Integrate This! The Council of Canadians’ five demands around the SPP

Integrate This! The Council of Canadians’ five demands for the SPP

Our demands in regard to deep integration with the United States are simple and stem from a strong belief in participatory democracy.

There is no good reason why Canadians should be kept in the dark about issues as important as the economic and social future of our country. Corporations certainly shouldn’t be drafting government policy behind closed doors. Most of our elected officials do not understand the extent of deep integration and have not had a chance to vote on the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America. Big corporations are currently setting the parameters and timeline for Canada-U.S. integration without our approval. This cannot continue, which is why we demand the following of the Canadian government:

Cease all talks leading toward deeper integration between Canada and the United States, including the next Security and Prosperity Partnership summit planned to take place August 20 and 21, 2007 in Montebello, Quebec.

Disband the North American Competitiveness Council. Corporations such as Manulife Financial, Home Depot, Wal-Mart and Lockheed Martin should not be writing economic policy between Canada and the United States.

Bring the Security and Prosperity Partnership to the House of Commons for a full debate and vote. The Harper government has promised that, “significant international treaties will be submitted for votes in Parliament.”

Disclose the complete listing of Security and Prosperity Partnership working groups, their contact persons and participating membership, and, if they continue, make public their meeting dates, minutes, and provide opportunities for public input.

Consult with Canadians in a meaningful and participatory way on Canada-U.S. relations. The majority of Canadians would prefer a “Sovereignty and Justice Partnership” with the United States, which protects Canada’s energy, water and public health care system, over a corporate-driven security and prosperity agenda.

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