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Chapter Action Update
Showdown in ReginaAt the beginning of August provincial premiers
gathered in Regina, Saskatchewan,
for the Council of the Federation meeting.
Social justice and environmental groups
were there as the premiers discussed
climate, energy and trade issues. Groups
delivered a strong message in favour of
real climate change targets and plans to
ensure clean energy security for Canada.
Regina chapter members, including
Don Narine and Jim Elliot, were instrumental
in organizing the three days of
public events such as film screenings, a
teach-in and a rally at the Saskatchewan
legislature. Council of Canadians Energy
Campaigner Andrea Harden-Donahue and
Trade Campaigner Stuart Trew were PHOTO: Members of the Council of Canadians Regina chapter hold a banner during the recent Council of the Federation meeting that brought provincial premiers together to talk about trade and climate change issues. You, Me and the SPP reaches the AtlanticFilmmaker Paul Manley resides in Nanaimo, B.C., but in August he travelled to the east coast – hosted by three Atlantic region chapters (Charlottetown, Moncton and Halifax) – to screen his new film You, Me and the SPP. The film provides a close look and analysis of globalized corporate trade and impacts of the Security and Prosperity Partnership, a secretive trilateral agreement between Canada, the United States and Mexico. The film was also screened at regional meetings this spring and many chapters are keen to use it as a tool for education and outreach. Paul is coordinating with chapters across Canada for further showings in the fall – watch for an event near you! Visit www.youmespp.com/screenings/ for more information about the film and screening locations. Joint speaking tour on trade crosses OntarioMaude Barlow, National Chairperson of the Council of Canadians, is once again teaming up with CUPE Ontario President Sid Ryan to visit communities in Ontario for a speaking tour on trade issues. As the Canada-EU negotiations begin in early October, Maude and Sid will visit eight Ontario towns to present a vision of a free trade agenda that starkly contrasts the one currently being promoted by the Harper government. The events will feature lively discussions on the proposed Canada-EU deal, as well as information about ongoing Quebec-Ontario plans to harmonize provincial regulations. Maude and Sid will show how these deals will actually result in lower environmental and health standards and increased privatization of public services. Attendees will be given concrete action steps to ensure the negotiations take place with public input instead of behind closed doors. Chapters will participate in this tour with CUPE Ontario locals. The events will be coordinated by two of our newest staff members, Mark Calzavara and Maryam Adrangi. Welcome Mark and Maryam! Turning the Tide on the economic crisisThe Saint John, New Brunswick chapter will host the Council of Canadians’ Annual General Meeting in October. This year’s AGM, called “Turning the Tide: A just economy for people and the planet,” will focus on the current economic crisis and show what communities are doing to address it at a local level. Atlantic office staff members Angela Giles and Adrienne Silnicki will be coordinating with local chapters to ensure the AGM reflects all the Atlantic has to offer. Hope to see you all there! Final shout outs… go to Michael Welch and the Winnipeg chapter, who mounted a formidable campaign to stop the City of Winnipeg from privatizing the public water system. Teaming up with the local Water Watch Committee, chapter activists and Council of Canadians Water Campaigner Meera Karunananthan lobbied city councillors, did media interviews and community outreach to try to secure a vote in favour of public water. Unfortunately the close vote did not go our way, but we continue to mobilize in the area around public water protection. … go to Sheila Muxlow, Prairies Regional Organizer, who will be leaving the Council of Canadians this fall for new opportunities. Sheila began as the Regional Organizer in the dead of Edmonton’s winter in early 2008 and has worked tirelessly on all of the Council’s campaign issues, organized numerous speaking tours and rallies with chapters, provided invaluable organizing tools, and facilitated workshops for hundreds. Our respect and gratitude go to Sheila for all of her amazing work, and we wish her the best of luck. Carleen Pickard is the Director of Organizing for the Council of Canadians. Published in Canadian Perspectives Autumn 2009. |
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GET INVOLVED!Here are just a few things you can do:
Call 1-800-387-7177, or email inquiries@canadians.org, for more information on how you can support The Council of Canadians. |
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Council of Canadians chapters were active in local summer organizing and played a key role in education and outreach in their communities on Council of Canadians campaign issues.
