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AGM Agenda

Friday, October 31

Registration 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Free Public Forum 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Boom for Whom? Busting the Myths of Continental Integration Featuring keynote speakers:

Maude Barlow, National Chairperson, the Council of Canadians

Dr. David Schindler, Professor of Ecology at the University of Alberta, Edmonton

Andrew Nikiforuk, Calgary-based award winning writer and researcher

Followed by a question and answer session

Saturday, November 1

Registration 8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

Panels and workshops: 8:45 a.m. – 5:15 p.m.

Cocktail reception:  6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Dinner and awards: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Sunday, November 2

The Council’s business meeting: 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

The Council of Canadians 23rd Annual General Meeting

October 31 – November 2, 2008
Crowne Plaza – Chateau Lacombe,
Edmonton, Alberta

The Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America includes plans for a five-fold expansion of the Alberta tar sands. Working groups, comprised of government and industry leaders from Canada, the United States and Mexico, see the expansion of the tar sands as a key factor in moving towards an integrated energy market in North America.

But who really benefits from energy integration and the rapid growth of tar sands development in Alberta? Is it Canadians? Or is it the oil and gas conglomerates that are driving the agenda to supply the limitless demands of the U.S. market?

Creating energy security

We will bring together Albertans, experts, allies, activists and our members from across Canada to talk about the diverse and far-reaching effects of tar sands development on our water, health, and public services. We will build alliances with social justice and environmental groups to demand a Canadian energy strategy that plans for the future and will give Canadians security of energy supplies, as well as strong policies that protect our environment and focus on finding alternative, less harmful energy solutions.

We hope to see you in Edmonton, where we will work together on ways to promote a better vision for Canada’s energy, water and natural resources – one that affirms progressive goals of sustainable public ownership for the benefit of all future generations.   

Dear friends,

On behalf of our Edmonton Chapter activists and regional hosts for this year’s conference – Board of Directors members Martha Robbins, Gordon Laxer and Angela Vardy – I am happy to invite you to our 23rd Annual General Meeting in Edmonton, Alberta, from October 31-November 2, 2008.

This year, our theme is Canada’s energy and water resources and the urgent need for Canadians to have control over them. The Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP) is moving Canada closer to a continental resource pact that really means secure energy resources for the United States and not for Canadians.

Our AGM is an opportunity to learn more about the Alberta tar sands, and about actions we can all undertake to confront the devastating and destructive pace of tar sands development.  We will hear guest speakers, allies and activists from Alberta and the rest of Canada speak on a large number of issues related to Canada’s current energy boom. Together, we will pose the question, “Boom for whom?” and look at who is really benefiting from the rapid pace of tar sands development – and at what price.

Join Council members from across Canada to participate in workshops, learn more about the issues, and share strategies. Don’t miss this opportunity to help us plan for the year ahead.

See you there!

Yours,

Maude Barlow
National Chairperson

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