1• PEOPLE’S VOICE • APRIL 16-30, 2017 Prolétaires de tous les pays, unissez-vous! Otatoskewak ota kitaskinahk mamawentotan Workers of all lands, unite!
APRIL Zuma must 16-30, resign: SACP 2017 people's VOL. 25 Page 9 #7 Printed by union labour in Canada $1.50 Canada Post Publications Mail VOICE Agreement #40011632 Protests hit US bombing of Syria Page 5 PM Justin Trudeau's trail of broken promises... electoral reform / pipeline consultation / health care funding / environment / door- to-door mail delivery... and the list goes on Commentary on page 6 Photo by Ed Bil
3 INSIDE 12 Trump's Missiles Journalist under attack 7 Only in Canada? Justin Brake, a Reds in BC Election Abandoning his campaign rhetoric, journalist for the Independent, an Donald Trump launched 59 Cruise online publication, is facing criminal British Columbians go to the polls on missiles against Syria on April 6th. charges over his coverage of protests May 9th. Voters in six ridings will have But it's really no surprise - this is against the Muskrat Falls hydro a Communist on their ballots - check the latest episode in Washington's project in Labrador. out the party's election platform. long class war against Syria. 2• PEOPLE’S VOICE • APRIL 16-30, 2017 Say NO to US aggression against DPRK!
Central Executive Comm- in Ottawa and around the world. weapons and its reckless corporate interests in the world. from US aggressions, illegal wars, ittee, Communist Party of These acts and threats of war aggression endangers peoples and He means NATO and the military and crimes against humanity. Canada, April 10, 2017 and aggression against sovereign states around the globe. forces of the US and its allies, Canadian government support for states are completely outside the Nuclear tests by DPRK are the including Japan, should attack US aggression and wars is The illegal US airstrikes on rules of international law, and are result of a relentless US campaign DPRK. complicity, and complicity is also Syria combined with ominous a threat to peace and security on a against Korea, including threats to It’s in this context that the a war crime. threats of similar US action against global scale. The US is not the overthrow the government, threats DPRK is testing its nuclear The Communist Party calls on the Democratic Peoples Republic world’s policeman, though it is of invasion, sanctions that have capacity. An end to US threats of the Canadian government, on of Korea should raise alarm bells armed to the teeth with nuclear contributed to severe shortages in regime change and invasion, and Parliament, to oppose US threats DPRK, and a continuous campaign negotiations leading to a political and aggression against DPRK and of disinformation aimed to keep solution are the only way to de- Syria without further delay. We tensions in the region at peak escalate growing tensions and to call on the labour and democratic levels. This includes US proposals achieve peace and disarmament in movements, and all those to re-arm Japan with nuclear the region. US gun-boat diplomacy concerned with peace and the weapons, and increasing US in the nuclear age threatens the growing danger of further illegal interference in the South China whole world. No-one is safe. US aggression and global Sea including Trump’s decision to Parliament, and the government confrontations, to mobilize to send more US warships to the of Canada, must say no to the oppose the US war machine, and region in February. Trump administration’s declara- to demand that Canada stand up It is the US that has prevented tions of war on Syria and DPRK. for peace, for international law, all efforts at reunification of North The Canadian government has a and for negotiated political and South Korea through a responsibility to protect Canadians solutions. negotiated political solution to the 1953 ceasefire agreement that has maintained a state of war between north and south ever since. Regime A Canadian surge? change has been the US motivation exposed when the extension of since the end of WW II, based on By Paul Bentley Operation Impact is seen in the its Cold War determination to Without a peep from the context of other recent military dominate the region and “roll-back moves. Communism” in south-east Asia, opposition parties, the Trudeau In addition to previously in Vietnam, China, and in Europe. government announced on March 31st that it will extend Canada’s announced plans for the Today, the overthrow of sovereign deployment of “heavily armoured” governments in south-east Asia is “military contribution to the fight Canadian troops to lead a NATO a key part of the US pivot to Asia, against Da’esh”, dubbed Operation Impact, until June 30th. contingent in Latvia, Canada and the encirclement and isolation confirmed on March 25th that its of the USA’s biggest economic The absence of any objections, air force will also be deployed in and political competitor, China. or even questions, in Parliament from the NDP is particularly disa- Iceland and Romania to “defend When President Trump calls against Russian aggression”; and, on “the civilized world” to act ppointing given that they had on April 3rd, Canada’s right-wing against DPRK, he means imper- originally opposed the war. The only political party in Canada now Ukrainian nationalist Foreign ialism and the biggest global calling for an end to Canada’s Minister, Chrystia Freeland, met participation is the Communist with Ukraine Defense Minister Party. Stephen Poltarak to finalize details Fund Drive now over $18,000 When Trudeau recently back- of the new Canada-Ukraine tracked on his promise to end the Defense Cooperation Arrange- Since our most recent issue, the Justin Trudeau, our supposedly desperately need media outlets that “first-past-the-post” system, on the ment. biggest development on the less-aggressive Prime Minister. expose the warmongers and excuse of protecting against the According to the CBC, Poltorak international scene has been the Not only does this unprovoked campaign for world peace and election of “extremist parties”, says his government views the new illegal US bombing of Syria. The attack against Syria completely disarmament. But we can only presumably he was concerned that co-operation agreement as a step mainstream corporate media ignore that country’s national continue to play this role with your he might face hard questions from towards eventually getting on the obediently reported that this sovereignty, it brings the world help to complete our annual Fund socialist parties. automatic firearms country control violation of international law was one step closer to a potential wider Drive for $50,000. Questions like these: “Wouldn’t list, which would allow Canadian a “necessary” step towards the military confrontation in a volatile We reported in our previous the Billion dollars you are putting exporters to sell the country so- violent removal of the elected region. No wonder that anti-war issue that this year’s Fund Drive is into a dirty oil war be better spent called prohibited weapons: “I do government of Syria, in retaliation protests were organized as an off to a great start. As of April 7, on mental health”? hope this agreement will serve as for alleged chemical weapons immediate emergency response. six weeks into the Drive, we have “Hundreds of soldiers died in the foundation for the future attacks against Syrian civilians. But the truth is that the peace raised $18,185, which works out the war in Afghanistan. Many more dialogue on the possibility of this As the Bolivian government movement in Canada remains far to 36.3% of our $50,000 target. committed suicide or continue to sort of assistance to Ukraine”, correctly pointed out, the US smaller than it should be. One key Going from west to east, that suffer the effects of PTSD. Yet the Poltorak said. government appointed itself as reason is that our mass media are includes $4480 from British Taliban now control 60% of the The anti-Russian sentiment prosecutor, judge and jury in this completely lined up with US Columbia, $570 from Alberta, country of Afghanistan. Why behind Freeland’s policy in case, issuing a “guilty” verdict the imperialism and its deadly doctrine $180 from Saskatchewan, $1200 should Canadians suffer and die Eastern Europe is also implicit in moment the incident took place, of “responsibility to protect” - also from Manitoba, $10,690 from in a losing cause again?” her aggressive remarks regarding without any need for investigations known as the US right to dictate to Ontario (over 50% of the “If Canada’s role in the war the chemical weapons catastrophe to find the truth. Why bother with the rest of the planet. provincial target of $22,000), $135 against Da’esh is simply a training in Syria: “Tuesday’s horrific attack facts when Uncle Sam is on hand People’s Voice is more from Quebec, $730 from Nova mission, why are Canada’s raises grave questions about the to launch 59 Cruise missiles? necessary than ever in these Scotia (the first area to officially notoriously lethal JTF2 special possibility of working with the Certainly Donald Trump’s situations, where the working class achieve its target), and $200 from forces assuming an advance Assad regime. They are accusation was good enough for and democratic movements Newfoundland & Labrador. position in the Battle for Mosul?” responsible and we have to treat Our next fundraising event is “How do you explain CBC them as responsible”, she said. Contribute online at being held by our Edmonton reports that a “special forces We might be surprised that Tru- supporters: a ”Tribute to Fidel” officer, who asked not to be deau, famous for his mockery of peoplesvoice.ca/donate on, Sat., April 22, 6-11:30 pm, at identified for security reasons, said former Prime Minister’s Stephen the Ukrainian Hall, 11018 97 St. the nature of the Mosul offensive Harper’s desire to “whip out our NW. The special guest speaker had meant Canadian troops often CF-18s and show how big they Here's my contribution will be Liz Rowley, leader of the found themselves in situations are”; would support Freeland’s Communist Party of Canada. The where they were required to fire?” aggressive foreign policy designs. event features music, song, dance, In fact, Trudeau’s introduction Perhaps Trudeau is just trying to the PV Fund Drive! and