SPRING 2014

The Council of Canadians www.canadians.org

SPOILINGON CANADA’STHE (UN)FAIR BALLOT ELECTIONS ACT Does not give Elections the power to compel testimonyCanada officials when investigating election fraud.

Does nothing to get to the bottom of the 2011 election fraud or to prevent similarly deceptive activities in the future.

Strips key Elections Canada officials of their independence.

Stops Elections Canada from running ad campaigns encouraging people to vote.

Does not improve democracy in Canada.

ALSO INSIDE: ACTING FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE: 2013 ANNUAL REPORT | FEDERAL P3 WATER FUND FORCES PRIVATIZATION JOSH FOX: FRACKING IS BEING MET WITH A CITIZENS’ UPRISING | WANT INFO? TIME TO EMAIL “FRED” Editor: Jan Malek Copy Editor: Janet Shorten Design: Amy Thompson Printing: Plantagenet Printing

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Past issues of Canadian Perspectives are available at www.canadians.org. Contents ISSN 1188-6897 Publications Mail Agreement No. 40065620 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Canadian Perspectives The Council of Canadians 170 Laurier Avenue West, Suite 700 pg. 23 pg. 5 Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5V5 Email: [email protected]

3 Letters to the Editor 17 Join Us in Hamilton for the 4 On the Road with Council’s Annual Conference Maude Barlow and Business Meeting October 3-5 5-6 “Unfair” Elections Act Will Do Little to Curb Election 18 Leaving a Proud Canadian Legacy Fraud BOARD OF DIRECTORS 7 Federal P3 Water Fund 19-20 Liquid Pipeline: Extreme Maude Barlow, Leticia Adair, Pam Beattie, Roy Brady, Forces Privatization energy’s threat to the Great Leo Broderick, John Cartwright, Robert Chernomas, Lakes and the St. Lawrence Lois Frank, Andrea Furlong, Garry John, Ken Kavanagh, 8 TransCanada’s Energy East River Sandra Lockhart, Paul Manly, Tracey Mitchell, Moira Peters, Pipeline Our Risk – Their Abdul Pirani, Rick Sawa, Steven Shrybman, Heather Smith, Reward 21-22 Josh Fox: Fracking Is Fred Wilson Being Met with a Citizens’ 9 Chapter Activist Profile: Uprising ADVISORY BOARD Margo Sheppard Duncan Cameron, John Gray, Eric Peterson, Fredericton, New Brunswick 23-24 Free Trade Fatigue Haunts Abraham Rotstein, Mel Watkins, Lois Wilson Transatlantic Corporate EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 10 Chapter Action Updates “Rights” Negotiations Garry Neil 11-15 Acting for Social Justice: 25 Want Info? Time to Email STAFF 2013 Annual Report “Fred” Meena Agarwal, Mohamed Amano, Dave Bergeron, 16 Groundswell: Grassroots 26 The High Price of Precious Elizabeth Berman, Hélène Bertrand, Reem Buhaisi, power in the age of Metals in Guatemala Michael Butler, Mark Calzavara, Daniella Carpio, extreme energy in Dana Chapeskie, Philippe Charbonneau, Kathie Cloutier, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan 27 Chapter Contacts Leila Darwish, Brigette DePape, Roger Desjardins, Angela Giles, Harjap Grewal, Andrea Harden-Donahue, Scott Harris, Amyn Hyder Ali, Donna James, Karen Jordon, Meera Karunananthan, Jamian Logue, Aleah Loney, The Council of Canadians believes that political literacy is crucial to regaining control of our Emma Lui, Jan Malek, Jeannette Muhongayire, communities and our country. We encourage you to copy articles from Canadian Perspectives – Brent Patterson, Dylan Penner, Matthew Ramsden, most conveniently fit on one or two pages. If you would like to reprint articles, or if you would Adrienne Silnicki, Carl Stewart, Brant Thompson, like to distribute Canadian Perspectives in your community, please contact us at 1-800-387-7177. Pamela Woolridge

2 Canadian Perspectives Spring 2014 The Council of Canadians | www.canadians.org Letters to the Editor

Phil Little and Council of Canadians board member Paul Manly (who is playing the part of “Pierre Poutine”) take part in an action pro- testing Bill C-23, the so- called “Fair” Elections Act, in Nanaimo, B.C.

NO MORE LANDFILLS they do with waste industry lobbyists this FEED CHILDREN OR Thank you to the Council of Canadians for needless problem could be solved. FLOG PIPELINES? standing with us to protect water, land and “Is it my job to feed my neighbour’s Harry Baker rural livelihoods against corporate plans child? I don’t think so.” That was the President , Citizens’ Environmental to build privately owned mega-landfills quote from Federal Minister of Industry Stewardship Association – East of Ottawa for commercial and industrial waste in James Moore, resident of B.C., the prov- Russell, Ontario Ontario. We appreciate the Council’s posi- ince with the worst child poverty level tion to defend communities against land- Sue Langlois across Canada where thousands of kids fills (an outmoded and ignorant method President, Capital Region Citizens Coalition go to school hungry every day. Despite a of disposal that began in the mid-1900s). for the Protection of the Environment unanimous motion passed in the House Ottawa, Ontario of Commons back in 1989 to end pov- We are battling a mega-dump proposal erty – a motion that was renewed in in our communities and are working with TIME TO LEGISLATE VOTING? 2009 – Moore states that it is not federal many community activists elsewhere in The “Get out and vote” letter by Judy responsibility to make sure children get a Ontario, all of whom are fighting similar Sumner in the autumn issue of Canadian proper breakfast. schemes. Perspectives calls for a debate on an issue whose time has come. In fact, the issue In the Bible, Cain says to God: “Am I Proponents claim landfills are safe, but a my brother’s keeper?” James Moore has landfill is built by clear-cutting hundreds has been around for a long, long time. Historically, politicians, pundits and news- given us the definitive response from the of acres of trees and shrubs, filling lakes, Conservative government. Hungry chil- wetlands and streams, digging a huge hole casters have bemoaned the low turnout for elections – and matters are worsening. dren can fend for themselves; the govern- below the water table and lining it with ment is too busy flogging pipelines. clay and thin plastic, and then dumping Fewer people are interested in the daily in millions of tonnes of garbage where politic for a variety of reasons, and less Larry Kazdan, it brews a poisonous mix of chemical interested in elections because they cannot Vancouver, British Columbia compounds. It is then covered up and the be bothered to understand the complex company “monitors” the resulting toxic issues at hand, and they are voluntarily join- leachate’s escape. All landfills leak eventu- ing the ranks of the disenfranchised. ally, most within a couple of decades. Then It may be time to cross a philosophical SEND US YOUR LETTERS! the landfill owners buy the contaminated threshold – from staunchly supporting the If you have something to say land, which increases the buffer zone, and right of every Canadian citizen to vote to about an article you have read the landfill is expanded! enacting legislation that will make voting in Canadian Perspectives, or an a legal obligation. While this may raise the issue you think would interest our Despite thousands of complaints from doz- readers, please write to us. We ens of communities, provincial govern- spectre of Big Brother and a limitation to civil liberties, one could easily argue other- reserve the right to edit your letter ments keep allowing these monstrosities for clarity and length. Letters must to be built, run by private interests, owner- wise. We may have to accept that that the times of tolerance for non-participation in include your full name, address monitored, and reported on voluntarily. and phone number. Regulators like the Ontario Ministry of the the exercise of our democracy are over; that Environment approve vague, inaccurate such non-participation is no more accept- SEND YOUR LETTER TO: and misleading applications from these able than the non-payment of taxes, driving Canadian Perspectives companies and then exercise little author- without a licence, or not attending school. The Council of Canadians ity over them. Simply put, we cannot have a functioning 170 Laurier Avenue West, Suite 700 democracy without the participation of Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5V5 Landfills are environmental disasters when Email: [email protected], built, and as they age they become liabili- the electorate, and 52 per cent participa- tion is not representation by the people. Attention: Editor, Canadian ties that are likely to end in catastrophe. If Perspectives government agencies spent as much time Andre Clement seeking real waste reduction solutions as Sudbury, Ontario www.canadians.org | The Council of Canadians Spring 2014 Canadian Perspectives 3 Maude Barlow spoke with activists and members of the media when she visited the encampment in Rexton, New Brunswick (near Elsipogtog) in February. Maude also met with Elsipogtog Chief Aaron Sock to offer the Council of Canadians’ support for blockade efforts to stop fracking. On the Road with Maude Barlow

