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JULY 28, 2000

SASKATCHEWAN CITIZENS CONCERNED

ABOUT HEMISPHERIC TRADE AGREEMENT

SASKATOON, Sask. - Over 120 people packed a meeting room on a warm July evening in Saskatoon to learn more about the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA). The FTAA would extend the North American Free Trade Agreement to include 34 countries in Central and South America (excluding Cuba). The FTAA - like the MAI and WTO - would critically limit our governments abilities to protect our environment, economy, and sovereignty.

Speakers at the July 27 meeting included:

  • Peter Garden and Laurie Hergott, young activists who recently participated in large citizens demonstrations in Washington D.C., Seattle, Calgary, and Windsor.

  • John Foster, noted international human rights activist and former chair of Oxfam;

  • Ellen Gould, expert on the WTO and other trade agreements;

  • Murray Dobbin, author of the Myth of the Good Corporate Citizen.

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    Many people commented on Canadian governments fixation on deregulation and increasing trade. Governments maintains their fixation despite few visible benefits and growing public opposition. "Nothing can stand in the way of trade. Trade trumps all",said Dobbin. He continued: "Despite events in Seattle, Canadian trade officials seem to have learned nothing. If anything, they are more secretive and more determined to ram through these agreements. This is because they know that once these agreements are signed, it will be almost impossible for Canadians to undo them".

    50,000 people gathered in Seattle to say no to the WTO. Some of the participants at the Saskatoon meeting raised questions about violence and property damage in Seattle. Peter Garden noted that violence and property damage was extremely limited. He stated: "I think that we are focused on the wrong damage. Yes, a few windows were broken, but almost all the violence in Seattle was directed at peaceful demonstrators by the police".

    Many participants at the meeting plan to go to Quebec City in April 2001 for the Summit of the Americas where corporate and political leaders will discuss and negotiate the FTAA. The Saskatoon meeting also agreed that it is vital to put pressure on the Saskatchewan government to protect healthcare, education, and the environment from attacks contained within trade and investment agreements.

    The meeting was organized by the National Farmers Union, Council of CanadiansSaskatoon Chapter, Oxfam, Making the LinksCFCR Radio, Sask. Young New Democrats, Canadian Labour Congress, Grain Services Union

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    For More Information:

    Shannon Storey, Womens President: (306) 652-9465

    Don Kossick, Council of CanadiansSaskatoon Chapter: (306) 933-4346

    Darrin Qualman, Executive Secretary: (306) 652-9465

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