Canada-Colombia FTA: When Democracy Gets in the Way, Just Sign It, eh?
By: Michèal Ó Tuathail
http://canadacolombiaproject.blogspot.com/2008/06/canada-colombia-fta-when-democracy-gets.html

On June 7 2008, less than one year after Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the beginning of bilateral free trade talks with Colombia, the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade announced the conclusion of negotiations.

While the US-Colombia free trade agreement has been stalled in the US, due mainly to the grave human rights situation in Colombia and, some say, a US election campaign, Canada has offered transnational capital an opening through the back door.

Canada-style, eh?

"The Government of Canada is delivering on its commitment to open up opportunities for Canadian business in the Americas and around the world," stated the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade David Emerson, revealing the true beneficiaries of this agreement. Emerson went on to note that "the free trade agreement will expand Canada-Colombia trade and investment, and will help solidify ongoing efforts by the Government of Colombia to create a more prosperous, equitable and secure democracy."

One gem of a mission: Feds' push for mining investors in Afghanistan muddles military presence
Saul Chernos
http://www.nowtoronto.com/news/story.cfm?content=162242
Canada's mission in Afghanistan, it appears, may not be limited to hunting down insurgents or building roads.

(the author of this article has requested that we simply link to the Now Magazine site and not print the whole article here.)

Manley panel gets it wrong
Report on Afghanistan the latest example of Ottawa hiding the truth from Canadians
By ERIC MARGOLIS
http://www.torontosun.com/News/Columnists/Margolis_Eric/2008/01/27/pf-4796414.html
The report on Afghanistan delivered Monday by the Manley panel was deeply disappointing. Its totally predictable findings could have been written without the panel of instant Afghan experts wasting millions of tax dollars.

This whitewash was designed to provide political cover for the Harper government, which has hung its hat on the failing war in Afghanistan, and provide it an escape hatch if the kabob hits the fan. It's the latest example of the Liberals pathetic failure to demand Ottawa answer tough questions about the mess in Afghanistan.

Dear friends and colleagues,

This morning at 6:00am picket lines went up as CUPE 2424 went on
strike. CUPE 2424 represents administrative staff, and support
workers (i.e. some library, dept. admin. staff, business offices, etc)
at Carleton University - those who play key roles within the
university and without whom the university in all of its capacities
would not function.

The major issues are: wage increases (the university was offering an

From ottawa.indymedia.org

Chants of “George Bush, Terrorist!” and “Support our troops, bring them home,” boomed through the megaphones of protest marshals while many signs depicted the Canadian Maple Leaf being dominated by the US flag. However, many delegations at the march focused on a need for international solidarity and challenged the role of Canadian nationalism in war and economic exploitation.

Last Updated: Monday, August 13, 2007 | 4:15 PM ET
CBC News

One of two men charged at a weekend protest in Ottawa says he expects much more "police aggression" at the North American Leaders Summit next week in Montebello, Que.

"I think this is just a taste of the police aggression that people who go to Montebello might be facing," Dan Sawyer, who helped organize the protest, told CBC News on Monday.

Maria Kubacki, CanWest News Service
http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/news/story.html?id=b0620ff5-95dc-4fb3-959d-717b0923c1f7
Friday, March 23, 2007

OTTAWA -- The Canadian government is refusing Bobby Seale entry to Canada and denying students an opportunity to hear a legendary civil rights activist, according to a University of Ottawa group that invited the former Black Panther Party chairman to speak at an event this weekend.

More than two years after being brutalized by police in Ottawa,
non-status migrants and supporters are acquitted

The struggle for full regularization continues

OTTAWA, February 24, 2006 - Today, 12 protesters involved with the
Action Committee of Non-Status Algerians were acquitted of mischief in
relation to the occupation of the Immigration Minister's offices in
downtown Ottawa on May 29, 2003, more than two-and-a-half years ago.

UNDER THE GUN: STRUGGLE and RESISTANCE at HOME and ABROAD
a week of engaging events presented by Ottawa's CATAPULT! collective.
(more info visit: www.catapultcollective.org or email catapult@resist.ca)

Solidarity Across Borders -- a Montreal network of self-organized refugee
groups, individuals and their allies -- is planning a one-week march from
Montreal to Ottawa to draw attention to the struggles of refugees and
immigrants for life and dignity in Canada and Quebec.