Dear friends, for a movement not only alive and well, but to speak to an economic justice confer- working together to stop these assaults on ence for Italian officials; Istanbul, Turkey, What a winter and spring so far! In all my our democratic rights. I am thankful for our to be part of a global strategy meeting activist life I have never experienced so wonderful hardworking staff, tireless chapter on dealing with corporate investor-state many assaults on so many fronts to every- activists and dedicated board. I am thankful rights; Washington to address allies at thing I hold dear. I am angry! Stephen for strong unions and civil society organiza- the Institute for Policy Studies; Montreal Harper is determined to leave this country tions that have come together to protect one to serve on the jury of the Permanent profoundly changed. another and advance a progressive, forward- Peoples’ Tribunal on the Canadian Mining thinking agenda for this country. Industry; and Porto Alegre, Brazil, to speak He has gutted environmental and fresh- to a government conference about the water protections, closed down research Working together on common causes, we need to keep water in public hands. stations, and fired the scientists who might are mounting cross-sectoral campaigns that be able to prove what folly that is. are making a difference. I have toured with In all these places and in communities CUPE President Paul Moist to fight for pub- across this great country, I speak of the val- He has set the stage to seriously erode the lic health care and stood side-by-side with ues of our movement and of the Council federal role in health care while giving his Unifor’s Jerry Dias and PSAC’s Robyn Benson of Canadians: equality, justice, sustainabil- corporate friends and big oil companies to stand up for collective bargaining. ity, democracy and inclusion. I am proud unprecedented tax breaks. to be part of this great movement here in I have travelled the route of the proposed Canada and around the world and proud He has fundamentally destroyed the pur- Energy East Pipeline, holding public meet- to represent you in my travels. pose of foreign aid, which is now tied to ings with Eriel Deranger of the Athabasca the bottom-line profits of Canada’s notori- Fort Chipewyan First Nation, and joined Recently my 11-year-old granddaughters, ous mining industry. the protest line with Elsipogtog’s Chief Maddie and Ellie, gave me a painting. It Aaron Sock as his people stood up against showed a foul-looking smokestack in the He has taken the gloves off in his attack fracking exploration on their territory. background and a beautiful green tree in on those with a different point of view, the foreground. It said: “Without you, the aggressively auditing respected environ- I have worked with communities around world would be different.” mental groups and targeting the collective the Great Lakes to assert our vision of rights of working people. the watershed as a lived Commons and Is that enough to keep me going? public trust and sounded the alarm about And he is shameful in his attacks on democ- the dangers of extreme energy to these You bet! racy, using so-called electoral reform to magnificent waters in a new report called cover the tracks of the Conservative Party Liquid Pipeline. With hope and resolve, of Canada after the Federal Court said the party’s database was the likely source of Recent travels have also taken me to the electoral fraud that took place in the San Francisco to speak to visionary archi- last election. tects and landscapers creating “zero net water” and “zero net energy” buildings Maude Barlow is the National Chairperson of the But at the same time, I am thankful: thankful and communities. I travelled to Milan, Italy, Council of Canadians.

4 Canadian Perspectives Spring 2014 The Council of Canadians | www.canadians.org The Council of Canadians and the Canadian Federation of Students delivered more than 30,000 petitions calling on the federal government to enact legislation that puts an end to voter fraud. At the same time, people across Canada called their MPs asking them to revise – or scrap entirely – the so- called “Fair” Elections Act. “Unfair” Elections Act Will Do Little to Curb Election Fraud by Steven Shrybman

Editor’s note: At the time Canadian The court also found that “the respon- fraud. The first is to prosecute anyone Perspectives went to press, Bill C-23 dent MPs engaged in trench warfare in engaged in such activity. That is the job was still under consideration despite an effort to prevent this case from com- of the Commissioner of Canada Elec- Conservative government efforts to ing to a hearing on the merits.” tions. The potentially more significant pass it quickly through Parliament. remedy is the right of individual elec- The judicial proceedings that gave rise tors to seek a court order annulling On February 4, 2013, the Harper gov- to those findings were brought by 8 the result of an election when fraud ernment tabled Bill C-23, the “Fair electors who, supported by the Coun- occurs. But the risk an election could Elections Act,” to amend the Canada cil of Canadians, sought to annul the be annulled depends upon electors Elections Act. Unfortunately, the election results in six ridings across discovering the fraud in time to do amendments, if passed, will do little the country. During the 2011 election, something about it, and Bill C-23 would to curtail the type of electoral fraud those electors received calls falsely make that far less likely to occur. that took place during the May 2011 claiming to be made by, or on behalf federal election. They will however, of Elections Canada, misrepresenting As for the risk that perpetrators of make it much less likely that that the location of their polling stations. At voter fraud would be prosecuted by those involved will be prosecuted. the time, the electors assumed the calls the Commissioner of Elections, the were innocent mistakes. But 10 months increased penalties in Bill C-23 have to To understand the bill, one must later, when Marc Mayrand, Canada’s be weighed against the risk of getting remember that in May 2013, and con- Chief Electoral Officer, informed a caught. To be sure, the Commission- trary to Conservative government deni- parliamentary committee that he had er’s current record on that score is far als, the Federal Court found that a received more than 1,000 complaints from exemplary. Of the 200 ridings in “deliberate attempt at voter suppres- of similar calls, it became apparent the which voter fraud is reported to have sion” took place “across the country” calls were part of an organized effort to occurred during the May 2011 elec- during the 2011 general election which deprive Canadians of their democratic tion, charges have been laid in only targeted non–Conservative Party sup- right to vote. one riding. But the likelihood of pros- porters, and identified the Conserva- ecution is further reduced under Bill tive Party’s CIMS database as the likely Under current election law, there are C-23, because the Commissioner of source of information for those efforts. two remedies for addressing voter Elections would no longer be appointed www.canadians.org | The Council of Canadians Spring 2014 Canadian Perspectives 5 by the Chief Electoral Officer, who is Update  Election fundraising loophole is accountable to Parliament and not to After weeks of intense and mounting closed. In what essentially meant the the particular government in power. opposition, in late April the Harper end of campaign spending limits, clos- Instead, the Commissioner would be Conservatives announced they were ing the loophole prevents the deep appointed by a civil servant and report retreating on many parts of their anti- pockets of Conservative party donors to the Justice Minister. democratic bill. from influencing elections.

To ensure that no one learns of any Some key changes Council of Canadians While these are significant improve- such investigation, the bill precludes supporters helped bring about include: ments, serious flaws in the act remain. the Commissioner from revealing The most serious omission is the fail- that any investigation is underway  Vouching will be permitted as proof ure to grant the Commissioner of Elec- without the consent of all involved, of address. The elimination of vouching tions the power to compel evidence including the person or political party threatened to disenfranchise hundreds when investigating fraud. under investigation. of thousands of voters, mostly students, seniors and First Nations. This lack of power severely ham- Finally, and perhaps most importantly, pered investigations into the 2011 nothing in the bill would hold a politi-  Records of robocalls will be kept robocall scandal. In the landmark cal party accountable for the unau- longer. Companies contracted by politi- legal case – which was funded by thorized use of its database by those cal parties to call voters will now be Council of Canadians supporters – who have access to it. That is precisely required to keep phone records for Federal Court Justice Richard Mosley what the “Pierre Poutines” (yes, likely three years as opposed to one to assist ruled, “Despite the obvious public more than one) did in 2011. Until such potential investigations into fraud. interest in getting to the bottom accountability is established, voter of the allegations, the [Conservative fraud will probably remain a feature of Fewer restrictions on Elections Cana- Party of Canada] made little effort to the Canadian electoral process. da. The agency will be allowed to con- assist with the investigation at the tinue promoting when and where the outset despite early requests.” Steven Shrybman is a public interest lawyer and public can vote, but it remains muzzled a member of the Council of Canadians’ Board of from running its pro-democracy public The Council of Canadians will continue Directors. awareness campaigns. to fight for a truly “Fair” Elections Act.

Help wipe the respondent MPs engaged in trench warfare in an effort to pre- out their vent this case from coming to a legal bill! hearing on the merits.” The Conservatives’ trench warfare While a huge legal victory was tactics needlessly drove up legal achieved by the 8 Canadians costs and have saddled the appli- who bravely stepped forward cants with this unfair burden. to challenge the robocall scan- dal in court, sadly, they are Will you chip in $50, $100 or still facing more than $100,000 even $500 to help to wipe out in outstanding legal costs. their bill? One hundred per cent of all donations will go to pay- In his ruling, Federal Court Judge ing down the applicants’ legal Richard Mosley declared: “The costs. You can donate online at applicants [supported by the www.canadians.org, by phone at Council of Canadians] sought 1-800-387-7177, or by mail to: to achieve and hold the high The Council of Canadians 700-170 ground of promoting the integ- Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa ON rity of the electoral process while K1P 5V5 Jamian Logue Jamian

