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Canadian Perspectives Winter 2005
The Council of Canadians 2004 Annual Report
The year 2004 was full of important victories for people in Canada and around the world. On the national and international stage, all of our program areas - fair trade, safe food, clean water and public health - made tremendous strides in the public interest. In the past year, we’ve seen the World Trade Organization and the Free Trade Area of the Americas unable to regain momentum after the derailment of their meetings in Cancun and Miami, Monsanto forced to withdraw its application to introduce genetically engineered wheat into Canada, the Omya corporation prevented from taking massive amounts of water from the Tay River, and a Federal Court judge stating that the Minister of Health’s failure to enforce the Canada Health Act should be addressed by Parliament. Along with these victories, the Council is also on the leading edge of significant struggles in Canada and around the world. With corporate globalization no longer appearing invincible, as it once did, we are developing fair trade alternatives to challenge corporate-driven trade deals. As citizen opposition grows against the dire economic and environmental consequences of factory farming, the Council is part of the key national coalition working to move Canada beyond factory farming. As the world increasingly rejects the privatization of its water, the Council is building global alliances to achieve a United Nations treaty recognizing the human right to water. And with the Prime Minister putting billions of dollars into medicare without any restrictions on privatization, the Council is redoubling its efforts to protect this cherished social program from corporate incursions. 2004 also brought a federal election. With either a Conservative or a Liberal majority as the initial likely outcome, the Council worked hard to highlight issues of concern for Canadian voters. We distributed more than 100,000 voter’s guides, commissioned public opinion polling, produced a wide range of materials, and advertised in major newspapers. With Canadian public opinion ultimately rejecting the pro-free trade, pro-privatization agenda of the Conservatives, and wary of Prime Minister Paul Martin's initial rightward leanings with respect to Canada-U.S. relations, a minority government was elected in June. A key task of the Council in 2005 will be to hold the new government accountable to its election-time promises to the Canadian electorate. I look forward to making a difference with you once again this coming year. 
Maude Barlow
The extraordinary political victories in 2004 could not have been achieved without the support and activities of our members, chapter activists, staff and board. Along with securing important wins this year, we have worked hard to maintain a vital organization capable of effectively fighting for clean water, safe food, fair trade and public health both nationally and internationally. We recognize that the forces promoting freer trade, more privatization and less public government are well financed and well organized. As one of the country’s largest public interest groups, we eagerly take on these forces, knowing that the power of citizens in Canada and around the world will not be defeated, and that whatever the challenges and setbacks along the way, our members are determined to promote the better world we know is possible. Our chapter activists, working in communities from St. John’s to Victoria to Iqaluit, continue to engage in creative campaigns and to make a real impact. Our staff remain diligent and resourceful in their work. Our Board of Directors bring keen foresight. And last, but certainly not least, our members have remained steadfastly loyal to the work of the Council. The Council of Canadians accomplished much in 2004. With your continued support in 2005 we expect to do a lot more.
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updated
November 4, 2006
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National Chairperson’s Report
Executive Director’s Report
