--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update: Tense Standoff Continues in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory
Shawn Brant Arrested on Trumped-Up Charges Once Again
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
**please note that circumstances on the ground continue to change constantly, so full updates are not possible at this time **
DETAILS FOR TORONTO SUPPORT DEMONSTRATION BELOW: COME OUT ON TUESDAY,
APRIL 29, 2008 AT NOON TO 720 BAY STREET
After a tense exchange this morning, in which the OPP informed Mohawk spokesperson Jason Maracle to get people out of the area or they would come in, the OPP instead disbanded a Mohawk roadblock erected on the perimetre of the reclaimed quarry site. This psychological warfare on the part of the police resulted in a tense face-off between the OPP and community members. At present, the OPP has removed one of the roadblocks on the Slash Road and pulled back, but remains present in the direct vicinity of the quarry in great numbers. At the centre of the dispute is the Culbertson Tract, land which rightfully belongs to the Mohawks of Tyendinaga. Community members have been occupying a gravel quarry site for over a year.
In addition, a blockade of Highway 6, taken in support of the Tyendinaga Mohawks, continues by people of the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. Six Nations community members have said they will remove the Highway 6 bypass blockade once they receive confirmation the OPP have withdrawn from the Mohawks of Tyendinaga. The road is now barricaded with a downed hydro tower, wires and a telephone pole.
Important to note is that, despite the reporting in mainstream press, Mohawk spokesperson Shawn Brant's arrest on Friday, April 25th stems from an incident which took place on Monday April 21st. Specifically, Shawn Brant has been charged for his role in allegedly preventing further attacks on a woman from Tyendinaga and a young child by racist rednecks from the town of Deseronto.
These new charges were laid less than two weeks after Shawn Brant was acquitted of charges alleging that he threated Canadian Forces soldiers during a demonstration to prevent development of the Culberston Tract in 2006.
Once again, for his role as a spokesperson in the community, Shawn Brant is facing trumped-up charges. Arrested during an interview he was conducting with APTN, Shawn's final words during his arrest on Friday were "This is it, justice for first nations communities: lock us up. Anybody who speaks out, lock-em up. KI6, Bob Lovelace: lock-em up...Don't fix the problems, lock-em up." (to watch, click HERE)
Supporters rushed to the quarry after watching or hearing of Shawn's arrest. An altercation with the OPP is alleged to have ensued. Four Mohawks were then arrested and jailed. The OPP were reported to have drawn their guns on the Mohawk community members remaining the quarry.
According to Mohawk spokesperson Jay Maracle, "The OPP led us into this incident by jumping five of our men, arresting them and taking them to jail and then sticking guns in our faces, in women and children's faces," he said.
There has been open communication between the Mohawks and the OPP but Maracle said things will not improve unless OPP retracts a statement indicating there are armed Mohawks at the quarry. He said there are no guns at the site.
Matt Kunkel, Clint Brant, Dan Doreen, and Steve Chartrand remain in custody and will appear in bail court in Napanee today. The group includes Dan Dorene, spokesperson for the Mohawk blockade on Highway 2 one week ago, erected to prevent development on the Culberston Tract, land which rightfully belongs to the Mohawks.
A couple from the community who were also arrested by the OPP on Friday were later were released unconditionally.
Shawn Brant will also likely appear in court today.
This brings the total number of First Nations people in Ontario jails for defending their land to 12.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EMERGENCY RALLY: TORONTO
TOMORROW: Tuesday, April 29th
12 noon
Ministry of the Attorney General
720 Bay Street
(Bay, just north of Gerrard, eastside)
OPP back off!
Free all First Nations Political Prisoners Now!
Hands off Stolen Land: Return the Culbertson Tract to the Mohawks of
Tyendinaga!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please continue to call the premier's office and urge the Provincial
Government to:
Honour Mohawk land, call off the OPP: Do not risk people's lives for a gravel pit the government has already acknowledged is on Mohawk land!
Release all First Nations political prisoners!
Premier Dalton McGuinty: 416-325-1941 (phone)
416-325-3745 (fax)
dmcguinty.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org
Monday, April 28, 2008
URGENT ACTION: Call Premier: SWAT Teams ammassing in Tyendinaga 9:30 am Monday
**URGENT** Tyendinaga 9:30 am Monday morning, April 28th
We have just been informed by the Tyendinaga Mohawk community spokespeople that SWAT teams are amassing now on the Deseronto and Slash Roads, bordering the Tyendinaga quarry reclamation site.
Community spokesperson Jason Maracle has just been told by the OPP to pull people out of the quarry because they are going in.
Tyendinaga Support Committee
support.tmt@gmail.com
----------------------------------------------------------
CALL THE PREMIER! CALL THE PREMIER! CALL THE PREMIER! CALL THE PREMIER!
Please call the premier's office immediately and urge them to:
-Honour Mohawk land, call off the OPP: Do not risk people's lives
for a gravel pit the government has already acknowledged is on Mohawk land!
-Release all First Nations political prisoners!
Premier Dalton McGuinty: 416-325-1941 (phone)
416-325-3745 (fax)
daltonmcguinty@premier.gov.on.ca
----------------------------------------------------------
Yesterday's Press Release:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
FROM TYENDINAGA MOHAWK TERRITORY:
Ontario Jails Five More First Nations People Involved in Land Struggles
(Sunday, April 27, 2008 -Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory) Five men from Tyendinaga are in jail today bringing the total number of First Nations people in Ontario jails for defending their land to 12.
Ontario, it appears, has opted for the incarceration of First Nations people over the resolution of outstanding land issues as their status quo.
As for the Ontario Provincial Police, it appears the adoption of Justice Linden's Ipperwash Inquiry recommendations is experiencing some delay.
While in custody at the Napanee Detachment several different officers repeatedly informed Shawn Brant that they were going to "slit his throat" and that he was a "dead man."
This followed a similarly disturbing incident that occurred on Monday, April 22nd during the road closures in Deseronto when an officer on the scene clearly and audibly commented to her colleagues "we should just shoot them (Mohawks) all."
Meanwhile, road closures continue in Tyendinaga and Six Nations until, as one man said, "We finish the job."
Spokesperson: Jay Maracle: 613-243-4993
- 30 -
For more info: http://www.ocap.ca/supporttmt.html
We have just been informed by the Tyendinaga Mohawk community spokespeople that SWAT teams are amassing now on the Deseronto and Slash Roads, bordering the Tyendinaga quarry reclamation site.
Community spokesperson Jason Maracle has just been told by the OPP to pull people out of the quarry because they are going in.
Tyendinaga Support Committee
support.tmt@gmail.com
----------------------------------------------------------
CALL THE PREMIER! CALL THE PREMIER! CALL THE PREMIER! CALL THE PREMIER!
Please call the premier's office immediately and urge them to:
-Honour Mohawk land, call off the OPP: Do not risk people's lives
for a gravel pit the government has already acknowledged is on Mohawk land!
-Release all First Nations political prisoners!
Premier Dalton McGuinty: 416-325-1941 (phone)
416-325-3745 (fax)
daltonmcguinty@premier.gov.on.ca
----------------------------------------------------------
Yesterday's Press Release:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
FROM TYENDINAGA MOHAWK TERRITORY:
Ontario Jails Five More First Nations People Involved in Land Struggles
(Sunday, April 27, 2008 -Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory) Five men from Tyendinaga are in jail today bringing the total number of First Nations people in Ontario jails for defending their land to 12.
Ontario, it appears, has opted for the incarceration of First Nations people over the resolution of outstanding land issues as their status quo.
As for the Ontario Provincial Police, it appears the adoption of Justice Linden's Ipperwash Inquiry recommendations is experiencing some delay.
While in custody at the Napanee Detachment several different officers repeatedly informed Shawn Brant that they were going to "slit his throat" and that he was a "dead man."
This followed a similarly disturbing incident that occurred on Monday, April 22nd during the road closures in Deseronto when an officer on the scene clearly and audibly commented to her colleagues "we should just shoot them (Mohawks) all."
Meanwhile, road closures continue in Tyendinaga and Six Nations until, as one man said, "We finish the job."