6 Canadian Perspectives Spring 2014 The Council of Canadians | www.canadians.org by Brent Patterson

Federal P3 Water Fund Forces Privatization

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has budget released in February: “On page up for private bids. If Suez or Veolia are announced the rules for the $14-bil- 164, Budget 2014 highlights the $58.5 successful in bidding for these contracts lion, 10-year Building Canada Fund million allocated for a new wastewa- (and under the new deal, local govern- that will take effect on April 1. And ter plant in Regina, Saskatchewan; the ments cannot favour local bidders) and if the Harper government has its $22.9 million for a biosolids treatment a future city council decides it wants way, corporations will play an even facility in Hamilton, Ontario; and the to move back to a public system, as bigger role in the building and oper- $57.3 million for a new water treatment municipalities are doing all over the ation of our public infrastructure. plant in Saint John, New Brunswick.” world, these corporations will be able to sue for huge compensation.” The Globe and Mail reported, “[Munic- Prime Minister Harper has stated that ipalities] learned that any project P3s are “an excellent additional tool to In 2011, the Council of Canadians par- worth more than $100 million must allow taxpayers to share risk and thus ticipated in a successful campaign with be approved by a Crown corporation help get projects completed on time and the Canadian Union of Public Employ- called P3 Canada, which will make on budget. We need to see more private ees to defeat the P3 Stave Lake Water binding decisions on whether the infra- sector innovation and we need to see Project proposal in Abbotsford, British structure must be a public-private part- it better utilized in developing modern Columbia. Local voters rejected the P3 nership.” Other news reports suggest infrastructure.” even though the Harper government that the $100-million trigger refers to promised to put more than $65 mil- the overall cost of the project, not to But study after study and experience lion into the project. In 2013, we cam- the funding portion – one-third to one- after experience shows that this is false. paigned with Water Watch, CUPE and half – of what the federal government local allies to try to stop a P3 wastewater could contribute to the project. In other Lui has highlighted, “A study of 28 P3 plant in Regina, Saskatchewan, and a words, even if the federal government projects in Ontario worth more than $7 P3 water treatment plant in Saint John, contributed $60 million to a $180-mil- billion found that public-private part- New Brunswick. lion project, it is still mandating that a nerships cost an average of 16 per public project be a “partnership” with a cent more than conventional tendered We also continue to work with CUPE to for-profit interest. contracts. Allocating funding for water promote the Blue Communities Project services under P3s entrenches water in municipalities across the country, What public infrastructure projects will governance within a market framework and now around the world. That ini- be subject to P3-ization under Harper? that favours profit over human rights, tiative asks municipalities to pass a environmental protection, social justice resolution promoting publicly financed, His priority list for this fund includes and public health.” owned and operated water and waste- drinking water and wastewater manage- water services, among other things. ment, green energy, public transit, and Council of Canadians National Chair- post-secondary infrastructure. Specific person Maude Barlow has warned of As Maude Barlow says, “If the right to projects will likely include a $660-mil- the implications that could arise under water is to be honoured, it is crucial to lion subway expansion in Toronto, a the Canada–European Union trade deal. keep municipal water services in public $5-billion LRT line in Calgary and a “Cash-strapped municipalities can only hands and to maintain their status as a $355-million project to reduce raw sew- access federal funds if they adopt a public service.” age dumped in the Ottawa River. Council public-private partnership model, and of Canadians Water Campaigner Emma several cities have recently put their Brent Patterson is the Political Director for the Lui adds these plans from the federal water or wastewater services contracts Council of Canadians. www.canadians.org | The Council of Canadians Spring 2014 Canadian Perspectives 7 TransCanada’s Energy East Pipeline Our Risk – Their Reward by Andrea Harden-Donahue

When TransCanada announced its could be extended through Nova Scotia environmental regulations, there are big Energy East pipeline last July, the to the shores of Cape Breton. concerns about rising costs of heating Council of Canadians responded swift- homes in Ontario. ly with plans to build a national cam- The Council of Canadians has been paign against this pipeline proposal. part of the growing movement against Pipeline plans Energy East. For the 2,000 km route through Sas- We now know a number of katchewan, Manitoba and Ontario, things about the Energy East TransCanada has filed its application including up and over the Great Lakes, pipeline: with the National Energy Board outlin- TransCanada plans to repurpose a  It would be the biggest oil pipeline ing the details of the pipeline route. 40-year-old natural gas pipeline to in North America, dwarfing the con- This spring TransCanada will host a ship oil. troversial Keystone XL and Northern second round of open houses. The Gateway pipelines. Council will release some new and The Energy East pipeline would trans- exciting social media tools for the cam- port diluted bitumen, or “dilbit,” a  It would contribute 30 to 32 mil- paign and we will continue to fill win- highly toxic substance created by mix- lion tonnes of climate pollution every dows with “Energy East: Our Risk – ing thick tar sands bitumen with toxic year. This is the equivalent of doubling Their Reward” window signs. We are chemicals that make it thin enough to the annual emissions of all the cars in also gearing up for another National pump through a pipeline. A federal gov- Ontario, and is more pollution then any Day of Action on May 10. ernment report recently confirmed that single Atlantic province generates. dilbit sinks when mixed with sediment, Ontario is emerging as a key battle- which would make waterway cleanup  It would represent a 40 per cent ground for the campaign. Provincial efforts extremely difficult. This is con- increase in tar sands production. Down- Energy Minister Bob Chiarelli asked the sistent with the experience of the mas- stream First Nation communities have Ontario Energy Board (OEB) to review sive dilbit spill in Kalamazoo, Michigan, demanded that federal and provincial the provincial implications of the pipe- where more than $1 billion has been governments honour treaty rights and line. While the OEB will not make the spent on cleanup efforts but the river is stop the expansion of the tar sands. final decision on the pipeline, the results still polluted. will influence Ontario’s position before Almost 1 million of the pipeline’s 1.1 the National Energy Board. The consul- The Council of Canadians is participat- million barrels expected to be shipped tations provide an important opportuni- ing as a stakeholder in the OEB review. daily would likely be destined for export ty to convince the Ontario government We are submitting reports on both the to the U.S., Europe, India and China. to oppose Energy East. water impacts of the Energy East pipe- line and the natural gas supply implica- It would put water at risk. The pipe- And there is good reason for the Ontario tions. In April, we coordinated a six-city line would cross a number of signifi- government to reject the project given speaking and lobbying tour in Ontario cant waterways that supply drinking the heightened risks to Ontarians. The featuring Council of Canadians National water to millions of people. The water- pipeline conversion would effectively Chairperson Maude Barlow and Eriel ways include Shoal Lake, Trout Lake cut off Ontario’s access to western natu- Deranger of the Athabasca Chipewyan watershed, the Oxford Aquifer, the ral gas. This will force the province to First Nation to mobilize local campaigns Rideau River, the Saint John River Basin increasingly rely on fracked gas imports and encourage participation at the OEB. and the St. Lawrence River. It would from the United States. Fracked gas is an jeopardize a beluga whale habitat near extreme form of energy which is causing For more campaign updates, visit Rivière-du-Loup in Quebec and would serious environmental impacts and has www.noenergyeast.ca. double – or even triple – supertanker a carbon footprint as large as coal. Given traffic in the Bay of Fundy, home of the strong likelihood that the Marcellus Andrea Harden-Donahue is the Energy and Climate the world’s highest tides. The pipeline shale will come under increasingly strict Justice Campaigner for the Council of Canadians.

8 Canadian Perspectives Spring 2014 The Council of Canadians | www.canadians.org Chapter Activist Profile Margo Sheppard Fredericton, New Brunswick

Fredericton, a large urban area in the west-central part of New Brunswick, is the province’s capital city. The Saint John River runs through the city’s centre, giving the community a strong water focus. The city has an active arts and culture scene and a bustling student population. Margo Sheppard is a member of the Fredericton chapter of the Council of Canadians.

How did you get involved with complaints to the Ombudsman. We’ve movement in the lead-up to the provincial the Council of Canadians? been submitting articles and organizing election this fall. There was an attempt to start a Fredericton successful rallies. We’ve also done some chapter a couple of years ago but it never work on an environmental bill of rights for Give me a couple of examples got off the ground. I was just too busy New Brunswick, and more broadly on the of the actions you’ve been at that time, and there was no issue that need to move to a clean economy, which involved in organizing and why galvanized us. More recently we came is eclipsing the work on the Environmental you enjoyed them, or how they together in response to the shale gas Bill of Rights. And now we are working on were effective. (fracking) issue in New Brunswick. Along the [Energy East] pipeline. Two weeks ago I hosted a “right to informa- with wanting to work on this issue, it tion” and sign-making meeting in my house, seemed like a good fit since I’ve long What campaigns do you feel which was very casual and social, but we admired Maude Barlow and her work on particularly passionate about? also got nine right to information requests water and justice for the less fortunate Much of my professional and volunteer done to get information on wire-tapping among us. career involved protecting natural areas. and other things related to the day the Climate change is also a direct threat that RCMP raided the Rexton solidarity camp. We The Fredericton chapter seems to will negatively impact diversity and coastal also made about 14 beautiful signs for our be involved in many campaigns. communities. Shale gas is part of a cam- next rally. So now we’re all set for the next Can you tell me a little about paign to address climate change. It’s the action, be it at the Energy Minister’s office them, and how you sustain your thin edge of a wedge, so to speak. I’m hop- or at a public appearanceeara of the Premier. energies and stay focused? ing we’ll defeat the Energy East pipeline. There are a lot of pressing social and environmental issues in New Brunswick. The chapter works with several Working with other like-minded people is allies; tell me about this. a good outlet for frustration and anger at Some allies for shale gas marches to misguided government actions and poli- the legislature have included CUPE–New cies. And there’s a sense of momentum Brunswick, the New Brunswick Nurses’ – like we’re making headway. Union and the Conservation Council of New Brunswick. Although [organizing The chapter is awesome. Our chairperson, with allies] can be challenging, it’s worth  J.L. Deveau, is really great at asking all the it as you have a stronger event and much Fredericton, NB right questions and taking the decisions we more unanimity as a result. The chapter make at the chapter to the next level. has also worked closely with St. Mary’s First Nation on shale gas and Elsipogtog For more information about how to The chapter’s main focus since its inception this past summer. We’re also planning join a chapter in your area, visit our has been shale gas (fracking). We started town hall meetings in collaboration with website at www.canadians.org or call a campaign to encourage people to send unions and the broader anti–shale gas us toll-free at 1-800-387-7177. www.canadians.org | The Council of Canadians Spring 2014 Canadian Perspectives 9 Chapter Action Updates

Council of Canadians chapters have been active in communities across Canada challenging the Harper government’s so-called “Fair” The Council’s Calgary chapter braved Elections Act, speaking out against bad weather to make some noise global corporate trade, fighting outside the federal Conservative fracking and more. Here are some Party convention in November. recent highlights.

