NDP Nationalists launch national campaign to expose SPP

As Harper meets behind closed doors, the NDP holds public forums to raise awareness

Edited by Iain Mackenzie

OTTAWA - Some members of the NDP are launching a national campaign to halt further implementation of the so-called Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP) agenda. The launch was scheduled to take place at a public forum hosted by NDP MP Paul Dewar (Ottawa-Centre) and will feature leading opponents of the SPP: Rick Arnold, coordinator of Common Frontiers, Gustavo Iruegas, minister of International Relations for the Legitimate Government of Mexico, Anne Wright, former U.S. Army colonel and anti-war activist, and NDP International Trade critic Peter Julian (Burnaby-New Westminster).

NDP leaders of this initiative say. "Harper is fast tracking the complete sell-out of our sovereignty. We've seen this happen with the softwood sell-out and the ongoing campaign of privatization of our public services and policies. Like the Liberals before him, Mr. Harper is ignoring the will of Parliament and excluding Canadians form the decision-making process. The Conservatives must conduct a transparent and accountable public debate of the SPP process."

The NDP is working alongside civil society groups and labour unions to increase pressure on the Harper government to stop SPP implementation until there is a meaningful public consultation and a full debate and a vote in Parliament, stated Peter Julian, who is an NDP Member of Parliament from British Columbia.

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