Spokesperson: Jay Maracle: 613-243-4993
- 30 -
For more info: http://www.ocap.ca/supporttmt.html
Thursday, April 24, 2008
MAY DAY OF ACTION: STATUS FOR ALL!
MAY DAY OF ACTION: STATUS FOR ALL!
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Christie Pits Park (at Christie subway station) TORONTO
12 Noon
*This is a child-friendly demonstration. Food and drinks will be available. There will be vehicles on-hand for those with reduced mobility.*
Millions across North America have taken to the streets in the last two years demanding Status for All! In Toronto, workers, students, trade unionists, activists and community members have led passionate demonstrations calling for justice and dignity for immigrants and refugees.
The last year has seen unprecedented targeting of refugees in Sanctuary. Asylum seekers have been arrested from schools, workplaces and even hospital beds. Families have been torn apart. Over 12,000 friends, family, and community members have been deported.
On March 14th 2008, the Conservative government introduced a series of amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), buried in Bill c-50, a 136-page "budget implementation bill". If passed, the Minister will have the discretion to refuse applications even where the applicants meet the elitist and racist criteria for
permanent residence, to refuse to even examine humanitarian applications filed from abroad, and to arbitrarily set quotas on the "category" of person that can enter Canada – including quotas based on country of origin.
In the face of this intimidation and fear, our communities have refused to be silenced. Together, we have forced immigration enforcement out of Toronto District schools. Inspired frontline community workers have taken up the struggle for Access Without Fear. We have fought against, and stopped the deportations of allies and
friends.
But the fight is not over. There are over 500,000 undocumented people living and working across Canada, over 200,000 in Toronto alone. They are forced to live in daily fear of jailing and deportation, without access to essential services. Bill C-50 would create even more categories of "temporary foreign workers" without full status and
without rights. These workers will be exploited as cheap labour, as mere commodities, used and then removed. We will not stand for this.
On May 3rd, as part of the National Days of Action for Status for All, we will take to the streets. We demand an end to detentions and deportations. We demand access without fear to essential services. We demand an end to security certificates and secret trials. We demand a full and inclusive regularization program. We demand justice, dignity and respect!
The March will be followed by a community fair featuring music, performers, food, children activities and visual art displays.
JOIN US!
WAYS TO SUPPORT:
1) Organize a loud contingent to come out on May 3rd.
2) Endorse the May Day of Action by emailing NOII a short statement of support.
3) Financial and in-kind (photocopying, translation) donations.
4) Organize a NOII workshop/presentation at your school, union local, agency, community centre or workplace.
5) Help out with postering and outreach
For more information about how you support the march or get involved:
Email: nooneisillegal@riseup.net
Website: www.nooneisillegal.org
Phone: 416 604-5765
-------------------------------------------------------------
No One is Illegal-Toronto is looking for volunteers and allies to help out for the Day of Action on May 3rd.
If you can help out, attend our Volunteer Meeting
Wednesday April 30th - 6:30pm
Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE)
252 Bloor Street West (between Bedford and St George, at the St George Subway Station)
The room location will be posted in the lobby
-----------------------------------------------------
Endorsed by: AMNI Student Group - University of Toronto * Basics Community Newsletter * Black Action Defence Committee * Bolivarian Circle - Manuelita Saenz * Campaign Anti-Sharia * Canadian Federation of Students * Caribbean Studies Student's Union at UofT * Carranza Barristers & Solicitors * Central Neighbourhood House * Centre for Feminist Research * Centre for Spanish Speaking People * Coalition Against Israeli Apartheid * Community Social Planning Council of Toronto * CUPE 1281 * CUPE 1777(Social Service Workers) * CUPE 3896 (Social Service Workers) * CUPE 3902 (Educational Workers at UofT) * CUPE 3907 (OISE T.A.s) * CUPE 4308 (Social Service Workers) * CUPE International Solidarity Committee * CUPE Ontario * Education Not
Deportation * Educators for Peace and Justice * Elementary Teachers of Toronto Regional Council * UKPC (Filipino-Canadian Youth Alliance) * Glendon College Student's Union - York University * Grassroots Youth Collaborative * Industrial Accident Victims' Group of Ontario * International Federation of Iranian Refugees in Canada * Justice for Alwy Campaign * Justice for Mohamed Harkat Campaign * KAIROS * Law
Union of Ontario * Liberation of Women in Iran * New Socialist Group * No One Is Illegal – Brampton * No One Is Illegal – Kingston * No One Is Illegal – Ottawa * No One Is Illegal- Montreal * No One Is Illegal-Vancouver * Ontario Coalition Against Poverty * OPIRG-Toronto * OPIRG-York * OSSTF District 12 - Human Rights Committee * ROAD Network * Ryerson Students Union * Sistering * Department of Sociology
and Equity Studies at OISE * Sociology and Equity Studies in Education Student Caucus * Solidarity Across Borders * Somali Youth Association of Toronto * South Asian Women's Rights Organization * Status Now * Teachers for Palestine * The Bickford Centre * The Socialist Project * The Stop * Toronto Haiti Action Committee * Toronto Adult Student Association * Toronto Climate Change Coalition * Toronto Coalition to
Stop the War * Toronto Immigration Legal Committee * United Black Students at Ryerson * York University Black Students Alliance * York University Muslim Student's Association *
Check out the national No One Is Illegal statement on the new changes to the Immigration Act proposed by the Conservative government:
http://toronto.nooneisillegal.org/node/935
To see photos, video and report backs from last year's Status for All demo, check out:
http://toronto.nooneisillegal.org/node/683
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Christie Pits Park (at Christie subway station) TORONTO
12 Noon
*This is a child-friendly demonstration. Food and drinks will be available. There will be vehicles on-hand for those with reduced mobility.*
Millions across North America have taken to the streets in the last two years demanding Status for All! In Toronto, workers, students, trade unionists, activists and community members have led passionate demonstrations calling for justice and dignity for immigrants and refugees.
The last year has seen unprecedented targeting of refugees in Sanctuary. Asylum seekers have been arrested from schools, workplaces and even hospital beds. Families have been torn apart. Over 12,000 friends, family, and community members have been deported.
On March 14th 2008, the Conservative government introduced a series of amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), buried in Bill c-50, a 136-page "budget implementation bill". If passed, the Minister will have the discretion to refuse applications even where the applicants meet the elitist and racist criteria for
permanent residence, to refuse to even examine humanitarian applications filed from abroad, and to arbitrarily set quotas on the "category" of person that can enter Canada – including quotas based on country of origin.
In the face of this intimidation and fear, our communities have refused to be silenced. Together, we have forced immigration enforcement out of Toronto District schools. Inspired frontline community workers have taken up the struggle for Access Without Fear. We have fought against, and stopped the deportations of allies and
friends.
But the fight is not over. There are over 500,000 undocumented people living and working across Canada, over 200,000 in Toronto alone. They are forced to live in daily fear of jailing and deportation, without access to essential services. Bill C-50 would create even more categories of "temporary foreign workers" without full status and
without rights. These workers will be exploited as cheap labour, as mere commodities, used and then removed. We will not stand for this.
On May 3rd, as part of the National Days of Action for Status for All, we will take to the streets. We demand an end to detentions and deportations. We demand access without fear to essential services. We demand an end to security certificates and secret trials. We demand a full and inclusive regularization program. We demand justice, dignity and respect!
The March will be followed by a community fair featuring music, performers, food, children activities and visual art displays.
JOIN US!
WAYS TO SUPPORT:
1) Organize a loud contingent to come out on May 3rd.
2) Endorse the May Day of Action by emailing NOII a short statement of support.
3) Financial and in-kind (photocopying, translation) donations.
4) Organize a NOII workshop/presentation at your school, union local, agency, community centre or workplace.
5) Help out with postering and outreach
For more information about how you support the march or get involved:
Email: nooneisillegal@riseup.net
Website: www.nooneisillegal.org
Phone: 416 604-5765
-------------------------------------------------------------
No One is Illegal-Toronto is looking for volunteers and allies to help out for the Day of Action on May 3rd.