poetry on the theme. Tickets of a “Discussion Paper” on to find a way to appease Trump’s Parliament Hill in which he bellicose demands that America’s Enclosed please find my donation of $_____ are $20/$10 for a Caribbean- themed dinner and silent auction, proposes that he should only have allies foot more of the bill for their to the 2017 People's Voice Press Fund Drive. proceeds to People’s Voice. to attend Question Period once a own defense. Coming up in BC is our week and get Fridays off, suggests On the other hand, if personality Name ______Mother’s Day Brunch, being held that he really doesn’t want to face inflects politics we might speculate this year on Sunday, May 14, 11 any questions in Parliament at all! that Trudeau, “le petit” is turning Address ______am-2 pm, at a new location, 1600 The gall which Trudeau has out to be just like his father. shown recently, however, is not Canadians still have very mixed City/town ______block E. 20th Avenue, Vancouver (3586 Bella Vista), $15 (kids $10). limited to matters of Parliamentary feelings about how Pierre Trudeau, Prov. ______Postal Code ______Thanks to all who have put their procedure. The corporate media’s in response to the kidnapping of a time and effort into these events, compartmentalization of the news, minor politician in Quebec, Send your contribution to: and to everyone planning other designed to disguise the proclaimed the War Measures Act People's Voice, 706 Clark Drive, Vancouver, BC, V5L 3J1 fundraisers later this spring. See increasingly aggressive nature of and rolled the tanks into the streets Q our next issue for more details!Q Canadian foreign policy, is of Montreal. 3• PEOPLE’S VOICE • APRIL 16-30, 2017 Corner Brookers rally in defence of media freedom
By Sean Burton During the aftermath of the what any proper journalist should of First Nations and Inuit if we Tom Henheffer pointing out that demonstrations, the provincial in order to get the story. In his truly believe in creating a more considering the RCMP’s history About thirty people gathered in government placed a temporary words, “Canadians have a right to just society. of brutality towards indigenous front of Corner Brook’s Sir hold on the project and met with know in order to be informed For his efforts, Brake was protests, it is necessary for Richard Squires Building on April some community leaders in an citizens.” nominated for the province’s journalists to be on hand to 2 to show support for Justin Brake, attempt to alleviate concerns, but The charges against Brake Human Rights Award in December observe. a journalist for online publication the RCMP announced that it would represent a disturbing precedent 2016. Organizations such as A defence fund has been created the Independent, who is facing press charges against a number of that can do great harm to Reporters Without Borders, the to support Brake, who must travel criminal charges from the RCMP people at the site, including Brake. journalism in this country. Indeed, Canadian Association of Jour- to Labrador for court appearances. over his coverage of protests in Twenty-eight people in all were comments from Nalcor’s lawyer nalists and Canadian Journalists The fund can be viewed at https:/ central Labrador last fall. charged in connection with get to the heart of the matter. At for Free Expression (CJFE) have /donorbox.org/the-independent- In October 2016, dozens of violating a court order for court proceedings in February, voiced support, with CJFE director legal-defence-fund.Q indigenous people representing protesters to stay off the site as lawyer Chris King stated, Labrador’s Innu, Inuit, and Metis well as “mischief over $5000”. “Journalists have no greater right Sask Party cuts hurt libraries along with non-indigenous At the Corner Brook rally, to trespass on private property than supporters, occupied the Muskrat Brake was defended by local any other individual and a The Parkland Regional Library in Yorkton, SK is reducing services Falls hydro plant construction site CUPE representative Ernest journalist certainly has no greater and laying off eight people to deal with the 58 per cent budget reduction out of concern for the environ- Greene, Janice Kennedy of right to defy a court order ... than from the provincial budget. Seven CUPE members are among the mental and social impact of the Provincial Action Network on the any other individual.” workers facing a layoff. project. Status of Women, Sophia Descalzi If that is so, what is to stop “The Sask Party has put our regional libraries in an impossible In the context of widespread of the Grenfell Campus Student similar arguments from being situation. Facing a 58 per cent deficit with no warning means our aboriginal resistance to Union, indigenous artist Melissa made against journalists in the communities lose out on the important programs and services our environmental exploitation and the Tremblett, Mi’kmaq elder Calvin future? How could a journalist libraries provide,” said Alex Lenko, CUPE national staff representative. struggle against colonization, White, and Michael Martin, a even pursue a story like this if it “Our members who work in the library system love their jobs and are Justin Brake decided this event former journalist, Labrador South means facing criminal charges? It proud of the important work they do to provide an amazing service to was vital to be covered. Brake was MHA and creator of the Labrador is especially important to the people of Saskatchewan. CUPE will fight these cuts and stand up for in the thick of events at the site and flag. Martin characterized Canada remember the context: this was an our members’ jobs.” followed the land protectors, as today as undemocratic and ruled act of civil disobedience by While the library is not looking at closing branches, the funding they came to be known, as they for the interests of rich oligarchs, aboriginal peoples in defence of shortfall means fewer new books and less e-resources, an end to holds occupied offices of crown and said that journalists like Justin their land and human rights against from other libraries, and an end to the ability to pick up books at one corporation Nalcor. His coverage Brake must be allowed to do what a crown corporation and provincial branch and drop them off at a different branch. of the events was live-streamed on they do in order to combat social government that use Labrador as a “These funding cuts will have a colossal impact on the wonderful the Independent’s social media ignorance. colonial possession for its natural services and programs our libraries provide,” said Tom Graham, pages and widely shared. Brake emphasized that he did resources. That arrangement is president of CUPE Saskatchewan. “These cuts come in a budget that hardly unique to Newfoundland also cut funding to K-12 education, STC, universities, regional parks, and Labrador, and it is absolutely municipalities, and health services. It is important that everyone who is vital that everyone in this country concerned about these cuts contact their MLA and let them know they be aware of the ongoing struggles are concerned.”Q RCMP admits to “Stingray” usage
Special to PV For the first time, the RCMP has confirmed it deployed IMSI- catcher phone surveillance devices — commonly known as Stingrays — dozens of times in recent years to identify and locate suspects in criminal investigations. The admission on April 5 comes after years of secrecy about the use of the mass surveillance tools. Even serious criminal charges have been dropped to keep the devices a secret. A recent CBC News investi- gation found Stingrays in use in Independent journalist Justin Brake at the rally in Corner Brook. downtown Ottawa and at Mont- real’s Trudeau airport. The RCMP democratic rights.” police forces. said it now obtains a warrant for Tribe continued: “How many The RCMP used to apply for a the use of Stingrays, but on the innocent Canadians have had their general warrant to deploy basis of suspicion of wrongdoing, private cellular data captured by Stingrays. But for one period of rather than belief. The force claims the RCMP’s use of Stingrays over about four months, it did not apply MAY DAY 2017 it doesn’t collect communications the past 10 years? Has any of that for a warrant for their use at all, content, but privacy advocates data been retained? Have these based on advice from the such as OpenMedia warn that the devices ever been deployed to Department of Justice. GREETING ADS collection of location information monitor a political protest or The force currently applies for To mark May Day 2017, People's Voice will print and metadata is in itself deeply demonstration? Is mere suspicion a Transmission Data Recorder greetings from a wide range of labour and people's invasive. OpenMedia says the of wrongdoing enough to justify Warrant to permit its use of organizations in our May 1-15 issue, which will be admission is long overdue, but the use of Stingrays, given the Stingrays. Such a warrant can be distributed at events across Canada. The deadline for camera-ready ads will be April 22; if PV is preparing the leaves important questions serious privacy implications for granted based merely on layout, the deadline is April 21. Please check with us unaddressed. law-abiding citizens? It’s also clear “reasonable grounds to suspect” about the format if your ad is being sent electronically. “Canadians have been that the use of these devices has an offence has been or will be demanding answers about Stingray been going on for years, pre- committed, rather than the stronger Ad rates (based on 5 column page): cell phone surveillance for years, sumably with the knowledge of “reasonable grounds to believe”. and it’s a pity it took revelations Public Safety Canada, despite While the RCMP is tracking One column-inch...... $15 about Stingray use in Ottawa to authorization from Innovation, the number of warrants it applies One column x 2 inches...... $25 seemingly prompt this admission. Science and Economic Devel- for, it is not obliged to report this One column x 3 inches...... $35 Now that the RCMP has come opment Canada only being granted to Parliament. Two columns x 2 inches...... $45 clean, can we finally have the this week.” These devices can interfere with Two columns x 3 inches...... $60 