The Council replies: Letters to the editor
Not smart, but certainly secret

By Roy Brady
Peterborough Examiner
November 7, 2007
Re "No need to fear SPP deal" (Column, Nov. 5)

Alexander Moens from the Fraser Institute has tried to present the Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP) secret process as a simple and necessary harmonization of trade and security measures. If that is all there is involved, then why all the secrecy? Why can no civil or political sector be involved besides the 10 Canadian representatives selected solely from the largest corporations?

What is there to hide? Perhaps it is the exemption for the Alberta oilsands from certain emissions requirements placed on other heavy polluters. Or the reduced pesticides regulations for fruits and vegetables imported from United States. Or, according to the leaked document, "North American Future 2025 Project," that there are secret negotiations "to achieve joint optimum utilization of the available waters" in North America.

In fact, Moens has argued that it is "smart" to avoid the problem of negotiating and ratifying another treaty. Just tell Canadians when it's all over. "What is there to fear?" he asks.

Bring these secret SPP negotiations into the political arena, to public scrutiny, so that we can all observe what is happening to our country behind our backs. The Conservative government, roundly supported by the ultra right- wing Fraser Institute, is denying, to Canadians, representation and due process.

Call an election over the SPP, Mr. Harper and Mr. Moens.

Roy Brady, Peterborough chapter, The Council of Canadians

Visit the IntegrateThis.ca website for more information about the SPP.