If you can help out, attend our Volunteer Meeting
Wednesday April 30th - 6:30pm
Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE)
252 Bloor Street West (between Bedford and St George, at the St George Subway Station)
The room location will be posted in the lobby
-----------------------------------------------------
Endorsed by: AMNI Student Group - University of Toronto * Basics Community Newsletter * Black Action Defence Committee * Bolivarian Circle - Manuelita Saenz * Campaign Anti-Sharia * Canadian Federation of Students * Caribbean Studies Student's Union at UofT * Carranza Barristers & Solicitors * Central Neighbourhood House * Centre for Feminist Research * Centre for Spanish Speaking People * Coalition Against Israeli Apartheid * Community Social Planning Council of Toronto * CUPE 1281 * CUPE 1777(Social Service Workers) * CUPE 3896 (Social Service Workers) * CUPE 3902 (Educational Workers at UofT) * CUPE 3907 (OISE T.A.s) * CUPE 4308 (Social Service Workers) * CUPE International Solidarity Committee * CUPE Ontario * Education Not
Deportation * Educators for Peace and Justice * Elementary Teachers of Toronto Regional Council * UKPC (Filipino-Canadian Youth Alliance) * Glendon College Student's Union - York University * Grassroots Youth Collaborative * Industrial Accident Victims' Group of Ontario * International Federation of Iranian Refugees in Canada * Justice for Alwy Campaign * Justice for Mohamed Harkat Campaign * KAIROS * Law
Union of Ontario * Liberation of Women in Iran * New Socialist Group * No One Is Illegal – Brampton * No One Is Illegal – Kingston * No One Is Illegal – Ottawa * No One Is Illegal- Montreal * No One Is Illegal-Vancouver * Ontario Coalition Against Poverty * OPIRG-Toronto * OPIRG-York * OSSTF District 12 - Human Rights Committee * ROAD Network * Ryerson Students Union * Sistering * Department of Sociology
and Equity Studies at OISE * Sociology and Equity Studies in Education Student Caucus * Solidarity Across Borders * Somali Youth Association of Toronto * South Asian Women's Rights Organization * Status Now * Teachers for Palestine * The Bickford Centre * The Socialist Project * The Stop * Toronto Haiti Action Committee * Toronto Adult Student Association * Toronto Climate Change Coalition * Toronto Coalition to
Stop the War * Toronto Immigration Legal Committee * United Black Students at Ryerson * York University Black Students Alliance * York University Muslim Student's Association *
Check out the national No One Is Illegal statement on the new changes to the Immigration Act proposed by the Conservative government:
http://toronto.nooneisillegal.org/node/935
To see photos, video and report backs from last year's Status for All demo, check out:
http://toronto.nooneisillegal.org/node/683
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Hollow Victory: Shawn Brant Acquitted of Threat Charges
On Monday, April 14th, a trial involving highly political charges laid against Shawn Brant and two other Mohawks from Tyendinaga, ended in acquittals for two of the three charged. The charges stemmed from a demonstration that was part of the struggle for the Culbertson Tract.
Shawn Brant was found not guilty on Monday on three charges of uttering threats at soldiers during a 2006 demonstration against a proposed development on Mohawk land. Justice Charles Anderson, in Napanee, Ont., also cleared his co-accused Jerome Barnhart on two charges of uttering threats and one charge of mischief. Mario 'Skin' Baptiste Jr., was convicted of two counts of assault soldiers and one count of mischief for attacking a vehicle. Sentencing of Skin will occur after the completion of a pre-sentencing report, which could take eight weeks to prepare.
These particular charges stemmed from an earlier demonstration around the Culbertson Tract, land which the federal government has long acknowledged rightfully belongs to the Mohawks but which is languishing at the negotiation table. On November 15th, 2006, Mohawks from Tyendinaga erected posters at the site of a proposed 140-home development project which was later scuttled due to Mohawk resistance to building on their land. During the protest, five Canadian Military vehicles were spotted traveling in a convoy through the reserve. In the context of the history of military involvement in policing Native protest across Canada, the convoy was seen as a veiled threat. The Mohawks blocked the vehicles' path with cars and trucks, eventually allowing the O.P.P. to escort the military away. No one was charged until two months later - just days after Shawn Brant announced that Tyendinaga Mohawks planned to take blockade actions as part of the upcoming June 29th Aboriginal Day of Action, the three Mohawks were charged.
The defence attorney argued during this trial that the laying of these charges was politically motivated, in order to ensure that Shawn Brant would have outstanding legal issues before the Day of Action, and would likely be held without bail if he participated in any future blockades. After this week's acquittal, Shawn Brant told reporters, "I know it weighed heavy on the judges when I was denied bail on two different occasions." He went on to say, "I spent two months in jail because of this; I've been on conditions for 18 months. To have them set aside like this is a hollow victory at best." In addition, Shawn Brant is the sole Mohawk facing charges in connection with Tyendinaga Mohawks' highway and rail line blockades in April and June 2007. The latter blockades happened in conjunction with the Assembly of First Nations' National Day of Action.
The political nature of this trial, and the on-going criminalization of Tyendinaga Mohawks around their struggle for the land, continues to be made clear through the heavy police presence each time the Mohawks appear in court. On Monday, OPP officers in tactical uniforms were stationed at the courthouse, and anyone entering was scanned with a metal detector. People attending the verdict were not allowed to bring cellphones inside, after being told that explosive devices could be smuggled in this way.
Similar to previous occasions when Shawn Brant and other members of his community have gone to court in 2007 and 2008, this excessive security presence is repeatedly implemented in an effort to influence the outcome of the court proceedings, and is another form of intimidation and threat against people who are fighting for their land.
A CBC documentary aired last month (see below for link), revealed that OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino had heavily armed tactical units on hand, to use lethal force against the Mohawks if necessary, in order to re-open Highway 401, which was shut down during the actions of June 29th. The OPP ignored the recommendations of the Ipperwash Inquiry Report, which resulted from Dudley George's death, and disregarded
their common practice of obtaining injunctions before considering using force against indigenous occupations.
The lengths to which the colonial state, cops, and courts are prepared to go, in their efforts to repress and destroy indigenous resistance and struggle for sovereignty, self-determination, and justice, is laid bare by these facts. Shawn Brant goes to trial in January 2009, facing a possible 12 years in a federal penitentiary.
The personal sacrifice and the tremendous price he stands to pay for his leadership and courage warrant our utmost efforts to ensure Shawn Brant does not go to trial isolated and unawares of the depth of respect and support that exists across Turtle Island, and how deeply tied the struggle for social justice must be with First Nations
peoples. It is vital that people of conscience act to support the Mohawks of Tyendinaga.
The Tyendinaga Support Committee
support.tmt@gmail.com
--------------------------------------------------
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
1. Listen to the recent CBC radio documentary: The Long Hot Summer
The Current CBC Radio 99.1FM
Link to hear the documentary at http://www.cbc.ca/thecurrent/2008/200803/20080326.html
In June 2007, thousands of native Canadians turned out for the national Aboriginal Day of Action, a day of peaceful protest designed to educate non-native Canadians about the issues that plague native communities. Despite concerns of violence, the day came and went more or less peacefully. Those in power -- native and non-native -- congratulated each other on how well it all went and concluded that the predicted "long, hot summer" of aboriginal discontent had been skillfully, peacefully and -- in the most Canadian of ways -- quietly averted. But that very nearly wasn't the case. And the day came closer than most people realize to ending with a violent confrontation.Freelance broadcaster Susanna Kelley investigated what happened that
night.
2. Donate money to the Tyendinega Legal Defence Fund, which divides funds raised between Shawn's legal costs and maintaining the quarry reclamation site. Cheques can be made out to "Tyendinaga Legal Defence Fund" and mailed to the address below.
3. Host a facilitated workshop or information session with a member of the Tyendinaga Support Committee. Contact us at support.tmt@gmail.com
4. Put forward a resolution in your local or organization in support of Shawn Brant and the struggle of the Tyendinaga Mohawk community to reclaim their land.