public debate about privacy and Among the key points from the other mobile phone signals and Two columns x 4 inches ...... $75 accountability that Canadians RCMP statement are: even interfere with the ability to Two columns x 5 inches...... $90 deserve?” said OpenMedia’s The RCMP says it has a total of dial 911 in older phones. As a Three columns x 4 inches...... $110 executive director Laura Tribe, 10 surveillance devices in its result, the RCMP says it tries to Two columns x 7 inches...... $130 whose complaint last year possession, and 24 technicians use the devices only for a few Three columns x 7 inches...... $180 triggered an ongoing Privacy trained and authorized to deploy minutes at a time, to minimize Commissioner investigation into them. The devices have been used unintended disruptions. Stingrays. “The fact that these “scores of times” in recent years, Over 45,000 people have signed Send greetings to People's Voice at: devices are in widespread use with including 19 times last year and 24 an online call for safeguards to 706 Clark Drive, Vancouver, V5L 3J1 very few meaningful safeguards times in 2015. The RCMP also protect innocent individuals from E-mail: [email protected] should alarm anyone who cares said other police forces own and Stingray phone surveillance, at about their privacy and basic use them too but didn’t name these StopStingrays.org Q 4• PEOPLE’S VOICE • APRIL 16-30, 2017 EDITORIALS Earth Day and climate justice This year’s Earth Day (April 22) is the first since the White House was taken over by a clique of climate-change deniers heavily funded by Big Energy monopolies. As Noam Chomsky warns, Donald Trump’s stated goal is to maximize the use of fossil fuels, end environmental regulations, and dismantle the Environmental Protection Agency. This strategy may signal the end of the world, Chomsky says, “even if not quite in the intended sense”. The release of carbon stored in plants, soil, etc. into the atmosphere, through burning fossil fuels and cutting down trees, means that today’s atmosphere contains 42% more carbon dioxide than during the pre-capitalist era. Extreme weather events are more common, and global surface temperatures have increased by about one degree centigrade since 1880. The 10 warmest years on record (with the exception of 1998) have occurred since 2000. Arctic ice and glaciers have shrunk markedly, and sea levels have risen 15 centimetres over the past century. Could U.S. withdrawal from even token efforts to limit carbon emissions spell the end of civilization? That is the increasingly common belief among scientists who warn that the tipping point for runaway global warming will arrive soon. The first victims will be island nations and low-lying areas such Bangladesh, already hit by heat waves and rising ocean levels. Working class and poor people everywhere will bear the brunt of climate change, which is truly an issue of global social justice. As we struggle against the capitalist agenda of austerity, cutbacks, , corporate trade deals, and militarism, the fight for environmental justice must be one of the core issues of our alternative programs. Against the “Alt-Right” on campus Earth Day is often an occasion for corporate interests to “greenwash” their destructive profiteering; instead, it should become a day for Commentary by the expression” to a list of protected an alleged leftist conspiracy working people to demand a new socialist economic system, based University of Toronto Club, classes under the Canadian Human seeking to erode traditional on protection of people and the environment. Communist Party of Canada Rights Act and to the Criminal Western values. Code) on “free speech” grounds, Ryerson has also proven With the election of Donald and notoriously refuses to use non- unwilling to protect its campus Workplace deaths: a capitalist disease Trump as president of the United binary and gender-neutral from anti-choice demonstrators States, and the current Con- pronouns. whose use of graphic imagery of Every year leading up to April 28, the annual Workers Memorial servative Party leadership race, Shortly after Peterson came into aborted fetuses has created a Day, statistics and articles provide ample proof of the epidemic of bigotry and hate-based politics are the spotlight, a U of T campus hostile environment on Gould workplace deaths. On a world-wide scale, every 15 seconds, a on the rise, particularly with the group called “Students in Support Street and raised indignation worker dies from a work-related accident or disease, and 153 growth of the “alt-right” - a loose of Free Speech” formed to defend amongst students. The Ryerson workers have a work-related accident. Every day, 6,300 people die coalition of “men’s rights” him. This group, along with Reproductive Justice Collective as a result of occupational accidents or work-related diseases – activists, anti-choicers, racists, “Generation Screwed”, the student has brought the issue before the more than 2.3 million deaths per year. An estimated 12 million anti-Muslim bigots, anti- wing of the Canadian Taxpayers university, but the university has people die as a result of living or working in an unhealthy environment LGBTQIA+ bigots, social used “free speech” as a cover, each year, nearly 1 in 4 of total global deaths, according to the conservatives and reactionaries claiming they cannot do anything World Health Organization. More than 300 million accidents occur who use “free speech” as a cover to protect students as Gould Street on the job annually; many resulting in extended absences from to push an agenda of hate. Speaking is public property. work. The economic cost of occupational deaths and injuries, and “Alt-right” posters have Free speech does not include poor occupational safety and health practices, is estimated at 4 per appeared on campuses across the out hate speech, and no institution is cent of global Gross Domestic Product. country, promoting hatred towards obligated to give a platform to In many cases, capitalist profiteering is the direct cause of immigrants, LGBTQIA+, and groups who seek to intimidate workplace deaths. The most notorious example is the garment other marginalized people. As the Federation (a conservative and women, LGBTQIA+ people, industry. The years 2012-2015 saw some of the largest garment current crises of capitalism con- libertarian-leaning advocacy immigrants, racialized people, and industry disasters on global record: the Ali Enterprises fire in tinue to magnify the precariousness group financed by big business) other people marginalized by Pakistan in September 2012, the Tazreen Fashions fire in Bangladesh of life for a great many people, the hosted Peterson and right-wing systems of oppression. The in November 2012, the Rana Plaza building collapse in Bangladesh public’s receptivity to the message pundit Ezra Levant at a conference Communist Party of Canada (U of in April 2013, and the Kentex factory fire in the Philippines in May of the far-right has also increased. at U of T in February, which was T) stands in solidarity with all those 2015. These horrific incidents, which could have been prevented While racism is by no means a US eventually shut down by police threatened and under attack. We with proper health and safety measures, resulted in the deaths of import to Canada (a state founded after heavy protest. condemn these groups and call on 1,600 garment workers in less than three years. on the basis of colonial genocide U of T has not been the only universities and student unions to The lesson is clear: capitalism kills, and the bosses are the against indigenous peoples, and campus downtown to prove refuse these “alt-right” and fascist culprits. But there is a cure - organized resistance in our workplaces the brutal exploitation of welcome to the “alt-right”. groups a platform to spread their and communities, and at the political level. Stronger trade unions immigrant workers) , these groups Ryerson University students have hate. Only through building broad and united political struggles are needed, not more PR campaigns have capitalized on the success of filed complaints about instructor progressive unity on our campuses by corporations eager to protect their sales figures. the US far-right, often mimicking Brian Petz (former president of and in our communities can we their rhetoric with slogans like Ryerson’s Campus Conser- combat and turn back the “Make Canada Great Again”. vatives) whose public anti- increasing public climate of hate At the University of Toronto, immigrant, anti-Muslim, and anti- and fear fostered by these far-right PEOPLE'S VOICE much of the “alt-right” activity has LGBTQIA+ comments reference groups.Q ISSN number 1198-8657 Published by New Labour Press Ltd. Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement #40011632 centred around professor Jordan common alt-right talking points. Peterson, a vlogger, and self- These talking points include Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to Circulation Dept., declared “professor against scapegoating immigrants for the People's Voice, 706 Clark Drive, Vancouver, BC, V5L 3J1 political correctness” who vocally economic problems created by Renew Tel: 604.255.2041 Email: [email protected] opposed Bill C-16 (which adds neoliberal austerity policies, and Volunteers and contributors for this issue: the words “gender identity or references to “cultural Marxism”, today! Dave Arland, Paul Bentley, Ed Bil, Sean Burton, Nino Check your label Pagliccia, Darrell Rankin, Liz Rowley, and our mailers in Vancouver & Toronto. Please check the Editor: Kimball Cariou Business Manager: Hassan Azimikor address label on the Editorial Advisory Board: front page to see if Jane Bouey, Kimball Cariou, Drew Garvie, it’s time to renew. Dave McKee, Pierre Fontaine, Elizabeth Rowley Subscribers who find "2017/04/02" on their LETTERS label, for example, People's Voice welcomes your letters. We reserve the will have their right to edit for length and clarity, and to refuse to print subscriptions expire letters which may be libellous or which contain personal with this issue, attacks. Send your views to: "Letters to the Editor" April 16-30, 2017 706 Clark Drive, Vancouver, BC, V5L 3J1 or [email protected] Don’t miss a single copy - People's Voice articles may be reprinted without renew today! permission provided the source is credited. Anti-racism demo at Toronto City Hall (Photo by Ed Bil) 5• PEOPLE’S VOICE • APRIL 16-30, 2017 Act now to condemn US military strike on Syria! Demand Canada oppose this wanton aggression
