Pro-Integration Big Business Leaders Given Unprecedented Power

“This latest development clearly puts business leaders in the driver’s seat and gives them the green light to press forward for a North American model for business security and prosperity,” says Maude Barlow, National Chairperson of the Council of Canadians. “How truly accountable is the Harper government to the Canadian people when it gives preferential treatment to the big-business community in the design of its policies.” The Council of Canadians is opposed to the so-called Security and Prosperity Partnership. The organization warns that it would be a mistake for Canada to forge deeper economic, foreign policy, and resource ties with the United States under its most aggressive government in modern history. “Given the negative consequences of the North American Free Trade Agreement on Canada - the undemocratic Chapter 11 provision, the loss of control over our energy resources, the definition of water as a tradable good - we do not want more of the same through the Security and Prosperity Partnership,” says Lefort. -30- For more information, contact: Meera Karunananthan, media officer: Tel.: (613) 233-4487, ext. 234; Cell: (613) 795-8685; Email: meera@canadians.org -- The Council of Canadians 700-170 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON K1P 5V5. Tel: (613) 233-2773; Toll-free: 1-800-387-7177 Fax: (613) 233-6776 inquiries@canadians.org www.canadians.org [Proofreader's note: this article was edited for spelling and typos on June 15, 2006]

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