Saving Canada From A North American Union

The NDP is the only Canadian federal party with seats in the House of Commons to actively reject the SPP and NAU agenda. Some dozen NDP Members of Parliament have been hard at work exposing the SPP in respects to their own critic portfolios in matters of labour, agriculture, human rights, the environment, health-care, energy, and income security. In June of 2006, the NDP hosted a Tri-National forum which included legislators and civil society representatives from Canada, Mexico, and the United States to discuss alternatives to deep integration. It is because of the efforts of NDP Trade Critic Peter Julian and others that the Standing Committee on International Trade held the first ever Canadian public hearings on the SPP in April. This was seen as a huge victory for the NDP and more importantly Canadians. Julian said, “This is only the beginning.” He went on to say, “The NDP will not stop until a full Parliamentary debate and review takes place.” In later hearings professor Gordon Laxer of Alberta's Parkland Institute was interrupted by Conservative MP and chair of the Standing Committee on International Trade Leon Benoit. Laxer was trying to deliver testimony on the energy implications of the SPP when Benoit demanded that he stop because apparently what he was saying was irrelevant. His motion was overruled, but he abruptly adjourned the meeting and stormed out, followed by other Conservative members. The hearings nevertheless continued with NDP and Liberals present. This odd behavior by Benoit demonstrated the Conservatives unwillingness to have any criticism on the SPP come out and only fueled speculations of a coverup. The NDP is working with those in the U.S. and Mexico who share the same concerns regarding the SPP. NDP MP Peter Julian has been working with Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, whose amendment was passed in July, prohibiting federal U.S. Department of Transportation funds from being used by SPP working groups until a review by Congress is completed. Julian said, “the NDP's concerns about the SPP's secret agenda are echoed by legislators in the U.S. We need the same level of scrutiny on this side of the border.” He is also working with members of the Canadian Labour Congress and Common Frontiers along with others. The NDP might never have a better opportunity to make substantial gains in the next election, and by vicariously opposing the NAU, it will further distinguish them from the other main parties. NDP leader Jack Layton said, “Like the Liberals before him Harper is ignoring the will of Parliament and excluding Canadians from the decision making process. I am appealing to all Canadians to join the NDP.” Now if this is indeed a sincere invitation and represents a willingness on the part of the NDP to defeat the NAU, than a diverse coalition of all those opposing this agenda must get behind this commitment. A sovereign independent nation must be protected, and at this crucial time in history, it will take a coming together of citizens from all regions of the country to save Canada. http://stoplying.ca/articles/07/oct/101007dana_saving_canada_from_north_american_union.php [Proofreader’s note: this article was edited for spelling and typos on October 11, 2007]

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