WINNIPEG CHAPTER JOINS Project, the Kelowna chapter hosted close THE “UNFAIR” ELECTIONS ACT “STOP CETA WALK” to 400 people in a packed meeting to Members of the Council’s Ottawa chapter Members of the Winnipeg chapter joined share community opposition. Event speak- were on Parliament Hill in February to help University of Winnipeg students for a “Stop ers included both Green Party Leader deliver close to 30,000 petitions objecting to CETA walk” that was led by their very own Elizabeth May and President of the Union the Harper government’s proposed sweep- Trojan Horse. The 10-foot-tall horse was a of B.C. Indian Chiefs Grand Chief Stewart ing changes to Canada’s Elections Act. The symbol of the federal government’s secre- Philip. Despite massive community opposi- Council of Canadians and the Canadian cy as it negotiates the Comprehensive and tion, the Joint Review Panel recommended Federation of Students joined forces to Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) with approval of the pipeline. Local resistance speak out against the proposed legislation the European Union. to the project continues. as the Conservatives tried to rush the bill through Parliament with little debate. STOP THE DRILL IN NO MORE CORPORATE LETHBRIDGE TRADE DEALS HAMILTON CHAPTER The Lethbridge chapter is fighting an oil In late January, Council chapters joined PUSHES RESOLUTION drilling project in the west part of the communities in Mexico, Canada and In February, the Council’s Hamilton chap- city by Calgary-based Goldenkey Oil Inc. the United States for an Intercontinental ter celebrated their city council’s decision The proposed drilling site is close to the Day of Action to say “no” to NAFTA, to pass a municipal resolution against city’s water treatment plant and upwind the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and fracking. The resolution is an important of several west-side neighbourhoods. other corporate trade deals. Council first step in defending communities from According to the No Drilling Lethbridge of Canadians chapters in Hamilton, fracking, and lays the groundwork for website, Goldenkey Oil Inc. has licensed Nanaimo, Vancouver, Comox Valley, bylaws and zoning protection from this the mineral rights for 23 square kilome- London, Toronto and Brant took part in invasive extraction process. For more infor- tres within Lethbridge city limits under- the day, which included rallies outside mation about how to pass a resolution in neath about 4,000 homes where more the offices of politicians, marches, public your community, visit www.canadians.org/ than 10,000 people live. In mid-October, events, banner drops and more. fracking-resolution. the Council of Canadians and Kainai Lethbridge Earth Watch organized a rally THUNDER BAY CHAPTER JOINS TOXIC SOIL AND opposing oil drilling and fracking within TREK AGAINST ENERGY EAST WATER DON’T MIX city limits. The drilling proposal comes Members of the Council’s Thunder Bay The Council of Canadians Victoria chapter despite city council’s support for a 2012 chapter joined First Nations, Citizens protested outside an Environmental Appeal resolution against any new oil and gas United for a Sustainable Planet, Lakehead Board hearing, demanding that British development within municipal boundar- University students and others for a two- Columbia’s Ministry of the Environment ies. In Alberta, drilling licences – even day, 20 km trek to “walk the line.” The reverse its decision to grant South Island within cities – are granted by the Alberta route followed the Energy East pipeline, Aggregates Ltd. a permit to dump toxic Energy Regulator, which is funded by the which TransCanada wants to convert to soil near the Shawnigan Lake watershed. oil and gas industry. ship tar sands crude and other oil from South Island Aggregates wants to dispose Alberta to the east coast. Opposition to the of 100,000 tonnes of contaminated soil KELOWNA, NELSON CHAP- pipeline is building. In April several Ontario per year at its quarry located south of TERS PROTEST NORTHERN chapters hosted public forums featuring Shawnigan Lake. GATEWAY PIPELINE Maude Barlow and Eriel Deranger of the As the National Energy Board’s Joint Review Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation to talk Want to get involved? Visit our website Panel held a one-day closed-door hear- about how the Energy East pipeline is at www.canadians.org/chapters to ing on the Enbridge Northern Gateway “Our risk. Their reward.” find a chapter near you.

10 Canadian Perspectives Spring 2014 The Council of Canadians | www.canadians.org 2013 Annual Report

Acting for Social Justice

Educating. Informing. Inspiring. ernments. This independence allows There are many people who help in Since 1985 the Council of Canadians us to speak out clearly and freely in a these efforts, including our tireless has been bringing people togeth- powerful, collective voice. Chairperson Maude Barlow, our nation- er to effect meaningful change in al Board of Directors, our staff in Otta- communities across Canada. Our organization unites people – across wa and regional offices across Canada, generations, across political stripes and our chapter activists who put these Our many campaign efforts are across the country – for a better Canada campaigns and progressive issues into almost entirely supported by gener- and a fairer world. With a network of 60 action, and of course, our committed ous donations from people like you. volunteer chapters across Canada, we supporters who make it all possible. And our independence as an organi- organize hard-hitting campaigns to pro- zation is maintained by not accepting tect water, strengthen public health care, Please join us in reflecting on the positive any money from corporations or gov- and demand trade and climate justice. change you helped make possible in 2013.

www.canadians.org | The Council of Canadians Spring 2014 Canadian Perspectives 11 The year 2013 was filled with many campaign highlights and victories. Here are just some of the ways you helped make a difference.

Federal Court rules there was election fraud In 2012 a scandal rocked our country when it was revealed that politically motivated phone calls had been used to trick Canadian voters into going to bogus polling stations during the 2011 federal election. Your generous dona- tions supported eight brave Canadians who launched legal applications under the Canada Elections Act, citing “irregu- larities, fraud or corrupt or illegal prac- tices that affected the result of the elec- tion.” In May 2013, a Federal Court judge ruled that election fraud had occurred, Common Causes and In early 2013, this broad coalition and that the most likely source of the sinking the Harper agenda came out strongly in support of Idle fraud was someone (or people) who had Prime Minister Stephen Harper and No More, an Indigenous movement access to the federal Conservative Party his Conservative government are sys- focused on grassroots voices, treaty database. Even though Conservative tematically eroding, dismantling and rights and Indigenous sovereignty, join- Party lawyers made every effort to have endangering key programs and values ing in rallies and events that drew the case dismissed, the applicants held in this country. strong and, thanks to the generous sup- massive crowds. Maude Barlow added her personal support by returning her port of people who have donated – and But under the banner of “Com- Diamond Jubilee Medal to Rideau Hall continue to donate – to the Democracy mon Causes,” we continue to build in a show of solidarity with the Idle 24/7 Legal Fund, we have raised aware- broad support amongst civil society No More movement, and to protest the ness about rampant election fraud and organizations so that we can work omnibus budget bills that have gutted dirty tricks. We brought new evidence together to find ways to collaborate, environmental and water protections. to light and to this day fight for account- and to challenge and oppose the ability for the election fraud perpetrated Harper agenda. on Canadian voters. In November, as the Conservative Party of Canada descended on downtown Cal- gary for the party’s national policy con- vention, Common Causes came togeth- er for a large forum to share a different vision – one that focuses on progressive policies for people and the planet.

Protecting water The Council has always been a leader in fights to protect Canada’s freshwa- ter resources. In 2013 we turned more communities “blue” with our Blue Communities Project. Through this project, we give people the tools they need to encourage their local govern- ments to recognize water as a human right, promote publicly financed water and wastewater facilities, and ban the purchase and sale of bottled water in public facilities. In 2013 we celebrated our first international blue community in Bern, Switzerland.

12 Canadian Perspectives Spring 2014 The Council of Canadians | www.canadians.org We continued to push the federal government to drop “Schedule 2,” a legal loophole in the Fisheries Act that allows mining companies to perma- nently destroy freshwater lakes and rivers with their toxic waste. We stood with the Tsilhqot’in First Nation in their fight to stop the New Prosper- ity Mine near Williams Lake. (Update: Thanks to your tireless efforts, in Feb- ruary 2014 the federal government rejected the mining company’s pro- posal. Teztan Biny, also known as Fish Lake, and other nearby water sources are now safe from contamination by toxic mining waste.)

