The Council of Canadians is a left wing, progressive citizens' organization that advocates on behalf of its members and chapters across the country. The organization was founded in 1985 to oppose the Canada–U.S. Free Trade Agreement. It works to protect Canadian independence by promoting progressive policies on fair trade, clean water, energy security, public health care, and other issues of social and economic concern to Canadians. The Council does not accept money from corporations or governments, and is sustained entirely by the volunteer energy and financial assistance of its members and the labour unions.