Canadian Perspectives Spring/Summer 2005
In the News
In the past months, chapter activists, Board members and staff of the Council of Canadians have appeared on television, on the radio and in newspapers across this country. Here is a brief sampling of how the Council made the news recently.
MAIL WORKERS CHALLENGE NAFTA AMID UPS CLAIM
Canada’s mail workers’ union and a national advocacy group are challenging theNorth America free-trade agreement in Ontario Superior Court today. They allege that a NAFTA provision that allows private corporations to seek redress for government policies deemed to harm their business interests will undermine Canadian public services such as government-funded mail. “This opens the door to a systematic attack on the public service,” said Jean-Yves Lefort of The Council of Canadians.
– The Globe and Mail, January 24, 2005.
PROTESTORS DENOUNCE “EYESORE”
“Aesthetically, the [Wal-Mart] store is just butt-ugly as far as I'm concerned,” said Richard Hagensen, local representative for the Council of Canadians, at a rally Tuesday along the riverbank. “It's visual pollution for people walking along the trail.” Hagensen suggested the city purchase the property proposed for a Wal- Mart from TimberWest and turn it into a riverside park for everyone to enjoy. His idea met with applause and approval, including from one of the rally’s organizers.
– Campbell River Mirror, February 18, 2005
“FORTRESS AMERICA” SPARKS NEW FEARS
Maude Barlow, president of the Council of Canadians, called the Manley plan a call for “an unprecedented surrender of Canadian sovereignty.” “It is very clear that this is to satisfy a George W. Bush security agenda,” she said. “I think it is deplorable that big business on both sides of the border are continuing to exploit security fears to push the Bush agenda.” She said that under the Manley plan, all Canadian resources, including water, would be at risk, that the Canadian health care system could not be protected, and that a refugee coming to Canada with no intention of ever going to the United States would still be subject to Washington's approval.
– The Toronto Star, March 15, 2005. Reprinted with permission, Torstar Syndication Services.
“SMART REGULATION” MAY WEAKEN STANDARDS
“Adopting the American regulatory system would favour the industrial livestock production over the family farm,” said Cathy Holtslander of the Saskatchewanbased Beyond Factory Farming Coalition. She notes that in the past Canada has chosen a different regulatory approach from that of the United States – for example, in refusing to permit the use of bovine growth hormone to enhance milk production in dairy cows. Such differences in approach will become difficult with smart regulation, she and others suggest.
– Canadian Press, March 27, 2005. Reprinted in 24 newspapers.
| COMING SOON: GE-Free Canada
What's really on your plate? That's what food lovers and activists across Canada are asking each other. Hundreds of communities around the globe have declared themselves Genetically Engineered (GE) Free Zones. Canadians have joined in this compelling and crucial global movement to say “no” to the biotech industry and “yes” to genetic biodiversity and food sovereignty. This is especially important in Canada as our government is starting to integrate our food regulations with those of the United States (see p. 12). On June 2, the Council of Canadians launched its GE-Free Canada Campaign in Vancouver. For more information and to join this exciting campaign, check out our website at www.canadians.org, or call 1 800 387-7177.
– Tara Scurr, BC-Yukon Regional Organizer |
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