Barlow to Vancouver: We’re winning!
Collapse of WTO gives hope for defeat of FTAA

VANCOUVER - Global social justice activists Maude Barlow, Virginia Setshedi and Marta de la Vega will be giving a citizen's perspective on the World Trade Organization and the Free Trade Area of the Americas this Friday October 24 at a public forum hosted by the Council of Canadians.

The recent collapse of the WTO talks in Cancun was a great victory in the struggle for fair trade. As citizens mobilize for the upcoming FTAA talks in Miami this November 20-21, the Council of Canadians' public forum is an opportunity to reflect on a major win and prepare for the next battle.

Internationally known Canadian activist Maude Barlow will discuss the critical role that civil society played in strengthening the opposition of Third World governments to the agenda of the WTO. "The combined strength of civil society and Third World delegates was powerful. We were told by many delegates that our presence and support made a huge difference," says Barlow. "We are continuing to build these relationships in our drive to defeat the FTAA."

South African Virginia Setshedi, from the Alternative Information and Development Centre, will share her experiences of the popular mobilization in Cancun. "On the streets outside the WTO meeting, there was a concrete feeling of people from around the world coming together for a common purpose," says Setshedi. "We must bring that same feeling to the streets of Miami for the FTAA summit."

Marta de la Vega, from the Ecumenical Task Force for Justice in the Americas, will discuss the harmful effects of the proposed FTAA on the hemisphere and what citizens must do to stop this threat. "The majority of the peoples of the Americas oppose the FTAA. Their voices cannot be ignored. If they are, the FTAA in Miami will encounter the same resistance as the WTO in Cancun."

"The Other Superpower" public forum takes place at the Renaissance Hotel from 7:00 to 10:00 pm. Admission is free.

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