The April 6th U.S. missile attack when negotiators from both the aggression, and demands such ment reverse its policy, withdraw coalition in Syria & Iraq, end its on the Shayrat Military Airbase, government and some of the ‘rebel’ attacks cease immediately, and that its support for this brazen and punishing economic sanctions ostensibly done in response to an sides are in Geneva attempting to the over 1,000 U.S. ground troops, extremely serious violation of against Syria, and re-establish alleged chemical attack on a village achieve a political solution to end already in Syria without any international law, and call instead diplomatic relations with Damascus! in Idlib province, Syria, is a blatant the six-year long conflict. More sanction or approval from Damas- for a lasting political solution to Canada must also declare its act of aggression. At least 14 than that, it increases the possibility cus, be withdrawn. We further the conflict in Syria. Canada should recognition and respect for Syria’s people were killed in the missile of a direct military confrontation demand that the Canadian govern- remove itself from the US-led sovereignty and territorial strikes, including five soldiers on between the leading nuclear integrity, end all military flights the base and nine civilians in neigh- weapons powers – the U.S. and over Syria (which are to refuel bourhoods surrounding the facility. the Russian Federation – which allied warplanes and to identify Shayrat is one of the largest and could ignite a much wider regional new targets), and stop selling most active Syrian Air Force bases, conflict, not to mention a global weapons to countries who are dedicated primarily to fighting thermonuclear war. funding and arming the terrorists ISIS in central Syria and providing This wanton act of war – and in Syria. Not least, this should aid to besieged civilians in Deir the accompanying justifications include canceling the $15 billion Ezzor. given by the Trump Administration arms deal with Saudi Arabia. This unilateral action, taken – confirm without a shadow of We appeal to all peace organ- without any UN Security Council doubt that Washington’s true izations and activists, labour, anti- mandate, is an egregious violation objective in Syria is not to fight imperialist and international of international law which cannot terrorism but rather to impose solidarity groups, and peace- be justified. Indeed, Washington ‘regime change’ on its people, loving people across Canada to has failed to provide any evidence despite its hollow claims to the see through the barrage of imper- proving that the Syrian government contrary. ialist propaganda, and its crass use and its allies were actually guilty Canada’s role in this deepening of the now-discredited “Respon- of this chemical attack, and before Syrian crisis is no less deplorable. sibility-to-Protect” (R2P) doctrine any independent investigation While stating that Canada will not intended to disorient and neutralize could be undertaken by UN take part in any further military organized resistance, and to come monitoring bodies to determine attacks on Syria, the Trudeau together in unity and action against responsibility for the Sarin gas government has lent its political imperialist aggression in Syria. attack. support to this illegal and Hands Off Syria! Canada Out The U.S. missile strike dangerous US bombing. of NATO! significantly escalates the ‘proxy’ The Canadian Peace Congress - Executive Committee, war on Syria, precisely at a time unreservedly condemns this Toronto rally on April 8 against bombing of Syria (photo: Jay Watts) Canadian Peace CongressQ Tell Trump - No to war! Hands off Syria!
Statement by the Central ruited and trained to do their dirty and civil and democratic rights. between the US and Russia on the Canada to speak up and mobilize Executive Committee, work from the most reactionary Trump claims that US national territory of Syria. The world is against the US airstrikes, and Communist Party of countries in the Middle East. security interests in the region are now facing the horrific possibility against any Canadian support for Canada, April 7, 2017 Now that the Syrian government threatened and that this gives the of a confrontation between the two or involvement in this new US war is defeating the terrorists, including US the right to launch a war on countries with the largest nuclear on Syria. US President Donald Trump’s ISIS, Al’Nusra, and others, the US Syria, is not credible. This was the arsenals in the world. Canadians must make it clear in illegal bombing of Syria yesterday has no more proxy forces inside justification given by the Bush and The Canadian government must every possible way – in protests on is a war crime. the country able to overthrow the Obama administrations in be the voice of reason, and the the streets, in the media, in Prime Minister Trudeau’s government from within. launching their wars on Iraq and voice of peace and a political Parliament and on the Hill, that war statement this morning, supporting In fact the peace process was on Libya, leaving thousands of solution, not the weak-kneed echo is not an option. The only solution the US airstrikes, makes Canada proceeding well at the international civilians dead and those countries of Donald Trump and his crimes is a negotiated political solution, complicit in these war crimes. level, with peace talks including in ruins. against the Syrian people. based in international law. We call on the Liberal govern- the Assad government well The US airstrikes have also We call on the labour and demo- Hands off Syria! End Canadian ment to oppose the US airstrikes, underway, and the war against the escalated the frightening scenario cratic movements and all those complicity in this dirty U.S. war! to take a firm position supporting terrorists nearly won. For the of a direct military confrontation peace-loving peoples across Bring the troops home!Q a return to the peace process and a democratically elected Assad negotiated settlement, and to government, the prospects of a demand a full investigation into peaceful and negotiated political the release of sarin gas which led solution were at hand. They clearly Attack violated UN charter: Bolivia to the deaths of 80 civilians. had no interest in derailing the us and on this occasion (in 2003), Syrian government represent- There is no proof – nor any peace process. From www.telesurtv.net the United States did affirm, they atives have denied that it would investigation – to determine who Honest people must ask Lambasting the United affirmed that they had all the proof use such weapons, stating that is responsible. What is known is themselves, who benefits from the States’ aggression against Syria, necessary to show that Iraq had the alleged proof of a Syrian that the Pentagon has trained the sarin gas deaths and the US Bolivian Ambassador to the weapons of mass destruction but military role is, in fact, terrorists in the use of sarin gas, airstrikes on Syria? United Nations Sacha Llorenti they were never found … never propaganda fabricated by and that the terrorists had stock- The answer, clearly, is the compared the basis for the were they found,” the Bolivian opposition groups like Jabhat al- piled sarin gas in secret storage reactionary states in the region unilateral move to former U.S. envoy told the emergency Security Nusra. Russian President facilities that were bombed by which have called for a no-fly zone Secretary of State Colin Council meeting on April 7. Vladimir Putin’s spokesman, government air strikes last week. and US military intervention to Powell’s infamous 2003 On Feb. 5, 2003, Secretary Powell Dmitry Peskov, said that Putin Trump’s rush to war suggests overthrow the Assad government, presentation to the body, when presented fabricated “proof” that considers the strikes to be the truth is incidental – or incon- and a US President and Republican fraudulent evidence of an Saddam Hussein’s government in “aggression against a sovereign venient for the US administration, administration in deep trouble at alleged Iraqi weapons program Iraq was developing weapons of state in violation of international which has fought to overthrow the home, unable to move legislation was presented to justify the U.S. mass destruction, including deadly law, and under a false pretext.” Assad government for years, using forward in the Congress, with very war on Iraq. nerve agents. The presentation has Arguing that the U.S. acted mercenaries and terrorists rec- low public approval ratings and Holding up an enlarged photo since been widely discredited, as no unilaterally and in flagrant mass opposition growing, of Colin Powell’s “weapons of evidence of a weapons program was violation of the U.N. charter, the including inside the Republican mass destruction” speech, Llor- ever discovered. Powell himself Bolivian envoy called for a caucuses. Not least, Trump is in enti made an impassioned plea expressing regret over what he closed-door meeting of the U.N. trouble because of a budget which to hold the U.S. to account for termed “a great intelligence failure” Security Council. shifts $54 billion out of social the unprovoked attack on Syria, — a failure that originated in his “The United States was spending into spending for war. noting the U.S. history of own exaggerated and doctored preparing once again and carried The terrorist stock-piling of imperialist interventions, interpretation of intercepted Iraqi out a unilateral attack,” Llorenti sarin gas and the terrible deaths including in Latin America. communications. said. “The missile attack, of resulting from its release after the “Now the United States The U.S. launched dozens of course, is a unilateral action. facilities were hit by bombs, has believe that they are invest- tomahawk cruise missiles at the They represent a serious threat created the incident that the US igators, they are attorneys, judges Shayrat air base in Homs on April to international peace and government has been seeking to and executioners. That’s not what 6. The attack was a response to an security.” directly intervene in Syria. Their international law is about.” alleged Sarin gas attack on the U.S. Ambassador to the aim is to overthrow the Assad The Andean nation currently rebel-held town of Khan United Nations Nikki Haley government by force, and to holds a non-permanent seat on Sheikhoun. The incident claimed denied the request. The U.S. distract US public opinion from the U.N. Security Council. 