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Building a Vision: An Independent Canada in an Interdependent World
The Council of Canadians celebrated 20 years of citizen activism in 2005. The 20th Annual General Meeting was held at the Westin Hotel in Ottawa, November 4-6, 2005, and featured a range of prominent speakers and timely discussions on Canada-U.S. relations -- an issue made more relevant with the recent election of a Conservative government. In addition to speeches by Council Chair Maude Barlow, former Saskatchewan premier Roy Romanow, former Council chair Mel Hurtig, and Tony Clarke, director of the Polaris Institute, awards were also given recognizing the unique sacrifices and contributions of Maher Arar and Monia Azigh, whose well-known ordeal is the subject of an ongoing public inquiry, and Jeremy Hinzman, who accepted a special award on behalf of U.S. war resisters living in Canada. See clips of some highlights below.
* We apologize for the quality of the video in these clips. The full speeches are also available in audio only below.
Maude Barlow, National Chairperson of the Council of Canadians
speech to Council members, November 4, 2005.
Maude Barlow, National Chairperson of the Council of Canadians
Monia Mazigh, human rights advocate and researcher, and husband Maher Arar, accept award in recognition of their struggle for human rights.
Maher Arar accepts award.
Jeremy Hinzman, U.S. war resister, accepting award on behalf of all war resisters currently residing in Canada.