5. Officially endorse the TSC campaign to support Shawn Brant's legal defence and the quarry reclamation site by contacting us at supporttmt@gmail.com
6. In Toronto, contact us to become actively involved in the work of the TSC and come to one of our meetings.
7. Visit our website to sign an online petition or to join our mailing list: http://www.ocap.ca/supporttmt.html
Tyendinaga Support Committee
c/o 10 Britain St. Toronto ON M5A 1R6
support.tmt@gmail.com
http://www.ocap.ca/supporttmt.html
Shawn Brant was found not guilty on Monday on three charges of uttering threats at soldiers during a 2006 demonstration against a proposed development on Mohawk land. Justice Charles Anderson, in Napanee, Ont., also cleared his co-accused Jerome Barnhart on two charges of uttering threats and one charge of mischief. Mario 'Skin' Baptiste Jr., was convicted of two counts of assault soldiers and one count of mischief for attacking a vehicle. Sentencing of Skin will occur after the completion of a pre-sentencing report, which could take eight weeks to prepare.
These particular charges stemmed from an earlier demonstration around the Culbertson Tract, land which the federal government has long acknowledged rightfully belongs to the Mohawks but which is languishing at the negotiation table. On November 15th, 2006, Mohawks from Tyendinaga erected posters at the site of a proposed 140-home development project which was later scuttled due to Mohawk resistance to building on their land. During the protest, five Canadian Military vehicles were spotted traveling in a convoy through the reserve. In the context of the history of military involvement in policing Native protest across Canada, the convoy was seen as a veiled threat. The Mohawks blocked the vehicles' path with cars and trucks, eventually allowing the O.P.P. to escort the military away. No one was charged until two months later - just days after Shawn Brant announced that Tyendinaga Mohawks planned to take blockade actions as part of the upcoming June 29th Aboriginal Day of Action, the three Mohawks were charged.
The defence attorney argued during this trial that the laying of these charges was politically motivated, in order to ensure that Shawn Brant would have outstanding legal issues before the Day of Action, and would likely be held without bail if he participated in any future blockades. After this week's acquittal, Shawn Brant told reporters, "I know it weighed heavy on the judges when I was denied bail on two different occasions." He went on to say, "I spent two months in jail because of this; I've been on conditions for 18 months. To have them set aside like this is a hollow victory at best." In addition, Shawn Brant is the sole Mohawk facing charges in connection with Tyendinaga Mohawks' highway and rail line blockades in April and June 2007. The latter blockades happened in conjunction with the Assembly of First Nations' National Day of Action.
The political nature of this trial, and the on-going criminalization of Tyendinaga Mohawks around their struggle for the land, continues to be made clear through the heavy police presence each time the Mohawks appear in court. On Monday, OPP officers in tactical uniforms were stationed at the courthouse, and anyone entering was scanned with a metal detector. People attending the verdict were not allowed to bring cellphones inside, after being told that explosive devices could be smuggled in this way.
Similar to previous occasions when Shawn Brant and other members of his community have gone to court in 2007 and 2008, this excessive security presence is repeatedly implemented in an effort to influence the outcome of the court proceedings, and is another form of intimidation and threat against people who are fighting for their land.
A CBC documentary aired last month (see below for link), revealed that OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino had heavily armed tactical units on hand, to use lethal force against the Mohawks if necessary, in order to re-open Highway 401, which was shut down during the actions of June 29th. The OPP ignored the recommendations of the Ipperwash Inquiry Report, which resulted from Dudley George's death, and disregarded
their common practice of obtaining injunctions before considering using force against indigenous occupations.
The lengths to which the colonial state, cops, and courts are prepared to go, in their efforts to repress and destroy indigenous resistance and struggle for sovereignty, self-determination, and justice, is laid bare by these facts. Shawn Brant goes to trial in January 2009, facing a possible 12 years in a federal penitentiary.
The personal sacrifice and the tremendous price he stands to pay for his leadership and courage warrant our utmost efforts to ensure Shawn Brant does not go to trial isolated and unawares of the depth of respect and support that exists across Turtle Island, and how deeply tied the struggle for social justice must be with First Nations
peoples. It is vital that people of conscience act to support the Mohawks of Tyendinaga.
The Tyendinaga Support Committee
support.tmt@gmail.com
--------------------------------------------------
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
1. Listen to the recent CBC radio documentary: The Long Hot Summer
The Current CBC Radio 99.1FM
Link to hear the documentary at http://www.cbc.ca/thecurrent/2008/200803/20080326.html
In June 2007, thousands of native Canadians turned out for the national Aboriginal Day of Action, a day of peaceful protest designed to educate non-native Canadians about the issues that plague native communities. Despite concerns of violence, the day came and went more or less peacefully. Those in power -- native and non-native -- congratulated each other on how well it all went and concluded that the predicted "long, hot summer" of aboriginal discontent had been skillfully, peacefully and -- in the most Canadian of ways -- quietly averted. But that very nearly wasn't the case. And the day came closer than most people realize to ending with a violent confrontation.Freelance broadcaster Susanna Kelley investigated what happened that
night.
2. Donate money to the Tyendinega Legal Defence Fund, which divides funds raised between Shawn's legal costs and maintaining the quarry reclamation site. Cheques can be made out to "Tyendinaga Legal Defence Fund" and mailed to the address below.
3. Host a facilitated workshop or information session with a member of the Tyendinaga Support Committee. Contact us at support.tmt@gmail.com
4. Put forward a resolution in your local or organization in support of Shawn Brant and the struggle of the Tyendinaga Mohawk community to reclaim their land.
5. Officially endorse the TSC campaign to support Shawn Brant's legal defence and the quarry reclamation site by contacting us at supporttmt@gmail.com
6. In Toronto, contact us to become actively involved in the work of the TSC and come to one of our meetings.
7. Visit our website to sign an online petition or to join our mailing list: http://www.ocap.ca/supporttmt.html
Tyendinaga Support Committee
c/o 10 Britain St. Toronto ON M5A 1R6
support.tmt@gmail.com
http://www.ocap.ca/supporttmt.html
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
April 17th - PCPS Event: Palestinian Prisoners Day Film Festival
Palestinian Prisoners Day Film Festival
Free films on Palestine, all day!
Thursday, April 17
1 pm - 9 pm
Peterborough Public Library Auditorium (345 Aylmer St North)
Wheelchair accessible space
WEAR BLACK to show your solidarity with Palestinian political prisoners!
Zatoun fair trade olive oil and soap from Palestine will be sold
FILM SCHEDULE
1:00 – 2:45 - Occupation 101
2:45 – 3:00 - Break
3:00 – 3:30 - A Caged Bird's Song
3:30 – 4:15 - Azmi Bishara's address to Israeli Apartheid Week in South Africa
4:15 – 4:30 - Break
4:30 – 5:00 - Short talk on Palestinian Political Prisoners
With speakers from the Peterborough Coalition for Palestinian Solidarity
5:00 – 6:00 - The Iron Wall
Short film programme:
6:00 – 6:10 - The Easiest Targets
6:10 – 6:20 - Clip from "We" – Arundhati Roy on the Israel/Palestine Conflict
6:20 – 6:30 - Clip from Ilan Pappe's March 29 address in Vancouver – "The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine"
6:30 – 6:40 - Clip from Naomi Klein's keynote address at Canada's first Independent Canadian Jewish Conference – "Israel, Don't Act Normal"
6:40 – 7:00 - Break (light dinner will be provided)
7:00 – 9:00 - Evening Presentation: Indigenous Political Prisoners in Turtle Island
A talk on Caledonia/Kanonhstaton and screening of The Dish With One Spoon, a new documentary by Dr. Dawn Martin-Hill
Sponsored by the Trent Film Society.
More information HERE
Free films on Palestine, all day!
Thursday, April 17
1 pm - 9 pm
Peterborough Public Library Auditorium (345 Aylmer St North)
Wheelchair accessible space
WEAR BLACK to show your solidarity with Palestinian political prisoners!