The second leg of our “Great Lakes Need Great Friends” tour to educate, raise awareness and encourage action for these vital waters visited seven more Our Thunder Bay chapter activists ral- hard-hitting book in a trilogy focused on cities in Canada and the U.S. in early lied outside the federal Ministry of Envi- the global water crisis. 2013. With a patchwork of limited gov- ronment office, calling for a reversal of ernment protection that is hampered by the decision, while thousands of Coun- Working for energy inadequate funding and differing politi- cil supporters wrote letters to the Ontar- and climate justice cal priorities, the Great Lakes urgently io and Manitoba governments, asking With growing concern about the grim need people to join together to forge a for provinces to step in and cover the realities of climate change and dimin- new future for them to ensure the lakes estimated $2 million needed to keep the ishing energy resources globally, we will thrive for generations to come. ELA open. We even posted a $50 million are supporting communities fighting invoice on then-Environment Minister energy projects that will destroy their We also took on multinational water Peter Kent’s door! land, water and air, and are pushing giant Nestlé – and thanks to your gen- the Canadian government for strong erous support, we won! When Nestlé Protecting water around policies that protect our environment applied to continue bulk water with- the world and focus on renewable and sustainable drawals for their water-bottling plant The Council’s Blue Planet Project plays energy solutions. in Wellington County, Ontario, even in a key role in the global water justice times of drought, we joined with Wel- movement. Through it, we fight for In 2013, we helped raise awareness lington Water Watchers, and with legal water justice internationally and work about the Enbridge Northern Gateway representation from Ecojustice, we put with allies from around the world to Pipeline, the Kinder Morgan pipeline a stop to Nestlé’s plans. inform, motivate and inspire people and expansion and the Pacific Trail pipe- governments to implement the Unit- line – massive projects that will have Saving the ELA ed Nations’ declaration of water as a devastating social and environmental When federal funding for the Experi- human right. In 2013 we put a spotlight impacts. In October we held “Energy for mental Lakes Area (ELA), Canada’s on the Canadian government’s shameful Everyone: A summit beyond pipelines world-renowned freshwater research record on the right to water, particularly and shale gas” in Saint John, New Bruns- facility, ended in March 2013 despite as it relates to mining and the commodi- wick, to bring people together to learn the pleas of scientists, academics, politi- fication of water abroad. We lobbied and organize for the sustainable energy cians and tens of thousands of people for action here in Canada, where many future in the Atlantic region. across the country calling on govern- communities, including First Nations, ments to keep it open, the Council of do not have access to the clean water We focused increased attention on the Canadians jumped into action. The ELA resources they need to live. We worked Energy East pipeline, which, if approved, is a scientific treasure that includes a with water activists abroad to highlight will be the largest pipeline in North unique “whole lake” laboratory where the social and economic toll of massive America. TransCanada would convert ground-breaking experiments are con- hydro-electric dams. And Maude Barlow its 40-year-old natural gas pipeline from ducted to examine the long-term effects visited communities across Canada to Saskatchewan to Ontario, connecting of industrial activities on our fresh- launch Blue Future: Protecting Water for it with new pipeline through Quebec water sources. People and the Planet Forever, her third and on to Saint John, New Brunswick, www.canadians.org | The Council of Canadians Spring 2014 Canadian Perspectives 13 to carry 1.1 million barrels of crude Elsipogtog First Nation and others were per day, including crude from the tar violently confronted by the RCMP after sands. (Read more about recent cam- community members stopped frack- paign developments on page 8.) ing trucks from testing for shale gas on their land. The Council of Canadians No fracking way! supported the blockade by First Nations The fight against fracking intensified and others opposed to shale gas devel- in 2013 as pressure mounts on the opment, and members from both the federal government to ban the extrac- Fredericton and Moncton chapters par- tion process that uses massive amounts ticipated in the blockade. of water, chemicals and sand to get at trapped underground gas reserves. Pushing for fair trade Across the country, awareness is grow- The Council of Canadians has a strong ing about the negative impacts of frack- history of speaking out against trade ing, which include contaminated water, deals that hurt people, the environment health concerns, pollution and more. and social policies.

Supporters like you sent hundreds of In 2013, we raised awareness about the letters to Lone Pine, demanding that the Canada–European Union Comprehen- pact with China and criticized the gov- company drop its $250-million NAFTA sive Economic and Trade Agreement ernment for failing to consult with First suit over the Quebec government’s deci- (CETA) here in Canada and overseas. Nations. We also began to raise aware- sion to ban fracking under the St. Law- Thousands of our supporters wrote let- ness about the looming Trans-Pacific rence River. Lone Pine says Quebec’s ters to members of European Parliament Partnership deal. decision infringes on the company’s urging them to reject the deal. Here in “right to frack.” Canada, we continue to pressure the Strengthening federal government to make the details public health care We work with communities that are of the deal public. We also released poll We lobbied for a strengthened and fighting fracking, putting resources, results that show that 77 per cent of expanded public health care system information and people power into the Canadians oppose CETA’s ban on “buy in Canada in the 2014 Health Care efforts. Nowhere was the fight to pro- local” policies. Accord, a deal between the federal gov- tect water from fracking more polar- ernment and provincial and territorial ized than in Rexton, New Brunswick, We supported the Hupacasath First Nation governments that will set the course last October where members of the legal challenge for a new corporate rights for medicare for the next 10 years. We are pushing for a deal that strength- ens and expands medicare to include a national pharmacare program and better long-term care, home care and mental health care so people have access to the services they need. But more importantly, we are sounding the alarm about the Harper government’s systematic dismantling of our public health care system.

In 2013 we joined other public health care advocates in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, calling on premiers to negotiate a new accord with the federal govern- ment. We met with decision makers directly, taking part in lobby days on Parliament Hill. And we began a new effort with CUPE, going into commu- nities to teach people how they can be advocates for a strengthened public health care system.

14 Canadian Perspectives Spring 2014 The Council of Canadians | www.canadians.org Thank you to our donors www.canadians.org and on social Your donations make a difference Our work is made possible by the media, and delivered informative We extend a most heartfelt thank you to generosity of like-minded people articles in Canadian Perspectives. all of our donors for supporting our work! who believe social, economic and environmental justice is something These remarkable achievements we must all strive for. With your are made possible by our mem- support, we made great strides in bers’ financial contributions. More The Council of Canadians would our campaigns in 2013. We garnered than $4.7 million was received from like to extend a special thank you hundreds of media hits, organized memberships and contributions to everyone who donated to our major events in communities across this fiscal year, which represents Citizens’ Agenda Fund (CAF). Canada and around the world, held 93 per cent of total revenue. Please These leadership-level contributions conferences and speaking tours, pro- see the Summary Statement of Rev- helped us achieve many campaign duced educational factsheets and enue and Expenditure that shows victories in 2013. Please visit our website at www.canadians.org/CAF hard-hitting reports, provided daily- our sources of revenue and how we to see a list of our CAF contributors. updated news on our website at spent this funding.

The Council of Canadians: Statement of Revenue and Expenditure for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013

June 30, June 30, Revenue 2013 2012 REVENUE SOURCES Memberships and 93% $4,762,871 $4,495,125 2012-2013 contributions - 93% Memberships and Program funding 6% 299,151 242,531 contributions – 93% contributions - 6% Program funding Interest and other - 1% 1% 73,885 124,013 contributions – 6% Total Revenue 100% 5,135,907 4,861,669 Interest and other – 1% Expenditures Regional office and 12% 639,287 645,919 Chapter funding - 12% Communications - 8% 8% 427,643 356,279 Campaigns - 29% 29% 1,566,053 1,447,234 EXPENDITURES Fundraising - 14% 14% 739,370 737,915 2012-2013 Member services - 14% 14% 770,108 869,273 Regional offices and Meetings, conferences, 4% 196,994 196,878 Chapter funding – 12% newsletters - 4% Campaigns – 29% Admin and program 20% 1,081,666 1,072,573 support - 20% Member services – 14% Total Expenditure 100% 5,421,121 5,326,071 Admin and program support – 20% Bequest 195,666 479,189 Communications – 8% Net surplus / ($89,548) 14,787 Deficit for the year Fundraising – 14% Transferred to 0 ($202,000) Meeting, conferences, Maude Barlow’s SJF newsletters – 4% Excess of revenue over ($89,548) ($187,213) expenditure for the year

www.canadians.org | The Council of Canadians Spring 2014 Canadian Perspectives 15 Groundswell: Grassroots power in the age of extreme energy in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

The Council of Canadians held its annual conference in Saskatoon last October. Keynote speakers (pictured second from top) included Saskatoon Tribal Chief Felix Thomas, Larry Hubich, Maude Barlow, Josh Fox and Erica Lee. The weekend included panels, workshops and award presentations to Nettie Wiebe, The Committee for Future Generations (pictured bottom right) and Idle No More.

16 Canadian Perspectives Spring 2014 The Council of Canadians | www.canadians.org Join us in Hamilton for the Council’s Annual Conference and Business Meeting October 3-5

This year, our Annual General Meeting Advance registration: In addition to the regular slate of can- moves to Hamilton, Ontario. We will July 24 – September 26 didates, two regional chapter represen- bring together many people for a Registration information will be posted tatives to the Board from the British dynamic weekend event that includes at www.canadians.org starting July 24. Columbia-Yukon and Ontario-Quebec- a public forum, workshops, panels and Advance registration closes at 5:00 p.m. Nunavut regions will be nominated and more. Be sure to mark your calendars! EDT September 26. elected in a process exclusive to chapters. These board members will be confirmed The Council of Canadians’ Annual Resolutions: August 7 by the membership at the annual busi- Conference and Business Meeting Proposed resolutions must be received by ness meeting (ABM). October 3-5 August 7. After this date, only emergency Sheraton Hamilton Hotel resolutions on issues that could not have Ensure you are a supporter 116 King Street West been foreseen by the deadline date will in good standing Hamilton ON L8P 4V3 be considered. Being a Council of Canadians supporter in good standing allows you to vote on Conference hotel reservations Nominations: September 3 policy resolutions at the ABM. To be a To obtain the negotiated group rate of Advance nominations for the Board of supporter in good standing you need $149 per night + taxes you must book Directors must be received by September to have donated $10 or more at least by September 2, 2014, by calling toll- 3. This allows time for the nominating 30 days before the ABM (by September free 1-888-627-8161 and asking for the committee to make recommendations to 5, 2014), and no more than 12 months “Council of Canadians’ group” or quot- ensure a diverse Board. Nominations will before October 5, 2014. ing the group code COCCON. be accepted at the AGM until 2:00 p.m. EST on Saturday, October 4.