89 lives, including 33 children and holds the presidency of the Trump’s catastrophic foreign and “I believe it’s vital for us to 18 women, according to local Security Council during the domestic policies including on remember what history teaches opposition authorities. month of April.Q immigration, healthcare, the EPA, 6• PEOPLE’S VOICE • APRIL 16-30, 2017 Justin Trudeau's campaign promises are vanishing one by one another target for privatization. The Central Committee of the Communist NAFTA negotiations, which are Party of Canada met in Toronto over the still ahead, and which even Brian March 4-5 weekend to analyze recent political Mulroney has advised will be very tough for Canada, are all about developments and to chart the Party's work bread and butter for millions of over the coming period. We reprint here some Canadians. So is the government’s excerpts from the Political Report adopted by economic plan, about which we will hear more in the spring budget. the CC meeting. The full Report can be The promise of good jobs and viewed at www.communist-party.ca. infrastructure investments across the country have been exposed – The election of Trump and the clear the backlog of people on the not as a cross-Canada building subsequent flurry of activity have wait list for MRIs in the public plan – but as a coast to coast helped PM Trudeau and the healthcare system. The Wall privatization plan, in which public- Liberals through an increasingly government – a right-wing Tory private partnerships (P-3s) stand unpopular winter of discontent in government – is flouting the to bilk billions out the public purse Canada. Polls show the Liberals Canada Health Act and the single and into corporate coffers. The losing support as one by one, the payer public system with impunity. plan may also include privatization of existing public assets, as has government’s election promises The federal Liberals are willing to Communist Party banner at anti-racism rally in Toronto. vaporize. Starting with the do this because they want the $10 happened in Ontario. The sale of promises to Indigenous peoples to billion cut from their transfers over Ontario Hydro, euphemistically monopolies, the vast increase in Trump means their fortunes will launch the Inquiry into Missing 10 years, to be used for infra- described by Premier Wynne as corporate super-profits, in prices, also be tied to the mercurial US and Murdered Aboriginal Women, structure spending, and to reduce “unlocking and recycling a public in layoffs and plant closures, and President and his posse of bankers, avoiding delays and facilitating its the deficit, before the 2019 election asset” is the largest privatization in the exploitation of workers billionaires, and oilmen. work; to establish a nation to nation campaign. No wonder that the of a public asset in Canadian through declining real wages, cuts The Bloc Quebecois has also relationship between the federal public is cynical... history, a huge giveaway to the to benefits and pensions, and a tied itself to the rising right-wing government and Indigenous Medicare is also under threat corporations purchasing it, and has continuing decline in union density movements, and remains without nations, and not to approve from the upcoming NAFTA caused huge increases in hydro in the private sector. Automation a leader, without Party status, and pipelines without prior approval negotiations, and from the Charter fees to all customers, and fits within this framework, with only ten members of of indigenous nations; to challenge launched by Dr. Brian especially residential customers. enabling workers to create enor- Parliament. A leadership election adequately fund Indigenous edu- Day and Cambie Surgery, The government’s Economic mous new wealth which is approp- to replace former leader Gilles cation, healthcare, mental health, demanding an end to the single Advisory Committee, chaired by riated almost exclusively by the Duceppe will be held in April. housing, and clean water on payer system and allowing private Domenic Barton, managing direc- employers. In this way the scien- The NDP is also waiting for its reserves; none of this has been healthcare corporations to tor of McKinsey, a global con- tific and technological revolution fall convention to elect a new delivered. Trudeau’s approval of compete with the publicly financed sulting firm, is recommending pri- has benefited the employers and leader and determine whether it the Kinder Morgan Pipeline in Medicare system. The court case vatization, more free trade, dereg- been used against the working will alter its political direction. Its November, and the resurrection of is still underway, packed with ulation, foreign investment, and class. Mass permanent unemploy- fall to third party status is a direct the Keystone XL pipeline by witnesses advocating for private changes to the labour market and ment is a big part of what has reflection of its rightward shift President Trump have generated billing and two-tier healthcare, but the CPP that would raise the pen- fueled the right-wing “revolution” during the leadership of Jack furious opposition from environ- the outcome will be a landmark sion age to 67 – measures the in the US, Europe, and now Canada Layton and current leader Thomas mentalists as well as Indigenous either for, or against, universal previous government was defeated as well. This is what the Tories Mulcair. Unless the left-wing of peoples and their supporters from healthcare in Canada, when a over. and the far right are feeding on. the party is able to change the both the US and Canada. decision is rendered sometime later Economic projections for the direction, the NDP is unlikely to Just before the December this year or early next year. This is Canadian economy in 2017 are pose a serious challenge to either holidays the government convened also a proposal from the Ontario mixed. The rise in oil prices has the Liberals or the Tories in the provincial health ministers to offer Chamber of Commerce to the helped the Alberta oil industry, next election. In the interim, the them a take-it-or-leave-it deal that Ontario government, to ‘ease’ but unemployment is still over 8%. NDP’s support for NAFTA would cut $30 billion from federal pressure on the public system. The low Canadian dollar was renegotiations, for NATO and healthcare transfers over the next Trudeau’s latest fall from grace expected to increase exports and NORAD, and for balanced ten years. By adding $11 million, is the decision to scrap the electoral offset low oil prices, but it didn’t budgets, will not endear it to a small amount - specifically for reform that he promised would materialize, and factory output and Canadians, nor help to mount the mental healthcare and long-term come before the next federal manufacturing output has declined, fight needed to defeat the corporate care - the government tried to election... The assertion that resulting in very weak growth in agenda, and secure the policies convince Canadians that slashing Canadians just aren’t interested in the GDP. Trump’s America First Canadians voted for in the 2015 $30 billion from healthcare was a electoral reform is so blatantly policy, including border taxes and election campaign. good idea. Originally united untrue that public reaction was The outcome of the NAFTA tariffs on automobiles and other The Green Party, like the NDP, against the massive cut, the quick and nasty and included negotiations and the failure to manufactured goods, as well as has been outspoken on the issues provinces have pulled apart with Canada-wide protests. These were deliver on many of their election pressure to further lower corporate of Islamophobia and hate, and on the Atlantic provinces, the undoubtedly also spurred by the promises, will all have a significant taxes in Canada, and for more environmental and indigenous Territories, Saskatchewan and BC Liberals’ cash-for-access scandal, impact on the next election slated deregulation, are a serious threat concerns around the pipelines, but settling for the original offer with also permitted by the current for 2019. to the Canadian economy. Green leader Elizabeth May is still some small tweaks and top-ups. election laws. A recent Nanos poll showed Changes to global banking opposed to BDS as it applies to the The biggest provinces, Ontario and The Liberals also promised to 75% of Canadians want Trudeau regulations will also threaten Palestinian cause... Quebec have not settled, nor restore door to door delivery at to stand up to Trump on a range of Canada, which is already suffering As we meet this weekend, the Alberta and Manitoba; however, Canada Post. The parliamentary issues including trade, the effects of housing bubbles in extra-parliamentary struggle is the the provinces’ united front to report on Canada Post indicates immigration, progressive values, Toronto, Vancouver, and main one we will focus on for the secure a new and better financed the government will restore service and NATO.... A Pollara poll, taken elsewhere. Increases in the price next two years. The results of this federal health accord has broken to some of the approximately at the same time, showed that 57% of housing, which in Toronto has struggle will set the stage for the apart, and the goal of a new federal 830,000 homes that have been of Canadians believe Canada is in surpassed 24% per year, are not 2019 federal election. For working health accord is lost. forced to use community recession. While not technically sustainable, and could become the people to secure advances in that The Saskatchewan settlement mailboxes, but not all. correct, it’s an accurate reflection trigger in a new economic crisis. election, we have to secure real poses another imminent threat to Furthermore, the report rejects of rapidly declining purchasing The Tories are positioning advances in the labour and people’s Medicare in Canada because the CUPW’s proposals to adopt postal power and living standards, and themselves on the far right of the struggles against war and reaction federal government has chosen not banking as a service and a means the good jobs that are still Liberals, though their embrace of in the next 24 months. Q to demand that the Wall to increase revenue for the post disappearing with plant closures government end its practice of office. This is another broken and lay-offs, and the precarious allowing private pay healthcare to promise, and quite possibly jobs and contract work that is the norm for a sizable proportion of the workforce, and for almost all young people. This is the relative REDS ON THE WEB and absolute impoverishment of www.communist-party.ca the working class. While apologists for capitalism www.peoplesvoice.ca cite automation as the main reason, the truth is that automation is an www.ycl-ljc.ca important part of the story, but not the whole story. The main reason rebelyouth-magazine.blogspot.com is the increasing concentration and http://solidnet.org centralization of capital in the hands of fewer and fewer Photos on this page by Ed Bil. 7• PEOPLE’S VOICE • APRIL 16-30, 2017 Defeat the BC Liberals, vote for fundamental change