Zatoun fair trade olive oil and soap from Palestine will be sold
FILM SCHEDULE
1:00 – 2:45 - Occupation 101
2:45 – 3:00 - Break
3:00 – 3:30 - A Caged Bird's Song
3:30 – 4:15 - Azmi Bishara's address to Israeli Apartheid Week in South Africa
4:15 – 4:30 - Break
4:30 – 5:00 - Short talk on Palestinian Political Prisoners
With speakers from the Peterborough Coalition for Palestinian Solidarity
5:00 – 6:00 - The Iron Wall
Short film programme:
6:00 – 6:10 - The Easiest Targets
6:10 – 6:20 - Clip from "We" – Arundhati Roy on the Israel/Palestine Conflict
6:20 – 6:30 - Clip from Ilan Pappe's March 29 address in Vancouver – "The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine"
6:30 – 6:40 - Clip from Naomi Klein's keynote address at Canada's first Independent Canadian Jewish Conference – "Israel, Don't Act Normal"
6:40 – 7:00 - Break (light dinner will be provided)
7:00 – 9:00 - Evening Presentation: Indigenous Political Prisoners in Turtle Island
A talk on Caledonia/Kanonhstaton and screening of The Dish With One Spoon, a new documentary by Dr. Dawn Martin-Hill
Sponsored by the Trent Film Society.
More information HERE
FREEDOM for IVAN APAOLAZA SANCHO
From: "Liberte pour Ivan"
UPDATE:
IRB ISSUES DEPORTATION ORDER AGAINST IVAN APAOLAZA SANCHO
Montreal, 13 May 2008 - This morning, IRB Board member Louis Dubé rendered his decision in Ivan Apaolaza Sancho's case, accepting that a key declaration in the case was provided under torture but nevertheless issuing a deportation order against him.
Mr. Apaolaza Sancho, a refugee claimant of Basque origin, has been detained at the Rivière-des-Prairies prison since June 2007. He was arrested by the RCMP, acting at the behest of the Spanish authorities, who alleged that he was a member of the Basque nationalist group ETA, a "listed entity" under Canada's Antiterrorism Act. Mr. Sancho vigorously denies the allegations. Nevertheless, the Minister has argued that Mr. Apaolaza Sancho is inadmissible to Canada on these grounds.
In his decision to issue a deportation order against Mr. Sancho, Commissioner Dubé relied SOLELY on the information contained in arrest warrants issued by the Spanish authorities, despite the fact that NO evidence was ever filed by the Canadian authorities to sustain the allegations in the warrants.
Mr. Dubé also discounted evidence that the allegations in the Spanish warrants are based on a declaration obtained by the Spanish police though the use of torture. Under Canadian and international law, information obtained under torture cannot be used in any judicial proceeding. While Mr. Dubé agreed that the declaration had likely been obtained under torture, he did not accept evidence that the allegations were based on this declaration.
"It seems that when police write words on a piece of paper, a disconnect is somehow created between the information they write and the same information in a detainee's declaration obtained under torture. This puts an impossible burden on Mr. Apaoloza Sancho," said Me. William Sloan, Mr. Sancho's lawyer.
"I am shocked that the tribunal could find that the only evidence against me was obtained under torture, while at the same time concluding that the Spanish allegations, which are based on that same evidence, are somehow valid. This decision makes a mockery of the prohibition against the use of evidence obtained under torture," said Mr. Apaolaza Sancho after hearing the decision.
As a result of this decision, Mr. Apaolaza Sancho is barred from making a refugee claim in Canada. He fears torture at the hands of the Spanish police if deported. Amnesty International has reported that torture is frequent in Spain in cases such as Mr. Sancho's.
Mr. Apaolaza Sancho will seek judicial review of the IRB's decision in the Federal Court. Though he has been ordered detained pending deportation, he will seek a writ of habeas corpus in order to be released from prison.
----
Update from the Freedom for Ivan Committee
Thursday, 17 April, is political prisoner's day. In Montreal, Ivan Apaolaza Sancho - a 36 year old Basque refugee claimant and political prisoner - has been in detention for over ten months.
Ivan is accused of having been a member of the ETA (an armed nationalist Basque organization); an accusation that he denies. He has been detained at Rivière des prairies Detention Centre since June 2007 and faces deportation solely on the basis of accusations made by the Spanish state; no actual evidence to support the allegations has been presented. Moreover, the allegations themselves seem to come from a confession obtained under torture (see below). If the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) Commissioner accept those allegations, Ivan faces deportation to Spain where he expects further arbitrary detention and possible torture.
Ivan is one of hundreds of Basque political prisoners, held at the behest of the Spanish state, often with the complicity of other states like Canada. For centuries, the Spanish state has inflicted intense and cruel repression on the Basque left-sovereignist movement (which enjoys broad support in Basque society). Today, following in Franco's footsteps, the state continues to use political repression as it attempts to dismantle the Basque movement's base of social support. Of the 18,721 people arrested in Basque country for political reasons between 1977 and 2002, 9200 people served jail time, 5300 people reported having been tortured, and 9 people were murdered during police interrogations.
On 24 March, the newly formed Freedom for Ivan committee organized a press conference in Montreal to publish evidence indicating that all of the allegations against Ivan originate from the "confession" a Basque woman made under torture while she was held incommunicado by Spanish police. Ivan's committee and lawyers called on Stockwell Day to immediately release Ivan and cease Canadian complicity in torture.
The following day, Ivan's lawyers argued in an IRB hearing that the case against Ivan should be thrown out for lack of evidence and because there are reasonable grounds to believe that the allegations are based on information obtained under torture, which is inadmissable under Canadian law. French legal expert Didier Rouget testified that Canada could also be breaking international law if it deported Ivan on that basis. The hearing will resume on 25 April.
In the meantime, Ivan underwent another routine detention review. Just two days before Political Prisoner day, the IRB Commissioner had another opportunity to cease participating in torture and repression - but refused.
BELOW:
1. Press release: "Canada is detaining a Basque refugee on the basis of torture information"
2. Media coverage of press conference and hearing
3. New letters of support (Ligue des droits; ACAT; CDHL)
4. Campaign demands and Backgrounder
5. How you can help
:::::PRESS RELEASE: "Canada is detaining a Basque refugee on the basis of information obtained under torture"
"Ivan Apaolaza Sancho, a refugee claimant of Basque origin, has been detained at the Rivière-des-Prairies prison since June 2007 and currently faces deportation proceedings, and all of this solely on the basis of allegations by the Spanish government. In spite of the numerous requests made by Mr. Apaolaza Sancho's lawyers, no evidence has been filed to support these allegations. Moreover, it seems that the accusations put forth by the Spanish government are based entirely on declarations made by a woman who was being held 'incommunicado' in Spain at the time. ..."Complete press release: www.cmaq.net/en/node/29565.
:::::MEDIA COVERAGE OF PRESS CONFERENCE AND HEARING:::::
--> Link to audio of the press coverage on CKUT 90.3 FM:
http://secure.ckut.ca/64/20080404.11.00-11.30.mp3 (download);
http://secure.ckut.ca/64/mp3.20080404.11.00-11.30.m3u (stream).
--> CP: Expert says Canada could break international law if terror suspect deported
"A French legal expert is warning Canada it will break international law if evidence obtained through torture is used to deport a suspected Basque terrorist. Didier Rouget, a lawyer who has represented several torture victims, suggested Thursday that Canada is walking a dangerous line if it returns Ivan Apaolaza Sancho to Spain. ..." Complete article: www.canadaeast.com/news/article/252057.
--> More mainstream media coverage (compilation):
http://nooneisillegal-montreal.blogspot.com/2007/12/nouvellesnews-ivan-apaol aza-sancho.html
:::::NEW LETTERS OF SUPPORT::::::
--> Letter from the Ligue des droits et libertés
"The claim of territorial inadmissibility by the Canadian authorities in the case of Ivan Apaolaza Sancho is based on allegations of belonging to a terrorist organization, the ETA, which have never been judged in court. Moreover, these allegations of the Spanish state appear themselves to be based on allegations obtained under torture, according to information provided by Mr. Apaolaza Sancho's lawyer. Canada has ratified the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Article 15 of that Convention stipulates that no evidence that has been obtained under torture can be considered valid. ... If he is returned to Spain, Mr. Apaolaza Sancho faces a strong risk of being subject to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. In January 2008, Amnesty International called for an inquiry into the behaviour of the police force during the arrest of Mr. Igor Portu, a suspected member of the Basque independence organization, the ETA. According to doctors who examined him, he was admitted to emergency hospital care with severe wounds after the arrest (www.amnistie.ca/content/view/11282/107/). ... " (Our translation. For complete letter (in french only), email us at libertepourivan@gmail.com.)