Many times a week Council of Canadians staff get together to show our supporters some love! Pictured (from left to right) Meena Agarwal, Elizabeth Berman, Karen Jordon, Jeannette Muhongayire, Brant Thompson, Jamian Logue, Hélène Bertrand and Dave Bergeron prepare notices for sup- porters about upcoming events and campaign activities.

www.canadians.org | The Council of Canadians Spring 2014 Canadian Perspectives 17 “I was inspired to leave a legacy gift Leaving a Proud to the Council of Canadians because they keep the issues that I find impor- Canadian Legacy tant in the public eye, and they con- tinue to lobby for the public good on issues fundamental to our survival. Whether it be clean air, water, health care, trade agreements or democracy, the Council of Canadians continues to be a forceful, yet eloquent, organiza- tion for change. I will always be a strong supporter. And a bequest was the right choice for me as a senior on a limited income because it doesn’t come from my current income. This organization is a beacon of hope for our future generations.” - Paul Armstrong, Alberta Pictured: Paul Armstrong

As a Council of Canadians support- have showed that the Council of Cana- ed to the Council of Canadians during er you have helped fight to pro- dians is a powerful collective voice of your lifetime and help ensure that our tect many of the important things the people. citizens’ movement remains strong for we value in this country: our social generations to come. programs, environment, culture and In the ensuing years we have waged democracy. many campaigns. We opposed the sale By including a legacy gift to the Coun- of instrumental Canadian companies to cil of Canadians in your estate plans, By being a part of this organization, U.S. interests, fought to protect medi- you can show extraordinary generosity, along with tens of thousands of other care, alerted Canadians to the looming foresight and leadership while making a concerned citizens across the country, danger of genetically modified food, lasting difference to issues that matter you continue to exercise your demo- defeated the initiative to introduce the to you. cratic right – indeed duty – to be a pow- Multilateral Agreement on Investment, erful voice for Canada’s public inter- and put a stop to the proposed merg- People who leave legacy gifts come est. We take on stronger opponents in er of four major Canadian banks. We from all walks of life – with different government and multinational corpora- have worked in communities across the income levels, professions and passions. tions without hesitation to ensure that country to protect water from mining Because of their enduring love for their our rights and interests are not compro- waste, fracking and government neglect. country and concern for others, their mised or threatened. memories live on, and their gifts remind More recently we supported the efforts us all that we, too, can make a differ- Every day the Council of Canadians of eight brave Canadians as they shone ence in the lives that follow. offers principled advocacy, tireless cam- a spotlight on the election fraud that paigning, and the deep conviction of occurred in the 2011 federal election, Your bequest can be a specific sum of beliefs which are expressed on issues exposing an orchestrated effort of voter money or a percentage of your estate that promote the common good. By suppression. once other family, legal and tax consid- working together we turn on the power erations have been met. You may also of grassroots organizing and galvanize These campaigns show there is a con- choose to set up a gift annuity or give a communities into action. stant need for vigilance and action. piece of property or investments such Much work lies ahead given the chal- as stocks, bonds and RRSPs. From our very first day almost 30 years lenges that persist today. It is therefore ago, when we dropped a Canadian flag important to think about what issues Giving a legacy gift is an important deci- on the deck of the American icebreaker future generations will be facing and sion that requires thoughtful planning. For Polar Sea after it defied international law what they will be struggling to protect. more information please contact Hélène by sailing into Canadian Arctic waters Bertrand, Major and Legacy Gifts Officer, without permission while the then-Mul- A gift in your will is an opportunity to at [email protected], or by calling roney government remained silent, we continue the support you have provid- toll free 1-800-387-7177, ext. 244.

18 Canadian Perspectives Spring 2014 The Council of Canadians | www.canadians.org A Suncor refinery in Sarnia where tar sands bitumen is processed.

Liquid Pipeline: Extreme energy’s threat to the Great Lakes and

the St. Lawrence River by Maude Barlow

The Great Lakes of North America form the largest The Great Lakes were formed more than 20,000 group of freshwater lakes in the world, holding more years ago when the last continental ice sheet than 20 per cent of the world’s surface fresh water retreated. The Great Lakes provide life and liveli- and 95 per cent of North America’s. Add to this the hood to more than 40 million people and are the groundwater underlying and feeding the Great Lakes economic centre at the heart of the continent. or its tributary streams and lakes, and the percentage is closer to 25 and 97 per cent respectively. Two Canadian The Great Lakes are in serious trouble. Multi- provinces – Ontario and Quebec – and eight U.S. states – point pollution, climate change, over-extraction, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, eutrophication, invasive species and wetland loss Pennsylvania and New York – border the Lakes and the are all taking a terrible toll on the watershed St. Lawrence River, which is their primary flow outlet to that provides life to so many people and species. the Atlantic Ocean. As well, there are many Indigenous Once thought to be immune to the water crisis territories with governance and treaty rights. The Great that threatens other parts of the world, the Great Lakes have a unique biodiversity and are home to more than 3,500 species of plants and animals. Lakes are a source of growing concern as resi- dents watch their shorelines recede, their beaches www.canadians.org | The Council of Canadians Spring 2014 Canadian Perspectives 19 close and their fisheries decline. far more bitumen than can be sold in The energy industry has huge plans to There are many environmental and Canada. If current expansion plans move these energy supplies. Canadian community groups as well as elect- are realized, the tar sands could one rail shipments of crude oil grew from ed officials in all the various politi- day be producing 5 million barrels 6,000 carloads a day in 2009 to more cal jurisdictions sounding the alarm (800 million litres) of heavy crude – than 14,000 in 2013. In 2012 alone, about these threats. The International the dirtiest oil on Earth – a day. This there was a 300 per cent increase of oil Joint Commission (IJC), established to would eventually require an addition- transport by rail in the United States. regulate shared water and uses of al 14,000 kilometres of pipelines to The American Petroleum Institute the watershed, and to investigate and carry the oil to export markets. Refin- says that there are over 18,000 miles solve transboundary disputes, over- ing of tar sands crude in American (29,000 kilometres) of new crude pipe- sees the Great Lakes Water Qual- lines planned in the U.S. by 2018, ity Agreement which establishes much of it in the Great Lakes management plans for each lake. region. And planned expansions The IJC closely monitors water of existing pipelines are such quality, water level fluctuations that even if the Keystone XL and invasive species. pipeline is not approved, Alberta bitumen will still flow south in While the IJC and the Canadi- unprecedented amounts. Line an and American governments 67, the Alberta Clipper, will have all been criticized for not carry more crude than Keystone taking strong enough action on if its plans for expansion are these well-known and very seri- approved. Even the aging Line 5 ous threats to the Great Lakes – twin underwater pipelines that and the St. Lawrence River, the run under the Straits of Mackinac threats are on their radars and – are to carry Alberta crude in are well established in the public growing amounts. consciousness. However, there is a newer threat to the Great Lakes The newest way to transport that has not received anywhere bitumen, fracked oil, fracking near the attention or concern it wastewater and nuclear waste deserves: the increased production is by water. Plans are in the and transport of unconventional works to transport these forms or “extreme” energy sources on, of extreme energy on barges under or around the Great Lakes. and tankers across the Great Lakes to refineries in the south My 2011 report, Our Great Lakes Com- refineries has also exploded; there or down the St. Lawrence River to mons: A Peoples’ Plan to Protect the are now 66 U.S. refineries process- refineries there, for export. The Amer- Great Lakes Forever, called for an ing Alberta bitumen, the majority of ican Petroleum Institute predicts that exciting new proposal to designate the which are located in states within the capital investment in marine trans- Great Lakes and its tributary waters as Great Lakes Basin. port of crude oil will jump 73 per cent a lived Commons to be shared, pro- by 2025. The U.S. Coast Guard has tected, carefully managed and enjoyed Equally expansive is the practice recently come out in favour of marine by all who live around them. Since of fracking. Since 2005, more than transport of fracking wastewater. then, an increasing number of people 82,000 fracking wells have been and communities have taken up the drilled or permitted in the United Events are moving rapidly to establish call to become stewards of the Great States. If the shale gas reserves in the the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. land areas of just four Great Lakes River as a carbon corridor for a newly Plans to use this watershed as a car- states are developed, total water with- aggressive North American energy bon corridor for the dirtiest forms of drawals to service these operations industry. This poses the greatest threat energy on Earth threaten this Com- could exceed 37 billion gallons (148 yet to these waters. mons as never before. billion litres) a year. The chemicals used in these fracking operations pose Read more of Maude Barlow’s new Production of unconventional energy a direct threat to the water of the Great report Liquid Pipeline: Extreme in North America is exploding and so Lakes as well as to the health of mil- energy’s threat to the Great Lakes and are the transport routes to carry it. lions of people who depend on them the St. Lawrence River on our website at The tar sands of Alberta are producing for drinking water. www.canadians.org/greatlakes.

20 Canadian Perspectives Spring 2014 The Council of Canadians | www.canadians.org Academy award-nominated documentary director Josh Fox came to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan for our screenings of Gasland and Gasland II and to speak at the Council of Canadians’ annual conference.

