Nikolas Barry-Shaw, trade and privatization campaigner for the Council of the Canadians, said the following: “The bullying and obstructionism of Canada and other rich countries finally ground down those calling for a waiver of intellectual property rules,” he said. “This is a shameful outcome that will not make a dent in the power of Big Pharma. … Read more
Key figures in the global movement for vaccine justice call the Canadian government to change its position on lifting intellectual property rules for COVID-19 vaccines and other tools. The Council of Canadians is among the signatories of an open letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (Papineau, Que.) which said “It is time Canada broke with pharmaceutical monopolies and the failed … Read more
The “Climate Code Red” week of action for community-led just transition legislation begins on October 12, calling on the federal government to implement just transition legislation in the first 100 days of Parliament. From Tuesday, October 12 to Sunday, October 17, more than 50 events and actions (so far) will take place from coast to coast – including webinars, climate cafes, petition drives, and canvassing to demand … Read more
Seventy-three per cent of Canadians expect a “broad transformation of society,” and the government promised to move forward on many important social programs, including steps towards national pharmacare, childcare and national standards for long-term care. The Council of Canadians will continue to advocate for long-term investments in public services that are equitable and publicly accountable. … Read more
Following recent leadership changes at the Canada Infrastructure Bank, the Council of Canadians hopes the CIB will begin to invest in public infrastructure projects, not privatization. “The COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the damage of decades of gutted public services and privatization on our collective health and well-being,” said Council of Canadians Chairperson John Cartwright. “The government must learn from … Read more
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs Chrystia Freeland (University-Rosedale, Ont.) committed to changing the way Canada negotiates and adopts trade agreements in a letter released as Parliament discussed the ratification of NAFTA 2.1. These changes were suggested by Council of Canadians supporters, and were introduced in the minority parliament by the NDP. “As the … Read more
As the Netherlands Parliament votes on ratifying the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), the Council of Canadians said new documents reveal that Canadian regulators have been using the agreement to weaken European food safety regulations. “We should be adopting Europe’s higher food safety regulations, not destroying them,” said Sujata Dey, Trade Campaigner for … Read more
On Jan. 26, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs Chrystia Freeland (University-Rosedale, Ont.) called on opposition parties to fast-track the CUSMA deal “without undue delay.” The Council of Canadians questions if the Minister hopes to curtail democratic debate in Canada. The Bloc Québécois and the NDP have vowed to ensure a full debate. “While U.S. politicians have … Read more
After months of negotiations, a new NAFTA deal was reached between the U.S. Congress, Mexico and Canada. While the deal is still under wraps, it appears that some key positive changes have been made. However, the deal is more of the same, says the Council of Canadians. “We have a long way to go before we … Read more
The new NAFTA, officially known as CUSMA, just cleared a major step on the path to ratification as it started second reading in the House of Commons. But Canadians and Americans alike will already start to see the impacts where it counts: the dinner table, according to trade watchdogs and farmers on both sides of … Read more
