MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, October 26, 2005

Report shows Canadians are wary of closer ties to the U.S.

Ottawa – A report launched by the Council of Canadians today, reveals that Canadians are generally wary of their country’s increasingly close ties to the United States. The publication, “Crossing the Line: A Citizen’s Inquiry on Canada – U.S Relations,” is the product of 10 public hearings held across Canada in 2004 and 2005.

“Since 9/11 there has been a growing push to reorient Canadian policies to fit with U.S. standards and expectations,” says Maude Barlow, national chairperson of the Council of Canadians. “Under the guidance of powerful corporate lobbyists, the federal government has already begun harmonizing and standardizing the policies and political orientations of the two countries without ever consulting the public.”

In an effort to include the Canadian public in the debate, commissioners from across the country, such as former Progressive Conservative MP and Canadian Human Rights Commission Chair Gordon Fairweather and former NDP Manitoba Premier Howard Pawley consulted Canadians on key policy areas affected by Canada-U.S. relations, including health care, energy and agriculture.

Given Canadians’ strong feelings about continental integration, the Council is calling for the federal government to discontinue current negotiations to integrate Canadian policies with those of the U.S. until the views of the Canadian public are heard. “The right to be heard by an elected government should not be restricted to well-funded corporations,” says Guy Caron, Campaigner for the Council of Canadians. “All Canadians should be given the opportunity for meaningful input into the future direction of Canada-U.S. relations, and this report shows that Canadians have very strong opinions about the issue.”

Founded in 1985, the Council of Canadians is Canada’s largest citizens’ organization, with members and chapters across the country. We work to protect Canadian independence by promoting progressive policies on fair trade, clean water, safe food, public health care, and other issues of social and economic concern to Canadians.

-30-

Information: Meera Karunananthan, media officer, Council of Canadians (613) 233-4487, ext. 234, cell: (613) 795-8685; .