Josh Fox: Fracking Is Being Met with a Citizens’ Uprising

Josh Fox, an Academy Award–nomi- “I want to talk about the grassroots have 800 people out to an event. We nated director and environmental movement against fracking that exists had 1,700 people come to see Gasland activist, has toured the world to all over the world. It is this incredible, II on one night and at the time it was sound the alarm about hydraulic amazing uprising of hundreds of thou- the largest environmental protest in fracturing – or “fracking” as it’s sands, if not millions, of people. Pittsburgh’s history. more commonly known. He was a keynote speaker at the Council “There is fracking going on in 34 states “Fracking is simply changing the game of Canadians’ annual conference in the United States and either pro- across the world. We’ve got a ban in held last October in Saskatoon, posed or happening in 30 countries France, a ban in the Netherlands, a ban Saskatchewan. He made these worldwide. movement in nine countries in Europe. remarks at a press conference before We have a ban in Vermont and we have the event. Fox has been touring the “In all of those places there has been five ballot initiatives in Colorado to ban world, screening his latest fracking a citizens’ uprising. With Gasland I fracking. California is against fracking. documentary Gasland II and now with Gasland II, I have toured People are really moving. personally to about 300 cities to talk to people. I’ve witnessed firsthand “It was at the end of this tour last week how in tiny, little towns we would in Detroit that I started to see these

www.canadians.org | The Council of Canadians Spring 2014 Canadian Perspectives 21 unbelievable pictures coming in from “This is an experiment and it’s taking of hydrocarbons going right through [Rexton] New Brunswick – from the over huge areas. The oil and gas indus- the aquifer. First Nations’ action and blockade there. try in America alone has leased more land than the entire landmass of Cali- “The Society of Petroleum Engineers “When I saw these pictures of rub- fornia and Florida combined. put out a Powerpoint – it’s featured in ber bullets, tear gas and high pressure Gasland II – that stated that right now hoses being fired upon First Nations “I was in an oil and gas conference out of the 1.8 million oil and gas wells women, it struck me that this is an sponsored by The Financial Times and in the world 35 per cent of them are institutionalized, racist reaction on the I was the only non–oil and gas person leaking. They also say in that same part of the Harper government and speaking. I was in a room of a hundred Powerpoint that they plan to drill more the RCMP. I do not believe that if we oil and gas executives and their question wells in the next 10 years than they had a bunch of white grandmothers – was: ‘Why is fracking causing such a big have in the last 100 years. Oh, and like my mom who is always out there movement?’ They are clueless. They by the way, the public is becoming somewhere doing this – that you would think only about their bottom line, they increasingly aware of ‘zonal isolation have seen that kind of reaction. It is think only about their balance sheets problems’ – which means that these absolutely outrageous that [the RCMP] and their profits. And when I got up and wells are leaking. And then the next would show up with 700 police and said, ‘Because you are causing human bullet point is: fixing these leakage snipers to a town of 800 people. rights violations all across the world problems will require a ‘push’ in tech- and you are invading people in their nology, meaning [the industry] does “Those pictures and what actually hap- backyards all across the world – from not know how to solve this. pened there is getting all around the England to France to Australia to South world and inspiring people – it is the Africa to Canada to the United States.’ “Until there are a series of tests that frontline, and it is creating a remark- And they just looked at me blankly. last 10 to 20 years to examine these ably passionate reaction in people. There was a total disconnect.” methods, what’s going on is an experi- ment on human subjects all around “So what is extreme energy and why is [A reporter asks a question about frack- the world, by the oil and gas industry, this causing such a reaction? ing being safe because drilling occurs for profit.” below the water table.] “We know that conventional fossil fuels are on their way out. There are not as “So we are magically teleporting from many conventional sources. So there the surface to below the water table? must be a paradigm shift in energy No. You drill through the water table development. What the oil and gas when you do all of this activity. industry has done has shifted it into this category of what I call ‘extreme “We know that the highest probability energy.’ It’s like extreme sports – of failure of these water wells is the instead of just skiing down a slope, it’s cement casings around the wells. Basi- like skiing straight down the Empire cally, we are talking about steel pipes State building. It’s much, much more that are surrounded by cement. The dangerous, it’s inherently toxic, and it’s cement is supposed to stop the oil and much more destructive. gas from coming up around the sides of the steel pipe and not getting into “Fracking is an extreme energy. [It the groundwater aquifers. We know is] fracturing rocks thousands of feet from the industry’s own science on this below the surface, using hundreds of that 5 per cent of those cement barri- carcinogenic chemicals in that process ers fail immediately upon drilling, and that have been shown over and over that 50-60 per cent of them fail over a again to contaminate water, pollute 30-year period. Learn more about fracking, and how air, and cause a health crisis, as well to take action in your community, in as regional air pollution and smog, “What we are seeing in Pennsylvania the Council of Canadians’ ground- the fragmentation of communities, and right now is gas migration and chemi- breaking Fractivist’s Toolkit. The what my new film is about – the cal migration in approximately 8-11 toolkit gives an overview of fracking contamination of our democratic gov- per cent of the wells that have been in Canada, provides case studies ernments with an influx of influence drilled. That’s in line with industry pro- of communities fighting fracking, and corporate cash to the people who jections. So the wells don’t fail down and offers tips and tools for taking should be representing us. at the bottom, they fail near the water action. Download a copy at www. table, and you are creating a highway canadians.org/fractivists toolkit.

22 Canadian Perspectives Spring 2014 The Council of Canadians | www.canadians.org We brought the CETA Trojan Horse to Toronto, along with a big banner message calling for by Stuart Trew details of the deal to be made public. Free Trade Fatigue Haunts Transatlantic Corporate “Rights” Negotiations How a European public consultation on investor-state dispute settlement could turn the tide against CETA

A February 2014 German television and asks to stop the interview before (CETA) with the EU. Their main mes- news story about free trade negotia- sheepishly enquiring, “Is that the study sage is the deal would be worth only tions between the European Union that we have commissioned?” $12 billion to the Canadian economy (EU) and the United States chal- – and that’s if you take the govern- lenges the myth that an eventual The scene is shocking when you con- ment’s numbers seriously, which we Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment sider how much time, energy and shouldn’t. Subsequent assessments Partnership (TTIP) will create notice- money is being put into finishing this suggest a one-time boost of between able growth and tens of thousands underwhelming deal when its true pur- $3 billion and $6 billion. of high-paying jobs. In the clip, pose is to hamstring governments and Director General of European trade communities that want to make trade, Put another way, Canada and the EU policy Karel De Gucht is confronted investment and economic develop- estimate tariff savings from CETA of by a European Commission report ment more equitable and sustainable. about $225 million annually for Cana- showing possible annual GDP gains dian exporters. Compare that to the from the TTIP of about 0.05 per cent. Sound familiar? estimated $1 billion more per year that public and private health plans, “That is not the big effect you are Like De Gucht, Prime Minister Harper not to mention patients, are expected always talking about,” says the inter- and his Cabinet ministers have only to pay for prescription drugs because viewer in the clip, which is available hollow promises when talking about of patent extensions in the deal. Those on the Council of Canadians website. Canada’s still unfinished Comprehen- are huge public losses for small pri- De Gucht is speechless for a moment sive Economic and Trade Agreement vate gains. www.canadians.org | The Council of Canadians Spring 2014 Canadian Perspectives 23 Then there is the unknown price tag as well. They also put pressure on the tor’s so-called minimum standards of on banning municipal and most pro- federal government in Ottawa to recip- treatment. It’s not up to the government vincial “buy local” policies, reduced rocate by reviewing Canada’s investor to decide which policies are legitimate rights for farmers to save seed from “rights” deals as well. – a three-person tribunal of paid arbi- year to year, and a national freeze on trators will decide. Their ruling is final, the expansion or introduction of new “In my opinion, the Investment Chap- even when they are wrong. public services. Another unseen cost is ter, if it continues on what appears from the wave of investor-state litiga- to be its present course, will provide An open-ended definition of “fair and tion Canada can expect from EU-based foreign investors into Canada with the equitable treatment” will offer cor- companies, just as we’ve experienced most investor-friendly set of corporate porations many more opportunities under NAFTA. rights ever drafted by the Canadian to sue Canada, the EU or EU member government,” said Howard Mann of the states for profit losses from any num- It is no wonder that in Canada and the International Institute for Sustainable ber of legitimate government deci- EU free trade fatigue is setting in that Development in a presentation to a par- sions. The possible inclusion of a so- could, with luck and some hard work liamentary trade committee in Decem- called “umbrella clause” that would let on our part, jeopardize the bigger deals ber. Mann suggests Canada is doing investors take any breach of contract like CETA and the TTIP. this “quite knowingly and deliberately,” with government to private arbitra- though government statements mis- tion instead of the courts is another CETA “most investor-friendly leadingly imply it will narrow the scope way corporations can overturn gov- set of corporate rights” ever of these investment protections. ernment decisions. drafted by Canada Resistance to both transatlantic deals “The consequences of this increase in These questions continue to dog invest- is possibly strongest related to their investor rights, coupled with a robust ment negotiations between Canada investment protection chapters and the investor-to-state dispute settlement and the EU. Meanwhile, European poli- investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) mechanism under the agreement, will ticians’, labour, consumer and envi- process. Canada has experienced the be a growing substantive scope for ronmental groups’ opposition to these constraints of an investment protec- many more investors to challenge more investment rules in CETA and the TTIP tion chapter in NAFTA since 1994. U.S. government measures based on higher has forced the Commission to hold a investors have successfully challenged levels of corporate rights, including public consultation, which is expected several environmental policies, such future human health and environmen- to wrap up by June. as a ban on export of toxic waste, tal measures at the federal and provin- scoring about $170 million in awards cial levels.” Two transatlantic civil society state- or settlements from the federal gov- ments, one regarding CETA and the ernment. EU member states are now Investor “rights” treaties under other the TTIP, signed by hundreds facing investor lawsuits against plans a European microscope of organizations, ask that legislators to phase out nuclear power, financial On February 10, the EurActiv news site on both sides of the Atlantic refuse to stability measures following the 2008 reported on the CETA investment leak, endorse the treaties until the extreme crisis, and the nationalization of failed claiming that “multinationals will have ISDS process has been removed. The private services. wide-ranging powers to sue EU states French government has proclaimed its that enact health or environmental preference for a state-to-state dispute Transatlantic opposition to reproduc- laws breaching their ‘legitimate expec- process only. German politicians of all ing the investor-state mistake in CETA tations’ of profit.” The article quotes stripes are going cold on investment got a boost recently by two events. the European Commission, saying that arbitration as well. The debate will The first came in December when the CETA “reaffirms the right of the EU and almost certainly play out in upcoming Trade Justice Network leaked a Novem- Canada to regulate to pursue legitimate European parliamentary and Commis- ber 2013 draft of the CETA investment public policy objectives.” But it adds sion elections. And it will only get chapters. The second event was the that “no such right is affirmed over the louder as EU and U.S. fair trade groups announcement by the European Com- whole text, merely a sub-chapter of it collaborate to defeat the TTIP. mission in January that it would be that deals with expropriation.” consulting EU member states and the The Conservative government in Otta- public on whether the EU-U.S. deal The reality is that, just as in NAFTA, the wa will continue to promote its new should include an ISDS process. “right to regulate” is constrained by the deal with the EU at every opportunity. excessive investment “rights” chapter in But we can take courage in the reality The two events are putting consider- CETA, as well as all other chapters in the that the deal does not exist yet, and able pressure on the Commission to agreement. Communities have a right that the public debate about investor widen the consultation so that it con- to set the environmental policies they rights in Europe could have profound siders the investment chapters in CETA want, but not if they breach an inves- effects on CETA negotiations.

