Thanks to generous donations from Council of Canadians supporters and chapters – combined with funds raised through Leadnow, Avaaz, the Green Party and other groups – $150,000 has been raised for a legal challenge against the Canada-China Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) being led by the Hupacasath First Nation.
Brenda Sayers of the Hupacasath First Nation says, “To the People of Canada, Hupacasath First Nation thanks you for taking a stand to protect our Canada and our constitutional rights. Hupacasath First Nation is extremely grateful for the trust you have bestowed upon our nation to undertake this important work on everyone’s behalf. …Hupacasath First Nation would like to hold up Leadnow, Council of Canadians, Elizabeth May, West Coast Environmental Law, Ellen Chambers, Tarah Stafford and Lori Waters for the relentless work that they contributed to the monumental task of fundraising over a 4 month period. Without their commitment, we would not be able to see our day in court. As well, a special thank you to Avaaz for joining our team and helping us reach a milestone.”
In late-April Ha-Shilth-Sa reported, “A court action launched by Hupacasath First Nation is the last remaining obstacle to the Canada-China Foreign Investment Protection Agreement. …On Jan. 18, with support from organizations like the Council of Canadians, Leadnow, the Chiefs of Ontario and the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, Hupacasath filed a motion in federal court to stop the treaty, based on Ottawa’s failure to consult with First Nations as required under Section 35.2 of the Canadian Constitution.”
That news article noted that there will be a three-day court case some time in late May or early June.
Please note that any new donations will help begin a contingency fund in case the government appeals, so your help is still greatly needed.
For more, please read:
NEWS: Council supports FIPA legal challenge, May-June court date draws near
NEWS: Grewal speaks at Canada-China FIPA legal challenge media conference
UPDATE: The Council of Canadians working to stop the Canada-China FIPA
NEWS: First Nations files legal challenge against Canada-China FIPA