--> Letter from Action chrétien contre la torture
"L'ACAT-CANADA (affiliated with International Federation of Action by Christians for the Abolition of Torture), which has consultative status at the United Nations and the Council of Europe, is very concerned by the situation of a Basque asylum seeker, originally from the city of Beasaín, detained since June 2007 at the Rivière-des-Prairies Detention Centre in Montréal. Facing forcible deportation to Spain, this man is at risk of torture or other forms of ill treatment with great injury to the security of the person. ... " (Our translation. For complete letter (in french only), email us at libertepourivan@gmail.com.)
--> Letter from Comité pour les droits humains en Amérique latine (CDHAL)
"We are writing to register our very great concern about the decision of the Canadian government to keep Mr. Ivan Apaolaza Sancho in detention without any evidence. Moreover, we are deeply concerned by the fact that the allegations are based on information obtained under torture. In addition to doubting the truth of such information, we are very concerned that the Canadian government would approve this type of practice ... " (Our translation. For complete letter (in french only), email us at libertepourivan@gmail.com.)
:::::DEMANDS AND BACKGROUNDER:::::
--> The Freedom for Ivan Sancho committee demands:
1- An immediate release of Ivan from detention and immediate freedom for all political prisoners.
2- A stop to Ivan's deportation and an end to Canadian complicity in the use of torture.
3- Refugee status for Ivan and an end to the two-tiered justice system for non-citizens in Canada.
--> Open letter by Ivan Sancho
"My name is Ivan Apaolaza Sancho, I am a graduate in sociology and my nationality is Basque. I have been detained at the Rivières-des-Prairies detention centre in Montreal since June 29th 2007 on the basis of an arrest warrant issued by the Spanish state (and with the help of Immigration Canada). ... " Full letter:
http://nooneisillegal-montreal.blogspot.com/2008/03/open-letter-by-ivan-apaolaza-sancho.html
--> Backgrounder: The Making of another Basque Political Prisoner in Canada
" Ivan is a 36 year old Basque man from the town of Beasaín. He first came to Canada six years ago. Ivan grew up in the Basque country where he was active in the student movement while attending the Universidad del País Vasco-Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV-EHU). Like many Basques, he was also a sympathizer of the left-sovereignist party Batasuna. ...."
Full backgrounder, email us at libertepourivan@gmail.com.
::::HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT FREEDOM FOR IVAN:::::
At this point, Ivan and his supporters are asking organizations to:
1) Endorse the campaign demands (above).
2) Write a statement of support for Ivan in which we also encourage you to speak to the larger political issues behind his situation (Ivan would like this campaign to be explicitly political and to clearly denounce the actions of the Spanish authorities).
3) Write and if possible gather letters of support from individuals and organizations for the purpose of pressuring the Minister of Immigration and Minister of Public Safety to agree to our demands. (Letter writing guide available: email us at libertepourivan@gmail.com.)
4) Write letters to Ivan (email us for contact info).
5) Spread information about Ivan's case to your networks.
6) If you are in Montreal, get involved in Ivan's support committee!
--------------------------------------
The Freedom for Ivan Committee
libertepourivan@gmail.com
514-848-7583
UPDATE:
IRB ISSUES DEPORTATION ORDER AGAINST IVAN APAOLAZA SANCHO
Montreal, 13 May 2008 - This morning, IRB Board member Louis Dubé rendered his decision in Ivan Apaolaza Sancho's case, accepting that a key declaration in the case was provided under torture but nevertheless issuing a deportation order against him.
Mr. Apaolaza Sancho, a refugee claimant of Basque origin, has been detained at the Rivière-des-Prairies prison since June 2007. He was arrested by the RCMP, acting at the behest of the Spanish authorities, who alleged that he was a member of the Basque nationalist group ETA, a "listed entity" under Canada's Antiterrorism Act. Mr. Sancho vigorously denies the allegations. Nevertheless, the Minister has argued that Mr. Apaolaza Sancho is inadmissible to Canada on these grounds.
In his decision to issue a deportation order against Mr. Sancho, Commissioner Dubé relied SOLELY on the information contained in arrest warrants issued by the Spanish authorities, despite the fact that NO evidence was ever filed by the Canadian authorities to sustain the allegations in the warrants.
Mr. Dubé also discounted evidence that the allegations in the Spanish warrants are based on a declaration obtained by the Spanish police though the use of torture. Under Canadian and international law, information obtained under torture cannot be used in any judicial proceeding. While Mr. Dubé agreed that the declaration had likely been obtained under torture, he did not accept evidence that the allegations were based on this declaration.
"It seems that when police write words on a piece of paper, a disconnect is somehow created between the information they write and the same information in a detainee's declaration obtained under torture. This puts an impossible burden on Mr. Apaoloza Sancho," said Me. William Sloan, Mr. Sancho's lawyer.
"I am shocked that the tribunal could find that the only evidence against me was obtained under torture, while at the same time concluding that the Spanish allegations, which are based on that same evidence, are somehow valid. This decision makes a mockery of the prohibition against the use of evidence obtained under torture," said Mr. Apaolaza Sancho after hearing the decision.
As a result of this decision, Mr. Apaolaza Sancho is barred from making a refugee claim in Canada. He fears torture at the hands of the Spanish police if deported. Amnesty International has reported that torture is frequent in Spain in cases such as Mr. Sancho's.
Mr. Apaolaza Sancho will seek judicial review of the IRB's decision in the Federal Court. Though he has been ordered detained pending deportation, he will seek a writ of habeas corpus in order to be released from prison.
----
Update from the Freedom for Ivan Committee
Thursday, 17 April, is political prisoner's day. In Montreal, Ivan Apaolaza Sancho - a 36 year old Basque refugee claimant and political prisoner - has been in detention for over ten months.
Ivan is accused of having been a member of the ETA (an armed nationalist Basque organization); an accusation that he denies. He has been detained at Rivière des prairies Detention Centre since June 2007 and faces deportation solely on the basis of accusations made by the Spanish state; no actual evidence to support the allegations has been presented. Moreover, the allegations themselves seem to come from a confession obtained under torture (see below). If the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) Commissioner accept those allegations, Ivan faces deportation to Spain where he expects further arbitrary detention and possible torture.
Ivan is one of hundreds of Basque political prisoners, held at the behest of the Spanish state, often with the complicity of other states like Canada. For centuries, the Spanish state has inflicted intense and cruel repression on the Basque left-sovereignist movement (which enjoys broad support in Basque society). Today, following in Franco's footsteps, the state continues to use political repression as it attempts to dismantle the Basque movement's base of social support. Of the 18,721 people arrested in Basque country for political reasons between 1977 and 2002, 9200 people served jail time, 5300 people reported having been tortured, and 9 people were murdered during police interrogations.
On 24 March, the newly formed Freedom for Ivan committee organized a press conference in Montreal to publish evidence indicating that all of the allegations against Ivan originate from the "confession" a Basque woman made under torture while she was held incommunicado by Spanish police. Ivan's committee and lawyers called on Stockwell Day to immediately release Ivan and cease Canadian complicity in torture.
The following day, Ivan's lawyers argued in an IRB hearing that the case against Ivan should be thrown out for lack of evidence and because there are reasonable grounds to believe that the allegations are based on information obtained under torture, which is inadmissable under Canadian law. French legal expert Didier Rouget testified that Canada could also be breaking international law if it deported Ivan on that basis. The hearing will resume on 25 April.
In the meantime, Ivan underwent another routine detention review. Just two days before Political Prisoner day, the IRB Commissioner had another opportunity to cease participating in torture and repression - but refused.
BELOW:
1. Press release: "Canada is detaining a Basque refugee on the basis of torture information"
2. Media coverage of press conference and hearing
3. New letters of support (Ligue des droits; ACAT; CDHL)
4. Campaign demands and Backgrounder
5. How you can help
:::::PRESS RELEASE: "Canada is detaining a Basque refugee on the basis of information obtained under torture"
"Ivan Apaolaza Sancho, a refugee claimant of Basque origin, has been detained at the Rivière-des-Prairies prison since June 2007 and currently faces deportation proceedings, and all of this solely on the basis of allegations by the Spanish government. In spite of the numerous requests made by Mr. Apaolaza Sancho's lawyers, no evidence has been filed to support these allegations. Moreover, it seems that the accusations put forth by the Spanish government are based entirely on declarations made by a woman who was being held 'incommunicado' in Spain at the time. ..."Complete press release: www.cmaq.net/en/node/29565.
