TAKE IT BACK!
A peoples’ vision of North America
The Council of Canadians' 22nd Annual General Meeting
The Coast Capri Hotel, Kelowna, British Columbia
October 26-28, 2007
Imagine a Canada where social justice and the public interest prevail over profits. Where progressive, independent policies safeguard our environment, water and energy resources from exploitation. Where universal public health care meets the needs of all Canadians equally. Where our government’s trade, foreign and military policies reflect the values of its citizens.
This is our vision for Canada. And by working with our allies in the United States and Mexico, we know that we can make this vision a reality for all of North America.
Challenging the SPP
The biggest obstacle that we currently face in achieving our progressive vision for North America is the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America (SPP). Negotiated by the leaders of Canada, the U.S. and Mexico in 2005, the SPP is being implemented without public or parliamentary scrutiny. The SPP eliminates Canada’s ability to set its own independent regulatory standards, environmental protection measures, foreign, military, immigration and a wide range of other policies. To date, all of the SPP discussions have taken place behind closed doors. Corporations have had a tremendous influence on the workings of the SPP, while citizens have been left in the dark.
That’s why the Council of Canadians is determined to break the silence and ensure that citizens’ voices are heard. We’ll work together to promote a better vision for the relationship between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.
AGENDA
Download AGM program (PDF)
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2007
4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Registration (Ballroom lobby)
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Book Launch (Ballroom)
Maude Barlow, Blue Covenant: The global water
crisis and the coming battle for the
right to water.
7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
FREE PUBLIC FORUM (Ballroom)
Take it Back!
A Peoples’ Vision of North America
Welcome to Okanagan Territory from Westbank First Nations
Introductions from AGM co-hosts Pina Belperio and Chief Garry John
Slam Poet Sara Jennings
Keynote Speakers:
Maude Barlow, National Chairperson, The Council of Canadians
Wenonah Hauter, Executive Director, Food and Water Watch, Washington, DC
Claudia Campero Arena, Founding Member, COMDA (Mexican Committee for the Defense of Water Rights), Mexico City
Followed by a Q & A session
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2007
8:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Registration (Ballroom lobby)
8:45 a.m.
Welcome and announcements from AGM co-hosts (Ballroom)
Greetings from Chief Garry John of the Seton Lake Band, Shalalth, BC
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Plenary Panel (Ballroom)
Your Money or Your Life: The Private Threat to Public Health Care in North America
Moderated by Steven Shrybman
Featuring:
Dr. Margaret McGregor, Family physician and founding member of Canadian Doctors for Medicare
Leslie Dickout, Medicare campaigner, BC Health Coalition
Robert Chernomas, Professor of Economics, University of Manitoba
10:00 – 10:15 a.m.
Break
10:15 – 11:45 a.m.
Workshops (rooms will be posted on site)
Sign-up when you register
Workshops (1-4 are offered in the morning and afternoon; 5 in the morning only)
- A Waste of Energy: Canada and the SPP
- Nightmare on Ash Street: The proliferation of private clinics in British Columbia
- Water Workshop on Wheels
- The Fight for Global Water Justice: What can you do? What must Canada do?
- TILMA: Coming soon to a community near you?
11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Lunch
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
“Bring the Troops Home!”
Peace rally
Meet in hotel lobby (details to be confirmed)
Download handbill (PDF)
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Plenary Panel
Three Cheers for Local Democracy: Fighting TILMA, the B.C. Gateway and the Run of the River Projects
Moderated by Fred Wilson
Featuring:
Caelie Frampton, TILMA Campaign Coordinator
David Fields, Transportation Campaigner, Society Promoting Environmental Conservation
Gwenne Farrell, Vice-President of COPE, Local 378
2:30 – 2:45 p.m.
Break
2:45 – 4:15 p.m.
Workshops (rooms will be posted on site)
Sign-up when you register
Workshops (1-4 are offered in the morning and afternoon)
- A Waste of Energy: Canada and the SPP
- Nightmare on Ash Street: The proliferation of private clinics in British Columbia
- Water Workshop on Wheels
- The Fight for Global Water Justice: What can you do? What must Canada do?
4:15 – 5:15 p.m.
Plenary Panel
Water for People and Nature: A Continental Movement to Protect Water
Moderated by Morna Ballantyne
Featuring:
Claudia Campero Arena, Founding Member, COMDA
Mexican Committee for the Defense of Water Rights, Mexico City
Wenonah Hauter, Executive Director, Food and Water Watch, Washington, DC
Blair Redlin, Researcher for CUPE’s municipal, transportation and community health sectors in BC
6:00 p.m.
Cocktail Reception – cash bar (Shiraz Room)
Ingrid Schellenberg – harpist
7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Banquet dinner (Vintage Rooms)
With awards to:
Art Manuel, Activist of the Year
Karen Abramsen and Anita Strong, Ken Wardroper Founder’s Award
Dave Coles, Special Award
Paul Manly, Special Award
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2007
9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Council business meeting (Cabernet Room)
