Canadians care about the environment. At least, that’s what the media has been reporting since January, when Decima released a poll indicating that Canadians rank the environment as their top priority, with health care coming a close second.
Now it’s time for a pop quiz. What do you think is the biggest threat to the environment that Canada is facing today? Climate change? Air pollution? The burning of fossil fuels?
It’s the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America (SPP) – an agreement that threatens to destroy the Canadian government’s ability to implement and enforce environmental regulations (among other frightening implications, which you can read more about on our website). The SPP was agreed to in 2005 by the leaders of Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, and since then there has been no public debate about the agreement’s potential impact – not by citizens or by Members of Parliament.
That’s why we’re bringing together activists, academics, workers, politicians and journalists from Canada, Mexico and the United States for a teach-in titled Integrate This! Challenging the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America, from March 30-April 1 in Ottawa.
Click here to find out more about the teach-in, and to sign up for email updates. We hope you can join us in Ottawa from
March 30-April 1!
Meanwhile, here’s what’s new at the Council of Canadians:
Take action for World Water Day!
What are you doing on March 22nd? Join Council of Canadians activists from across Canada to fight for the right to water and take action for a National Water Policy.
March 22 was designated World Water Day in 1992 at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro to raise awareness about the importance of preserving global water resources. Since then communities, organizations and activists around the world have come together every year on March 22 to highlight water struggles and the need for clean, accessible, public water for everyone.
Last year, 43 Council chapters participated in World Water Day events, many in partnership with KAIROS and CUPE. These activities included potlucks, film showings and water ceremonies – and we hope to do even more this year. There are many things that you can do to mark World Water Day on March 22. Click here to download some resources to help get you started.
Facing the facts about TILMA
Opposition to the B.C.-Alberta Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA) is growing every day. Signed in April 2006, without public consultation or legislative debate, TILMA is an unprecedented inter-provincial free trade deal that extends NAFTA-like privileges to Canadian corporations, allowing them to sue provincial and municipal governments for any regulation deemed harmful to their profits. This leaves policies designed to protect the environment and public health vulnerable to attack from corporate lawsuits.
Click here to read more about TILMA. Return often, because we’re posting new information every day. And if you live in BC or Alberta, be sure to contact your closest Council of Canadians’ regional office to hear more about local resistance to TILMA.
What is the value of ‘retribution’ in Afghanistan?
Canada’s war in Afghanistan has been justified several ways since Prime Minister Stephen Harper extended the mission early last year. Depending whom you speak to, and when, our troops are fighting and dying to protect Canadians from terrorism, to protect women and children from the Taliban, or to bring democracy to Afghanistan.
But last month, our government revealed a more cynical approach that should have all Canadians doubting the motivation for our excursion into Afghanistan – and its chance of success. Defence Minister Gordon O’Connor says Canadians are fighting in Afghanistan as "retribution" for 9-11; in other words, we’re there to get even.
Click here to read more of this article by Brent Patterson, the Council’s Director of Organizing.
Maude’s Nairobi reflections
Maude Barlow recently returned from Nairobi, Kenya, where she attended the World Social Forum, along with board and staff members from the Council of Canadians and the Blue Planet Project. One of the highlights of the Forum was the launch of a new African Water Network, representing activists from over 40 African countries. Click here to read Maude’s reflections on the global water war and its particular impact on people in Nairobi.
Action Alert: Stop the SPP ministers February 23 meeting in Ottawa
In last year’s Throne Speech, Prime Minister Stephen Harper promised that "significant international treaties will be submitted for votes in Parliament." The Council of Canadians believes that the Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP) should be subject to public hearings, as well as brought to the House of Commons for a full debate and vote.
Ministers from Canada, the United States and Mexico are expected to be meeting on Friday February 23 in Ottawa to discuss the SPP. Click here to send a letter to Prime Minister Harper, urging the government to cease all talks leading to deeper integration with the U.S. – including the Feb. 23 meeting.
Join the Council of Canadians today!
Founded in 1985 by a handful of citizens including Farley Mowat, Pierre Berton and Margaret Atwood, the Council of Canadians is Canada’s pre-eminent public watchdog organization. The Council receives no money from government, corporations or any political party. To preserve our complete independence, we ensure that almost all our revenue comes from generous individuals like you. Join the Council today, and help us prove that a better Canada is possible.
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