Canadians join global call for an end to WTO negotiations

In the run up to the 4th WTO Ministerial conference to be held in the Gulf State of Qatar from 9-13 November 2001, Canadians are joining with citizens groups from around the world to show widespread opposition to the launch of a new trade round.

Today, representatives from the Common Front of the World Trade Organization (CFWTO) challenged Trade Minister Pettigrew to listen to Canadians' concerns about the WTO and negotiate on behalf of citizens, not corporations.

Diana Bronson, from Rights and Democracy in Montreal, explained how the World Trade Organization is creating a world of haves and have-nots. "The WTO is creating greater insecurity and disparity. We believe a fairer world is a safer world, but this will not come about through the current plans of the WTO ".

"I'm ashamed of the Canadian position", said Maude Barlow, Voluntary Chair of the Council of Canadians. "The liberal government is pushing ahead a corporate-friendly agenda that not only is soundly rejected by the vast majority of the citizens in developing countries but also by so many Canadians. Canadians are not opposed to trade, but we certainly want a system that is fair and democratic".

Judy Darcy, President of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, said, "The Canadian government is using the GATS to divert public spending to the private sector, and to push privatization of vital public services. This will mean that health care, education, social services, municipal services, utilities and many other public services will be run as for-profit businesses".

Tony Clarke, CFWTO Co-chair, explained that campaigns are being carried out in over 35 countries. "While very few people can go to Qatar to protest, civil society will be demonstrating around the world their opposition to the WTO's proposed new round. The Canadian coalition will be coordinating with many international groups who are going to Qatar."

Since the government continues to push ahead with its plans without consulting with Canadians, the CFWTO has coordinated an extensive campaign to raise awareness about how a better world is possible. Deborah Bourque, vice-president of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers described how two cross-country caravans are putting on public events in over 60 cities and will converge in Ottawa on November 9th. We have literally thousands of pledge cards that have been signed by Canadians calling on Minister Pettigrew to stop negotiating at the WTO and to work to create a fair trading system that reflects Canadian values, and yet he will not meet with us", said Deborah Bourque.

-30-