A message from George Upon taking office, Christy poverty rates remain among the resources, while ignoring inherent government to pull back for tactical Gidora, leader of the Clark tried to distance herself from worst in Canada, rents have Indigenous rights and strong reasons, and the NDP caucus in the legacy of Gordon Campbell, skyrocketed, and 150,000 people community opposition to Victoria has raised some important Communist Party of BC starting with a temporary reduction are officially unemployed (many dangerous projects like the Kinder criticisms about the anti-people and candidate in the of his enormous tax breaks to the more have dropped out of the Morgan pipeline expansion, the and environmentally destructive riding of Surrey-Whalley rich and the corporations, and the labour force and aren’t counted). Site C dam which will flood policies of the Clark Liberals. NDP first minimum wage increase in It took a Supreme Court of Canada valuable agricultural land in the leader John Horgan has made a over a decade. But the tax breaks ruling to force Clark to restore the Peace River, and the Ajax open- handful of progressive policy were fully restored after Clark won Liberal cuts to education funding pit mine which threatens announcements, such as support the 2013 provincial election, and since 2002. environmental disaster for for the campaigns to establish a BC has again fallen near the bottom Until recently, the Premier Kamloops. $10/day child care system, and to of provincial minimum wage rates. received a $50,000 annual stipend The verdict is clear: despite legislate a $15 minimum wage. The Premier still refuses to increase (on top of her salary) from the wearing a hard hat in her glitzy TV But the NDP refuses to directly taxes on higher income earners or proceeds of fundraising dinners ads, BC’s Big Business Premier challenge the austerity policies of corporate profits, and rejects wide attended by big corporate Christy Clark heads a government the Liberals, or even to roll back public demands for a $15 minimum contributors. Her government totally bought and paid for by Campbell’s tax cuts. If anything, wage. Under her government, gives full support to the big corporate interests. the NDP is yet again reaching out social cuts continue, living business drive for expanded Since the 2013 election, a few standards have declined, child extraction and export of natural mass struggles have forced the see DEFEAT LIBERALS, p. 11 May 2017 Provincial Election Platform of the Communist Party of BC TAX CORPORATIONS c) $20 minimum wage – end the A FUTURE FOR the market basket of actual living “rape kits” and staff trained to lower minimum wage for liquor expenses, indexed to inflation; administer tests AND THE WEALTHY servers YOUTH remove artificial barriers to d) Expel post-secondary students d) legislate maximum salary levels assistance. The Communist Party calls for Under capitalism, working class who commit rape or other forms for public service, end bonuses for – free transit passes for all Social redistribution of income away from young people face high of violence against women crown corporation executives Assistance and Disability the rich and the corporations who unemployment, low wages, e) Close the gender pay gap e) make BC a sanctuary province recipients benefit from neoliberal policies massive student debt burdens, and – no deportations of undocumented and austerity cutbacks, and towards lack of access to post-secondary PROTECT HUMAN workers, ensure full access to the working class and the poor education and apprenticeship EXPAND & IMPROVE medical care and education for all RIGHTS who create all wealth. In this training. In this election, the families PUBLIC TRANSIT election, we demand: Communist Party calls for: The Universal Declaration of a) Increase provincial revenues by a) A $20 minimum wage; support Expanded private vehicle use Human Rights includes the rights $2.5 billion annually by restoring REVERSE PRIVAT- the labour/student campaign for means higher greenhouse gas to employment, shelter, education, tax rates for the wealthy and IZATION, EXPAND $15/hour now emissions, and more highways equality, trade unions and much corporations to pre-2001 levels, b) Free post-secondary education built over arable lands. We need a more. In this election, the and further by making the tax PUBLIC OWNERSHIP c) Expand apprenticeship pro- dramatic shift to improve public Communist Party demands: system more progressive Capitalist governments across the grams, and end unpaid internships. transit. TheCommunist Party a) Re-establish the BC Human b) Abolish MSP premiums and planet are privatising natural demands: Rights Commission, and prosecute other regressive user fees, reduce resources and public assets, at the EXPAND SOCIAL a) Increase the number of buses in all police officers who commit Metro Vancouver by at least 1,000 provincial sales tax expense of working people. We PROGRAMS crimes. c) no provincial income tax on stand for socialism, which means with accompanying improvements b) Enforce legislated protections earnings under $40,000 per year democratic public ownership and The Communist Party works to in service for trans and gender-diverse people control, not corporate profiteering. win a socialist society, in which b) Expand transit alternatives in c) Increase Legal Aid funding, PROTECT THE ENVI- In this election, the Communist free education and health care, all areas of the province, including ensure access to legal assistance restoration of BC Rail and free for low-income people RONMENT Party of BC demands: housing, good jobs, and adequate a) Put natural resources under incomes are basic human rights. In bus service on the “Highway of Tears” Capitalism is killing the envir- public ownership and democratic this election, we call for: FOOD SECURITY c) Eliminate public transit fares; onment: poisoning the air, water control a) Education no zone fare system. Food security is crucial for human and soil, and generating green- b) End P3 funding of public – fund public education on a needs d) Make the ferry service an survival, but the BC Liberals are house gas emissions which cause projects. basis, including for all special extension of the highway system; wiping out agricultural land in the global warming. The Communist c) Re-integrate all energy-based needs and ESL students; raise reduce fares and restore sailing Fraser Valley and the Peace River. Party calls for socialist strategies services back into BC Hydro and annual public school education cuts In this election, the Communist to reduce the ecological footprint keep them under public and spending by $500 million (an Party of BC demands: of our economy. In this election, democratic control increase of $1000 per student to a) End all removals from the we demand: d) Massive program of value added reach the Canadian average) ELECTORAL REFORM Agricultural Land Reserve a) Oppose the Site “C” dam in forest products industries for job – end provincial funding and tax The undemocratic “first-past-the- b) Protect arable land in the Peace northern BC and the Ajax Mine creation under public and breaks for private and religious post” electoral system is biased River, Fraser Valley and other project in Kamloops democratic control. schools. towards major parties and corp- regions b) Block tar sands extraction e) Ban exports of raw log and – eliminate the FSA tests; orate interests. In this election, the c) Support organic farming; projects including Northern cants, and of unprocessed fish – complete seismic upgrades of all Communist Party of BC demands: require labelling of genetically- Gateway pipeline and Kinder f) Halt the “run of the river” schools by 2020 a) Introduce a “Mixed Member” modified food products Morgan expansion; ban oil tankers projects and other moves to – remove the Education Minister’s proportional representation system d) Tax incentives and other on the west coast privatize BC Hydro arbitrary authority to fire school for BC elections. measures to encourage fruit and c) Oppose LNG, “fracking,” trustees; hold an immediate b) Set MLA salaries at the average vegetable gardens in urban yards drilling and exploration byelection for the Vancouver JUSTICE FOR INDIG- wage of a BC worker d) No to ocean based fish farms; School Board. c) Require corporate media to support programs to enhance wild ENOUS PEOPLES NO TO CAPITALIST report the views of all candidates, salmon and seafood stocks b) Healthcare The Canadian state was established and election forums to provide GLOBALIZATION e) reduce BC overall carbon – Full funding for public health through the genocidal colonial equal treatment for all candidates. emissions – expand energy – Uphold Canada Health Act; close AND WAR theft ofindigenous lands, including d) drastically lower the campaign conservation and renewable private, for-profit clinics and labs the unceded traditional indigenous expense ceiling, and ban corporate The imperialist drive for profits energy programs