24 Canadian Perspectives Spring 2014 The Council of Canadians | www.canadians.org The High Price of Precious Metals in Guatemala by Meera Karunananthan and Laurence Guénette

This picture shows a side of a mountain that has been razed by mining activities in Guatemala.

When Council of Canadians National masked men kidnapped four Xinca lead- solidarity through concrete actions. A Chairperson Maude Barlow visited the ers who were on their way home from new project called “The Money Thread” Marlin Mine operated by Vancouver- observing a public referendum on the by the Council of Canadians and the based Goldcorp in 2011, she described Escobal Mine. One of the leaders was Projet d’Accompagnement Québec how a breathtaking landscape in the killed – adding to the growing list of Latin Guatemala (PAQG) calls on Canadians department of San Marcos in Guatema- American anti-mining activists who have to cut financial ties to destructive min- la had been reduced to “a razed moun- lost their lives in the struggle to protect ing projects in Guatemala. tain top surrounded by huge lagoons of their communities from big Canadian poisoned water.” mining projects. Nearly 90 per cent of the gold consumed in the world is used to manufacture Complaints by members of the com- Canadian mining companies and the jewellery and collectible coins. In Guate- munity about the poisoning of water mining-friendly Guatemalan govern- mala, as in other places, mining activities sources and resulting health impacts ment have resorted to extreme and are extremely prosperous. The value of have been confirmed by a number of oppressive measures in order to impose gold and silver on the world market has independent studies, including a report these extractive projects onto a primar- increased by more than 450 per cent by the University of Michigan for Phy- ily Indigenous population that has over- since 2014. The profit margin, which sits sicians without Borders in 2010 and a whelmingly rejected them. Given the at billions of dollars, is nearly four times study by the Comision Pastoral Paz y Guatemalan government’s repeated vio- as high as the production costs. Unfor- Ecologia (COPAE). lations of the rights of Indigenous peo- tunately, this industry is often extraordi- ples to Free Prior and Informed Consent, narily profitable simply because the vital Based on the growing evidence of environ- communities have taken public consul- costs of the mining are assumed by the mental damage and human rights viola- tation into their own hands. Since 2005, populations who feel the environmen- tions, the Inter-American Commission on more than 74 public referenda have tal impacts and the harmful effects on Human Rights demanded in 2010 that the been held through community consul- human health at first hand. Guatemalan government suspend the Mar- tation processes, enabling more than lin Mine’s operations, but to no avail. The one million Guatemalans to voice their The Money Thread urges Canadians mine continues to operate and the company opinions. The Guatemalan government to acknowledge their financial ties to is expanding in the area with the support of continues to ignore these decisions. the serious harm and brutal repression a government that has failed to pay heed related to Tahoe Resources and Gold- to the affected communities. Goldcorp also Show your solidarity for min- corp’s mining projects. While these ties owns the claims for the Cerro Blanco opera- ing-impacted communities in make us the unwitting accomplices tion near the Salvadoran border and the Los Guatemala to the human rights violations taking Chocoyos Mine – both projects are strongly While the Canadian and Guatemalan place in Guatemala, they also provide opposed by the community. governments continue to promote the us with a means to act in order to make expansion of mining practices that are a difference by divesting our money In addition, Goldcorp holds 40 per cent at the centre of human rights and envi- from their companies. of the shares in Tahoe Resources, which ronmental justice struggles, we are ask- owns the Escobal Mine. In March 2013, ing people living in Canada to show their Find out more at themoneythread.org. www.canadians.org | The Council of Canadians Spring 2014 Canadian Perspectives 25 Want Info? Time to Email “Fred”

by Adrienne Silnicki Members of the Council of Canadians’ Hamilton chapter joined with other organizations to rally for a new health care accord on March 31. Welcome to Stephen Harper’s Canada, where hiding books from the gov- ernment just became an act of civil From killing the long-form census to Prime Minister Harper is doing every- disobedience. muzzling government scientists, there’s thing he can to surgically remove these no denying the fact that the Harper gov- facts from the realm of debate. The federal Conservative government ernment has declared war on evidence. recently shut down health science The gutting of Health Canada, health libraries so abruptly that some Health In addition to Health Canada cuts, we’ve research, and the HCC is all part of Canada workers have resorted to hid- also witnessed the loss of the Health the Conservatives’ systematic abandon- ing books and journals at unsanctioned Council of Canada (HCC). The HCC ment of health care. The federal govern- libraries off-site, including one that was reported on the implementation of the ment wants to abdicate its responsibili- set up in an employee’s basement to objectives coming out of the 2004 Health ties and has already jettisoned health save irreplaceable health research. The Accord. Since the Harper government care for refugees and RCMP officers research library can now be accessed has no intention of signing a 2014 Health and veterans’ long-term care onto the by emailing “Fred.” Accord, why would it need the HCC? provinces and territories.

The road to steamrolling Health Can- However, without evidence to show Then the government slashed the Cana- ada’s libraries was paved with stra- the successes and failures of the prov- da Health Transfer by nearly 50 per cent tegic potholes. The government cre- inces in implementing the accord, how – a loss of $36 billion for the provinces ated the conditions that made the do we know what is working in our and territories – and ended equalization information inaccessible, unafford- health care system and what requires payments. It’s no wonder provincial and able, and extremely slow to arrive. improvement? How do we have an territorial premiers have had enough. Health Canada Library Services cut informed debate on health care? its staff from 36 in 2008-09 to just six Canadians, too, have had enough. We in 2013-14. However, operating costs The government is killing the evidence were promised in 2004 that a national rose to $2.67 million from $1.75 mil- now so that we cannot ask questions pharmacare program was in the works, lion, thanks to outsourcing, privatiza- later. The purpose of these recent cuts and that we would have better access tion and ridiculous processing fees. to Health Canada libraries boils down to health care services and shorter wait On top of this, there is now a retrieval to one word: control. times. During the first few years of fee of $25.65, a $9 fee for scanning, the health accord this happened. But and a copyright fee of between $4 The reason for this need for control of since 2006 we’ve been moving further and $8 per document, which Health information should be clear to everyone from our goals of a stronger universal Canada has to pay. by now. From the tar sands to fracking health care system and closer to an to water pollution to abandoning the uneven patchwork of public coverage The government can now say that the health accord and slashing the increase and privatization. status quo – which it created – isn’t to the Canada health transfer by nearly working. But instead of returning it to 50 per cent, this government knows that Until we defeat Harper’s agenda, we’re the way it was before privatization, the its policies are detrimental to the well- going to need many more “Freds.” entire program was axed. being of people and the environment. But it doesn’t want us to know how the Adrienne Silnicki is the Health Care Campaigner for Sound familiar? It should. policies are damaging our lives. the Council of Canadians.

26 Canadian Perspectives Spring 2014 The Council of Canadians | www.canadians.org Chapter Contacts The Council of Canadians appreciates the energy and dedication of our chapter activists. If you are interested in joining a chapter please see the contacts list below, or get in touch with the regional office closest to you. For more information on the Council’s chapters, visit www.canadians.org or call us at 1-800-387-7177.

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