:::::MEDIA COVERAGE OF PRESS CONFERENCE AND HEARING:::::
--> Link to audio of the press coverage on CKUT 90.3 FM:
http://secure.ckut.ca/64/20080404.11.00-11.30.mp3 (download);
http://secure.ckut.ca/64/mp3.20080404.11.00-11.30.m3u (stream).
--> CP: Expert says Canada could break international law if terror suspect deported
"A French legal expert is warning Canada it will break international law if evidence obtained through torture is used to deport a suspected Basque terrorist. Didier Rouget, a lawyer who has represented several torture victims, suggested Thursday that Canada is walking a dangerous line if it returns Ivan Apaolaza Sancho to Spain. ..." Complete article: www.canadaeast.com/news/article/252057.
--> More mainstream media coverage (compilation):
http://nooneisillegal-montreal.blogspot.com/2007/12/nouvellesnews-ivan-apaol aza-sancho.html
:::::NEW LETTERS OF SUPPORT::::::
--> Letter from the Ligue des droits et libertés
"The claim of territorial inadmissibility by the Canadian authorities in the case of Ivan Apaolaza Sancho is based on allegations of belonging to a terrorist organization, the ETA, which have never been judged in court. Moreover, these allegations of the Spanish state appear themselves to be based on allegations obtained under torture, according to information provided by Mr. Apaolaza Sancho's lawyer. Canada has ratified the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Article 15 of that Convention stipulates that no evidence that has been obtained under torture can be considered valid. ... If he is returned to Spain, Mr. Apaolaza Sancho faces a strong risk of being subject to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. In January 2008, Amnesty International called for an inquiry into the behaviour of the police force during the arrest of Mr. Igor Portu, a suspected member of the Basque independence organization, the ETA. According to doctors who examined him, he was admitted to emergency hospital care with severe wounds after the arrest (www.amnistie.ca/content/view/11282/107/). ... " (Our translation. For complete letter (in french only), email us at libertepourivan@gmail.com.)
--> Letter from Action chrétien contre la torture
"L'ACAT-CANADA (affiliated with International Federation of Action by Christians for the Abolition of Torture), which has consultative status at the United Nations and the Council of Europe, is very concerned by the situation of a Basque asylum seeker, originally from the city of Beasaín, detained since June 2007 at the Rivière-des-Prairies Detention Centre in Montréal. Facing forcible deportation to Spain, this man is at risk of torture or other forms of ill treatment with great injury to the security of the person. ... " (Our translation. For complete letter (in french only), email us at libertepourivan@gmail.com.)
--> Letter from Comité pour les droits humains en Amérique latine (CDHAL)
"We are writing to register our very great concern about the decision of the Canadian government to keep Mr. Ivan Apaolaza Sancho in detention without any evidence. Moreover, we are deeply concerned by the fact that the allegations are based on information obtained under torture. In addition to doubting the truth of such information, we are very concerned that the Canadian government would approve this type of practice ... " (Our translation. For complete letter (in french only), email us at libertepourivan@gmail.com.)
:::::DEMANDS AND BACKGROUNDER:::::
--> The Freedom for Ivan Sancho committee demands:
1- An immediate release of Ivan from detention and immediate freedom for all political prisoners.
2- A stop to Ivan's deportation and an end to Canadian complicity in the use of torture.
3- Refugee status for Ivan and an end to the two-tiered justice system for non-citizens in Canada.
--> Open letter by Ivan Sancho
"My name is Ivan Apaolaza Sancho, I am a graduate in sociology and my nationality is Basque. I have been detained at the Rivières-des-Prairies detention centre in Montreal since June 29th 2007 on the basis of an arrest warrant issued by the Spanish state (and with the help of Immigration Canada). ... " Full letter:
http://nooneisillegal-montreal.blogspot.com/2008/03/open-letter-by-ivan-apaolaza-sancho.html
--> Backgrounder: The Making of another Basque Political Prisoner in Canada
" Ivan is a 36 year old Basque man from the town of Beasaín. He first came to Canada six years ago. Ivan grew up in the Basque country where he was active in the student movement while attending the Universidad del País Vasco-Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV-EHU). Like many Basques, he was also a sympathizer of the left-sovereignist party Batasuna. ...."
Full backgrounder, email us at libertepourivan@gmail.com.
::::HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT FREEDOM FOR IVAN:::::
At this point, Ivan and his supporters are asking organizations to:
1) Endorse the campaign demands (above).
2) Write a statement of support for Ivan in which we also encourage you to speak to the larger political issues behind his situation (Ivan would like this campaign to be explicitly political and to clearly denounce the actions of the Spanish authorities).
3) Write and if possible gather letters of support from individuals and organizations for the purpose of pressuring the Minister of Immigration and Minister of Public Safety to agree to our demands. (Letter writing guide available: email us at libertepourivan@gmail.com.)
4) Write letters to Ivan (email us for contact info).
5) Spread information about Ivan's case to your networks.
6) If you are in Montreal, get involved in Ivan's support committee!
--------------------------------------
The Freedom for Ivan Committee
libertepourivan@gmail.com
514-848-7583
Ontario Child Benefit and Restructuring of OW/ODSP Rates
For information on the Ontario Child Benefit and Restructuring of OW / ODSP Rates CLICK HERE
The Ontario Child Benefit was announced in March 2007 and will go to all low-income families with children between the ages of 0 – 18, whether they are working or receiving Ontario Works (OW) or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). As a result, if a family leaves social assistance, they will not lose their child benefits.
The Ontario Child Benefit will be implemented in July 2008 and is scheduled to increase gradually from $50/month/child to $92/month/child by 2011. As of July, 2008, the National Child Benefit Supplement (NCBS) will also no longer be deducted monthly from the cheques of families on OW and ODSP. While families on OW and ODSP will apparently be better off as a result of these changes, the amount they will get is significantly less than it appears. As of July, 2008, monthly ODSP and OW benefits for families will be reduced and families will no longer receive a separate winter clothing allowance or back-to-school clothing allowance. Thus, a single mother on OW with one child, for example, will only be better off by $31/month as of July 2008, growing gradually to $50/month by 2011.
**For eligibility, be sure to file your 2007 tax returns**
If you have questions or concerns, please contact PCAP at (705) 749-9694 or email pcap@riseup.net
The Ontario Child Benefit was announced in March 2007 and will go to all low-income families with children between the ages of 0 – 18, whether they are working or receiving Ontario Works (OW) or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). As a result, if a family leaves social assistance, they will not lose their child benefits.
The Ontario Child Benefit will be implemented in July 2008 and is scheduled to increase gradually from $50/month/child to $92/month/child by 2011. As of July, 2008, the National Child Benefit Supplement (NCBS) will also no longer be deducted monthly from the cheques of families on OW and ODSP. While families on OW and ODSP will apparently be better off as a result of these changes, the amount they will get is significantly less than it appears. As of July, 2008, monthly ODSP and OW benefits for families will be reduced and families will no longer receive a separate winter clothing allowance or back-to-school clothing allowance. Thus, a single mother on OW with one child, for example, will only be better off by $31/month as of July 2008, growing gradually to $50/month by 2011.
**For eligibility, be sure to file your 2007 tax returns**
If you have questions or concerns, please contact PCAP at (705) 749-9694 or email pcap@riseup.net
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
CROSS-COUNTRY MOBILIZING AGAINST BILL C-50...
YOUR URGENT SUPPORT NEEDED- CALL, FAX, OR EMAIL LIBERAL AND NDP MPS TO SCRAP BILL C-50!
*** WED APRIL 9 - FRI APRIL 11, 2008: Flood the offices of Liberal and NDP Members of Parliament with calls, emails and faxes to pressure them to vote AGAINST Bill C-50.
