Tuesday, June 09, 2009


CANADIAN POLITICS/INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS:
NO FREE TRADE AGREEMENT WITH COLOMBIA !:
Tomorrow, June 10, the President of Colombia, Alvaro Uribe Velez, will be in Ottawa to meet (conspire with ?) Canadian Prime Minister Steven Harper about a Canada-Colombia free trade agreement. This is opposed by many Canadians because of Colombia's human rights record. Here, from the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), is notice of the demonstration that will greet this meeting tomorrow in Ottawa.
HRHRHRHRHRHR
Say "No" to a deadly trade deal:
On June 10, Prime Minister Stephen Harper will be welcoming Colombia's President Alvaro Uribe Velez, who wants to quickly wrap up a free trade deal with Canada.
Along with other civil society groups, CUPE has strongly opposed this trade deal. Colombia continues to be the most dangerous place on earth for trade unionists - over 2,500 have been assassinated since 1986. Paramilitaries have free rein to enforce terror, and millions of Colombians have been displaced through land seizures benefiting corporate interests. Ratifying a free trade deal with this regime - and accepting the situation as "business as usual" - sends the wrong message.
Recently, the Harper government backed off a step, temporarily removing the agreement from debate in Parliament. When Uribe arrives in Ottawa on Wednesday, CUPE members, other trade unionists, and human rights activists will be greeting him. We encourage any members who are able to attend to do so.
Where: Parliament Hill
When: Wednesday June 10, 1:00 p.m.

No comments: