Activists Urge Canadian Government To Endorse Right To Water June 12

Canada’s stance on water has drawn much international criticism. A recent report by the UN committee on economic and social rights strongly urged the Canadian government to change its position. “The government’s position does not reflect that of the people of this country,” says Maude Barlow, National Chairperson of the Council of Canadians. “This joint effort will cement a movement that will only continue to grow in strength and numbers. The Canadian government will not be able to ignore us much longer.” Representing millions of Canadians, the groups will call for a national water policy that recognizes water as a public resource in Canada. They will meet with representatives from the NDP, Bloc Québécois and Liberal Party. Their request to meet Environment Minister Rona Ambrose was declined. -30- About Oscar Olivera: Oscar Olivera is the Executive Secretary of the Federation of Factory Workers from Cochabamba, In 2000 he led the citizens’ uprising against the sale of Cochabamba’s water reserves to Bechtel. Oscar has received the Lettelier Moffit Award of Human Rights (2000) and the Goldman Environmental Award (2001), two prestigious honors in the fields of human rights and environmental protection respectively. For more information, please contact: Meera Karunananthan, Media Officer, Council of Canadians: Tel.: (613) 233-4487, ext. 234; Cell: (613) 795-8685; meera@canadians.org. Click here to read the open letter to the Canadian government. Cliquez ici pour lire la lettre ouverte au au gouvernement canadien en français -- 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 13, 2006]

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