territories of British Columbia. In political donations. and control of resources is behind this election, the Communist Party c) Housing “capitalist globalization” and RIGHTS FOR calls for policies to help achieve – Emergency program to provide corporate rights deals, and growing 100,000 units of new and reno- EQUALITY & JUSTICE WORKERS true reconciliation and justice: militarism and wars. The Com- a) Full recognition of inherent vated social and low-income FOR WOMEN munist Party calls for Canada’s housing over the next four years The Communist Party fights for a indigenous title to all unceded withdrawal from NATO and a 75% – End the sale of BC Housing Women today face a wide gender socialist society which protects the traditional territories cut in military spending. In this properties pay gap, misogynist violence, and interests of the working class, not b) Provincial support to implement election, we demand: – Ban “renovictions” and “demo- a lack of social programs to help the big corporations. In this all 93 Truth and Reconciliation a) Oppose corporate trade deals victions”, and enforce strict rent advance economic equality and election, we demand: Commission recommendations such as the TPP and CETA controls for tenants and small social justice. In this election, the a) Full Labour Code protection and c) No natural resource extraction b) Build solidarity with peoples in business Communist Party of BC demands: workplace inspections for domestic, projects on indigenous lands all countries who struggle to defend – Ban property flipping and other a) Establish a province-wide public agricultural and migrant workers without full consultation and human rights, democracy,social practices which drive up housing system of universal, affordable, b) Labour Code amendments to approval justice and sovereignty, against costs quality child care protect and enhance the rights to d) Expand support for Indigenous capitalist globalization deals, – Support taxation on home pur- b) Restore funding to BC women’s organize in workplaces and education and languages exploitation by Canadian-based chases by non-Canadian buyers. centres and programs, and provide company-wide, to bargain e) Declare National Aboriginal corporations, militarism, col- d) Raise Income Assistance and safe spaces to women and families collectively, and strike; bring back Day (June 21) a statutory onialism, and war. Disability rates by 100% escaping domestic violence card-check organizing legislation. provincial holiday immediately, to bring in line with c) Ensure all BC hospitals have Authorised by Official Agent, Communist Party of BC 8• PEOPLE’S VOICE • APRIL 16-30, 2017 Global class struggle
Vuitton — advanced 8.2 percent comply with 14 labour and civil BC bans high unexpectedly and unilaterally cut ”Our enemy is in the fourth quarter of 2016 to rights laws. The Fair Pay order holidays surrounding the Thingyan 3.78 billion euros, or $4.01 billion was put in place after a 2010 heel dress codes water festival, the Burmese New monopoly capital” at average exchange for the period. Government Accountability Year holidays in mid-April, from Despite urging President Jacob The label also registered 9 percent Office investigation showed that Days before the launch of the ten down to only five. Zuma to quit, the South African organic growth, beating analysts’ companies with rampant violations May 9 provincial election On March 26, more than 5000 union federation Cosatu did not estimates of 5 percent. were being awarded millions in campaign, the BC government has members of the Confederation of support the big business-backed federal contracts. banned workplace dress codes Trade Unions of Myanmar “people’s march” on April 6 to get In an attempt to keep the worst which require female employees (CTUM) marched to the Town rid of him. violators from receiving taxpayer to wear high heels. The announce- Hall of Yangon, the country’s “We issue a clear and dollars, the Fair Pay order included ment comes after Green Party largest city, demanding the unambiguous message to our two rules that impacted women MLA Andrew Weaver introduced government rescind the policy. members to not join this march workers: paycheck transparency a private member’s bill in the “We are not government ser- and not participate in any activities and a ban on forced arbitration legislature to prevent employers vants. We are from the private organised by Save South Africa,” clauses for sexual harassment, from setting varying footwear and sectors. We have only a few days’ the Cosatu leadership declared. sexual assault or discrimination other requirements based on leave, while government staff have “We are not confused about who claims. gender, gender expression or several holidays”, Yangon reg- our enemies are and in everything Out of the 50 worst wage theft gender identity. Weaver’s bill ional CTUM chair Ma Win we do we will be guided by our violators that GAO examined covered all workplaces, including Theingi Soe. “Most of the workers class interests. We will never between 2005-2009, 60 percent retail and corporate offices. But at my factory are from so far from march with the agents of monopoly had been awarded federal instead of implementing it, the the Yangon Region. They def- capital to remove a democratically contracts after being penalized by Liberal government opted to initely cannot go back to their elected government. Our strategic the Department of Labor’s Wage amend footwear rules under the hometowns within five days. We enemy is still monopoly capital and Hour Division. Similar Workers’ Compensation Act. will only accept 10 days off as and white monopoly capital in violation rates were tracked The new regulation states that usual.” particular. General strike through the Occupational Safety workplace footwear must be of “a The CTUM says that this “We refuse to be useful idiots and Health Administration and the design, construction and material decision did not involve any of those who want to remove slams Macri National Labor Relations Board. that allows the worker to safely consultation with worker President Zuma in order to remove But the research did not reveal perform their work and ensures representatives. Following a round the ANC from power and protect Protesters in Argentina clashed much about sexual harassment or that employers cannot require of local meetings and a vote of their ill-gotten wealth and inherited with police during marches on sexual assault claims. That’s footwear contrary to this standard”. their membership nationwide, privileges. We do not support the April 6 over government austerity because forced arbitration clauses The new guidelines, drafted by CTUM decided to take action. regime change agenda.” measures, as labour unions chall- — also sometimes called “cover- WorkSafeBC, are expected to be Workers from a dozen factories Cosatu president Sidumo enged the president, Mauricio up clauses” — are commonly used available by the end of April. across the country have launched Dlamini and general secretary Macri, in the first general strike to keep sex discrimination claims The government says that strikes to oppose the law change. Bheki Ntshalintshali met President since he took office 16 months ago. out of the courts and off the public footwear should be designed to The Yangon rally drew workers Zuma on April 6 to communicate Security forces used high- record. allow workers to operate safely. It from the Magway Region, the the decisions taken by the federa- powered water cannon and teargas Arbitrations are private says that high heel wearers face a Bago Region, the SagaingRegion, tion’s special central executive against picketers who had blocked proceedings with secret filings and risk of physical injury from the Mandalay Region, the Ayey- committee, including the call for the Pan-American Highway, the private attorneys, and they often slipping or falling as well as arwaddy Region, the Chin State, his resignation. main road leading from the north help hide sexual harassment possible damage to the feet, legs the Kachin State, the Mon State A follow-up meeting will be to capital city Buenos Aires, where claims. Since mandatory and back. and the Kayin State. Members of convened after Easter weekend, normally bustling streets were half- arbitration clauses are increasingly education workers’ organisations involving Cosatu CEC members empty and businesses were closed. used in employment contracts, Myanmar cuts demonstrated together with and the six ANC national office- “No customs officials are here, so banning the process was an members of organizations from bearers. there will be no exports or imports important step forward for victims New Year holidays the agriculture and farm sector, of workplace harassment or industry, transport, construction, Members and supporters of the today,” said Guillermo Wade, Private sector workers in assault. aquaculture, mining, and the South African Communist Party manager of the maritime chamber Myanmar are rallying in opposition Many first learned about forced service sector. marched to the National Treasury at Argentina’s main grain hub of to a decision by the government to in Tshwane on April 7, to demand Rosario. The country is the world’s arbitration clauses when Fox News protection of national finances and top exporter of soymeal livestock anchor Gretchen Carlson dodged public resources and intensi- feed and the third-largest supplier her own contract’s arbitration fication of efforts to combat of soybeans. clause by directly suing former News for people, corruption, corporate capture, Macri took office in December CEO Roger Ailes rather than the violation of regulations and 2015. He eliminated currency and company. Ailes’ lawyers accused not profits! questionable dealings. trade controls and slashed Carlson of breaching her contract, government spending, including and pressed for the private Subscribe to People's Voice online: gas subsidies, a move that sparked arbitration to try to keep the story Louis Vuitton steep increases in home heating out of courts. www.peoplesvoice.ca bills. A poll last month showed By overturning the Fair Pay workers strike that for the first time, more order, Trump made it possible for Leather workers from some of Argentinians disapprove than businesses