills such as: Writing or research Social media or communications Legal or policy insight Administrative help Event coordination Technology support Community outreach If you want to help, we will find the right place for you.

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3. Attend Peaceful Gatherings & Vigils Presence matters. When citizens show up calmly and respectfully, more people feel safe to stand beside them. We host: Candlelight vigils Listening circles Policy-awareness meetups Community roundtables You are encouraged to bring your voice — not aggression or division.

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4. Help Us Reach More Citizens You can support by:

Sharing our posts Inviting neighbours and friends

Connecting us with community leaders

Introducing the circle to local organizations

Change spreads when community networks grow.

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5. Participate in Letters, Petitions & Advocacy Campaigns Our advocacy is always: Respectful Solution-focused Evidence-informed Citizen-led Participants help: Draft letters to MPs and Ministers Review upcoming policy changes Prepare citizen questions Organize petitions when needed Encourage transparency and public involvement

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6. Provide Feedback or Lived Experience Your personal story matters. Policies impact: Farmers Families Healthcare workers Small businesses Rural communities Pet owners Seniors Students We collect real experiences from real Canadians to strengthen advocacy efforts and give citizens a voice at decision-making tables.

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7. Become a Provincial or Regional Contributor If you’re passionate about guiding advocacy in your region or province, you can help: Lead small local circles Host monthly discussions Connect residents with national conversations Bring forward local issues for federal awareness Leadership opportunities exist across all provinces and territories.

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8. Support With a Donation (optional for later) Donations help us: Host gatherings Provide educational resources Support travel for in-person advocacy Maintain the website and communications This group will always remain non-partisan, transparent, and citizen-driven.

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9. Stay Connected The easiest way to help is simply to stay involved. You can: Subscribe to updates Join our private group Attend monthly online sessions Participate when you can Every voice matters.

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Ready to Get Involved?

You do not need a title, degree, or permission to care about your country.

You just need to show up — respectfully, thoughtfully, and consistently.

If you’re ready to participate, scroll down and complete the Interest & Engagement Form.

 

How to Donate,

We have set up a gofundme in an effort to raise funds and be as open and transparent as possible.  

Thank you for considering this a place where you can participate, become involved and help by showing up and sharing what matters the most to you.

We will be selective in the issues and focused on the main topics above each issue will be shared on this website page and a private working group will be created to respect the work we do and strategy to engage.

Donations can be made at :

https://gofund.me/fb35550d8

Contact us