Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Standing up for Canada by challenging the Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP)
What is the SPP? The Security and Prosperity Partnership is the latest move toward continental economic and social integration aimed at establishing common policies between Canada, the United States and Mexico in 300 policy areas, including:
- environmental protection
- security
- energy
- food and health standards
- foreign affairs
- military
- immigration
Is the SPP democratic?
Under the SPP, Canada will have less and less ability to adopt independent and sustainable economic, social, cultural and environmental policies. Undemocratic harmonization of health, safety, and enviromental standards will lead to a race to the bottom where everyday Canadians lose out.
How does the SPP infringe on Canadian sovereignty?
In June 2006, the NDP brought together and hosted a Tri-National Forum of legislators and civil society representatives from Canada, the United States and Mexico to discuss alternatives to deep integration.
In April 2007, despite Conservative opposition, NDP Trade Critic Peter Julian (Burnaby-New Westminster) fought for and secured Parliamentary hearings on the SPP. This was an important achievement but much work still needs to be done.
Over a dozen NDP MPs have been working hard in their respective critic portfolios to raise the alarm about what SPP will mean in areas such as agriculture, human rights, labour, the environment, health care, energy and income security.
In the coming months, the NDP is organizing town hall meetings across the country to ensure everyday Canadians get informed and have their say.
The NDP will continue to show leadership, working to ensure that any further developments on the SPP are stopped until a full legislative review, public debate and parliamentary vote take place.
The NDP is fighting to close the prosperity gap and is leading the fight for fairness for ordinary Canadians - and that means taking on powerful corporate interests and the SPP.
“When Parliament reconvenes in the fall, the House will be debating several anti-SPP motions brought forward by the NDP. It is interesting to note the relatively seamless transition from Liberals to Conservatives on this issue.”
- Jessica Johnston, THIS Magazine, July-August 2007
Take Action!
» Sign the online petition
» Learn More
» Download the petition
Join an event
Monday, August 20 - 7pm in Ottawa
From behind closed doors, into the public eye
NDP Public Forum on SPP
Bronson Centre, Ottawa
211 Bronson Avenue (wheelchair accessible) Ottawa, Ontario
Wednesday, August 22 in Regina
Cathedral Neighborhood Centre
2900 13th Ave. Regina, Saskatchewan
Thursday, August 23rd in Sault Ste. Marie
Tony Martin Constituency Office
369 Queen Street East, Suite 100 Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Wednesday, August 29 in Fredericton
Ted Daigle Auditorium in Edmund Casey Hall, St. Thomas University
15 Dineen DriveFredericton, New Brunswick
Thursday, August 30 in Halifax
Mount St. Vincent University
Seaton Auditorium A166 Bedford Highway, Halifax NS
More dates to be announced
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