with federal contracts Join the Communist Louis Vuitton’s ateliers in France approve of Macri’s performance. to continue forcing sexual staged their first strike in 15 years Unions are demanding wage harassment cases into secret Party of Canada on April 5 to demand wage increases in line with inflation, proceedings, where the public, and increases. The employees gathered which was clocked at 40% last other employees, may never find The Communist Party of Canada, formed in 1921, has a proud history of in front of their production year and is expected at about 20% out about rampant sex dis- fighting for jobs, equality, peace, Canadian independence, and socialism. facilities between 7:30 and 8:30 in 2017. crimination claims at a company. The CPC does much more than run candidates in elections. We think the am to make a statement, one day “The situation is dramatic,” Trump also moved to eliminate fight against big business and its parties is a year-round job, so our before the brand’s annual salary Julio Piumato, a spokesperson for paycheck transparency, which members are active across the country, to build our party and to help negotiations were set to end. the labour umbrella group CGT. required employers to detail strengthen people’s movements on a wide range of issues. All our policies Leather workers from many of “Wealth is being concentrated in earnings, pay scales, salaries, and and leadership are set democratically by our members. To find out more the Vuitton ateliers countrywide the hands of a few at the same rate other details, one of the few ways about Canada’s party of socialism, contact the nearest CPC office. that poverty is growing. Urgent to ensure companies pay women took part in the demonstration. Central Committee CPC measures are needed to create workers equally to their male French trade unions said the 290A Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON, M4K 1N6 colleagues. turnout stood at 30 percent of employment. One out of every 416-469-2446
with, al-Qaeda. The Syrian By Stephen Gowans, April 8, Until now, Washington has which annexed Syria’s Golan the ground strategy, Washington Observatory for Human Rights, a 2017 refrained from directly attacking Heights and has carried out imposed an economic blockade in Syrian forces, though it has innumerable small-scale attacks 2003, which, by 2012, had caused one-person outfit based in the UK Washington has added a new intervened militarily in Syria to since, and Islamist guerrillas, who, Syria’s economy to buckle, which overtly supports the dimension to its long war on Syria: hold the Islamic State in check so from the 1960s, have waged a jihad according to the New York Times. guerrillas, was another source. direct military intervention. that the militant group remains against what they view as Syria’s By the spring of 2012, sanctions- Significantly, no one even Since the mid 1950s, the United strong enough to weaken Syrian heretical government. induced financial haemorrhaging remotely impartial has investigated States has tried to purge Damascus forces but not so strong that it The United States contemplated had “forced Syrian officials to stop the allegations to determine of an Arab nationalist leadership captures the Syrian state. direct military intervention in Syria providing education, health care whether (a) chemical agents were which has zealously guarded This limited Islamic State- in 2003, as a follow-up to its and other essential services in some indeed used, (b) whether they were Syria’s freedom from US directed US intervention in Syria invasion of neighbouring Iraq, but parts of the country.” used deliberately, and (c) who used domination and follows an Arab has involved both airstrikes and an found that its resources were By 2016, “US and EU economic them? The Organization for the socialist development path which estimated 1,000 boots on the strained by efforts to pacify sanctions on Syria” were “causing Prohibition of Chemical Weapons is at odds with the global free ground. However, the principal Afghanistan and Iraq and that other huge suffering among ordinary refuses to weigh in on any of these enterprise project advanced by modus operandi of Washington’s means of regime change would Syrians and preventing the delivery questions until an investigation has Washington on behalf of its Wall long war on Syria has been war have to be pursued. of humanitarian aid, according to a been completed, the only sound Street patron. waged through proxies, both Israel, In place of a muscular boots on leaked UN internal report.” (Patrick course of action. Cockburn, “US and EU sanctions All the same, Washington and are ruining ordinary Syrians’ lives, its lickspittle allies, exuding yet Bashar al-Assad hangs on to colonial arrogance, immediately power,” The Independent, Oct. 7, pronounced in Olympian fashion 2016.) The report revealed that aid that the accusations were beyond agencies were unable to obtain dispute, an outcome which was drugs and equipment for hospitals hardly surprising given that the because sanctions prevented Western champions of neo- foreign firms from conducting colonialism share with the White commerce with Syria. Helmets and Syrian Observatory Veteran foreign correspondent for Human Rights a common goal Patrick Cockburn wrote that “the of overthrowing Syria’s Arab US and EU sanctions” resembled nationalist government. Washing- the Iraqi sanctions regime, and were ton can always be counted on to “an economic siege on Syria”—a publicize any calumny against its siege it might be recalled that led to Syrian enemy, no matter how the deaths of more than 500,000 untenable. Iraqi children, according to the UN, Despite assurances that a gas a death toll greater than that attack had been undertaken at Khan produced by all the weapons of Shaykum, and that Syrian forces mass destruction in history. were responsible, the U.S., France Cockburn surmised that the Syrian and Britain, if they were not siege was killing numberless people themselves implicated, could have through illness and malnutrition. had no certain knowledge of this, On top of its merciless campaign since these matters take weeks of of economic warfare, Washington on the ground investigation to offer enlisted the Arab nationalists’ sound judgment, and even then the longstanding foe, the Muslim question of attribution—that is, Brotherhood, to provoke a civil who did it?—is often unanswer- revolt in Syria. The revolt, able. The reality, of course, is that inaugurated by Islamist-instigated Western powers have no idea riots in Daraa in mid-March 2011, whether the accusation is valid but soon mushroomed into an all-out seized the opportunity to claim it was campaign of guerrilla warfare, to establish a pretext for military fueled by Saudi, Qatari, Turkish, action in furtherance of the United Jordanian and US money. U.S. and States’ long war on Syria. Western intelligence services Mainstream journalists also trained thousands of guerrillas in rushed to judgement in advance of Jordan and Qatar. even the barest resemblance of an In 2012, the US Defense impartial investigation, their Intelligence Agency reported that assessments aligning with the the insurgency was Islamist,led by assessments, sans evidence, of their the Muslim Brotherhood and Al- own governments. Qaeda in Iraq, Islamic State’s On top of being predicated on forerunner, and that Western an untested allegation by unques- powers and the kings, emirs and tionably partial sources, the US sultans who preside tyrannically attack was illegal—and on two over Gulf oil states, were the levels: internationally, because it backers. According to the was undertaken without UN intelligence agency, Turkey’s Security Council assent, and Reccep Tayyip Erdogan, a man domestically, because it repre- infatuated with dreams of becoming sented an unauthorized act of war. NEWS FOR PEOPLE, a neo-Ottoman sultan, and himself The act of war was ordered an Islamist, was also a major backer. unilaterally by the White House, NOT FOR PROFITS! But until Washington ordered notwithstanding the fact that cruise missiles to rain down on declarations of war are the exclusive Every issue of PEOPLE’S VOICE Shayrat Airfield near Homs on remit of Congress, which did not gives you the latest on the people’s April 6, the United States had relied confer—indeed, was not asked fightback from coast to coast. on proxies and siege to bring about for—its authorization. Whether it’s the fightback against regime change in a country which But the point is academic. neoliberalism and austerity, Moshe Ma’oz had termed “a focus The United Sates has already of Arab nationalistic struggle amassed a sizable record of crimes solidarity with Cuba or workers’ OICOIC against an American regional in Syria, and an even more sizeable struggles around the world, we’ve VV EE V E record in the larger Arab world, not VV EE presence and interests.” $30 for 1 year $50 for 2 years got the news the corporate media The Shayrat Airfield attack was the least of which crimes is the Low income special rate: $15 for 1 year won’t print. presented for world opinion as a intrusion of US military personnel Outside Canada: $45 US or $50 Cnd for 1 year response to Syrian forces allegedly on Syrian soil, an act of war itself. gassing civilians at Khan Shaykum As a military colossus, the And we do more than that–we Name ______on 4 April. The allegations were United States is at liberty to violate report and analyze events from a levelled by blatantly partisan international law with impunity, revolutionary perspective, helping Address ______sources. since there exists no higher to build the movements for justice One source was the White authority capable of enforcing and equality, and eventually for a ______Postal Code______Helmets, which bills itself as a international law through the threat neutral civil defense outfit, but is in of a force greater than that which socialist Canada. Read the paper Send to: People’s Voice, reality funded by governments the Pentagon itself can wield. that fights for working people–on 706 Clark Drive, Vancouver, BC, V5L 3J1 entangled with Washington in its Expecting the United States to every page—in every issue! 436-07/17 long war on Syria. It is enmeshed, too, or at the very least, cooperates see CRUISE... p. 11