Recently the Conservative government introduced a series of amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act buried in Bill c-50, the 'budget implementation bill'. This fundamentally undemocratic move sneaks in critical changes to Canada’s immigration policy without proposing any of those changes before Parliament. These sweeping changes will give enormous and arbitrary powers to the Minister around application processing, while perpetuating a racist and anti-poor agenda of setting immigration agendas based on 'labour market needs'. In respose to an overwhelming negative response to these amendements- including the Canadian Bar Association- the Immigration Minister has recently been forced to attempt to spin these regressive changes as being guided by the principles of 'fairness'!
* A full backgrounder and statement on Bill C 50 and its impacts is included below *
+++> TAKE 5 MINUTES TO PRESSURE MPS TO VOTE AGAINST BILL C-50 <+++
Flood the Opposition parties with your calls, faxes and emails. Demand that they must vote against this Bill; accepting the bill, or abstaining from voting on it, would send the message that they are in support of the anti-immigrant agenda of this Bill.
1) Contact your MP:
http://www2.parl.gc.ca/parlinfo/compilations/HouseOfCommons/MemberByPostalCode.aspx
2) Contact key MP's (please contact them all!)
- Stephane Dion
Tel: (514) 335-6655. Fax: (514) 335-2712. Email: DionS@parl.gc.ca
- Maurizio Bevilacqua
Tel: (905) 303-5000 or (613) 996-4971. Email: Bevilacqua.M@parl.gc.ca
- Irwin Cotler
Tel: (514) 283-0171. Fax: (514) 739-9452. Email: cotler.i@parl.gc.ca
- Ujjal Dosanjh
Tel: (604) 775-5323. Email: dosanjh.u@parl.gc.ca
- Hedy Fry
Tel: (604) 666-0135. Email: Fry.H@parl.gc.ca
- Sukh Dhaliwal
Tel: (604) 598-2200. Email: dhalis@parl.gc.ca
- Jack Layton
Tel: (613) 947-0867 Fax: (613) 947-0868. Email: laytoj@parl.gc.ca
- Olivia Chow
Tel: 416-533-2710. Fax: 416-533-2236. Email: chowo@parl.gc.ca
######## BACKGROUNDER: Scrap Bill C-50! ########
Recently the Conservative government introduced a series of amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), buried in Bill c-50, a 136-page “budget implementation bill”.
This fundamentally undemocratic move sneaks in critical changes to Canada’s immigration policy without proposing any of those changes before Parliament. By making it a matter of confidence, the government forces Opposition parties to either accept them or call an election.
This series of amendments places more arbitrary power in the hands of the Immigration Minister:
- Under the existing s. 11 of the IRPA, anyone who meets the already stringent criteria to enter Canada as a worker, student, visitor, or permanent resident, shall be granted that status. However, under the proposed changes, despite meeting the criteria, the Minister will have the discretion to arbitrarily reject an application.
- Sec. 25 currently says that the Minister “shall” examine a Humanitarian and Compassionate application – this is changed to “shall” examine the H&C application if the applicant is in Canada, but only “may” examine the application if the applicant is outside Canada. Although the government claims will have no impact on family reunification, in practice it will have a serious impact on family reunification as H&C applications are one of the most frequent avenues for family reunification (for example separated refugee children).
- Proposed s. 87.3 of the Act will allow the Minister to issue “instructions” setting quotas on the “category” of person that can enter Canada – including quotas based on country of origin. This unprecedented modification of IRPA would risk putting in place implicit equivalents to the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1923, the Order in Council of 1911 prohibiting the landing of “ any immigrant belonging to the Negro race”, that of 1923 excluding “any immigrant of any Asiatic race”, or the “None is too many” rule applied to Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi concentration camps in 1945.
- Ministerial power in deciding the order in which new applications are processed, regardless of when they were filed. This means prioritizing immigration applicants based on their ability to fulfill the needs of the Canadian job market, “whether it's people to wash dishes and make sandwiches, or whether it's the highly skilled engineers”, as stated by Minister Diane Finley. This is a profoundly dehumanizing and racist conception of immigrants as disposable commodities.
- New sections 87.3 (4) and (5) of the IRPA would allow the Minister to simply hold on to, return, or throw out a visa application and deny any opportunity to review that decision in Court. This precedent is truly alarming, especially in the context of a deeply flawed appeals process, including the existing lack of implementation of a Refugee Appeal Division, despite being provided for under IRPA.
The Conservatives argue that these changes are necessary to “modernize” the immigration system and reduce the existing backlog. However, the true objective is clear from Finance Minister Jim Flaherty’s comments that the government seeks a “competitive immigration system which will quickly process skilled immigrants who can make an immediate contribution to the economy."
The major lobby behind these changes comes from employers’ organizations and business lobbies. Indeed, Bill C-50 is being praised primarily by business associations. Philip Hochstein, president of the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association of British Columbia, has stated that the government is moving in the right direction by focusing on Canada’s economic needs, “We need strong, young, willing workers to come,
much like the people who built this country.”
Mr. Hochstein seems to forget the historical exploitation of immigrant workers, the most well-known example of which is the Chinese railway workers. The estimated 17,000 Chinese workers who came to Canada from 1881-1884 were met with dangerous working conditions and discrimination upon their arrival. Chinese workers earned $1 a day, and it is estimated that anywhere from 1500-2500 Chinese migrants died during the construction of the railway. As soon as this dangerous work was completed, the message
was clear: Chinese people were no longer welcome.
These proposed legislative changes come in the context of a global capitalist and nationalist reinforcement of labour flexibility as the guiding principle of immigration policy, where migrants are only as valuable as their labour. It is clear that the priorities will be relatively wealthy people applying under the skilled worker program and investor classes, as well as increasingly vulnerable temporary migrant workers. Immigration policy will serve the needs of Canadian industry by regulating migration and providing a flexible labour pool rather than upholding the dignity of migrants.
These changes are directly in line with Canada’s commitment to the Security and Prosperity Partnership, which lays out the need for a rapid expansion of both “low-skill” temporary guest worker programs and “high-skill” professionals. In Canada today, the number of people admitted each year on temporary worker visas is greater than the number admitted as permanent residents. We must reject temporary migrant worker programs of indentured servitude and call for the unconditional right of migrant workers to permanent residency and labour rights equal to those of citizens.
At the same time, such changes comes at the deliberate expense of refugees, non-status migrants, or those seeking family reunification- who are seen as increasingly ‘undesirable’ and potential security threats in light of repressive post 9/11 controls. Decisions such as the $101 million arming of Canadian border guards; the establishment of Canadian Border Services Agency as an enforcement division in processing refugee claims that sends the message that refugee claimants are a threat to public safety; the ongoing unjust use of Security Certificates against
non-citizens; the implementation of the Safe Third Country Agreement between the Canada and US which has drastically reduced the number of asylum seekers able to make a claim in Canada; and increasing rates of deportation to over 13,000 a year from Canada have all perpetuated a racist, anti-poor, and anti-migrant agenda.
This agenda is normalized due to the heightened racialized national identity of Canada that continuously places racialized immigrants (although not white immigrants) as ‘Outsiders’ to the Canadian nation. For example, much of the opposition to this Bill has challenged the secretive process behind the bill, while still accepting the norm that “Canada should be able to select its preferred immigrants”, thus feeding into the commodification of migrants and the assertion of Canada’s sovereign and racist right to select who it allows to remain, as reminiscent through the Chinese Exclusion Act, Japanese-Canadian internment, and Komagatamaru incident. Therefore although nothing new, in the post 9/11 climate, we are witnessing an escalation of attacks against ‘immigrants’- the eternally hyphenated citizens- for example through the reasonable accommodation’ hearings, the wearing of the hijab and turban, the phenomenon of “nippertipping” against Asian-Canadians, and many more. The constant questioning of immigrants (although most are long-time citizens) “ability to integrate”, their “suspicious behaviours”, their “overburdening of the system”, and their “Third World traditions” reveals an incredibly shallow multiculturalism.
This mutual reinforcement of corporate and state interests - cheap labor and national identity, respectively – evident in the prioritization of labour market needs within the global War on Terror, is legitimized not only by recourse to colonial and racist discourse but also by the constant cultivation of fear in the hearts and minds of citizens. The production of migrants as disposable commodities goes in tandem with their construction as the dangerous “Other” or “The Enemy Within” as the threat they pose can be tamed through a process of commodification and the withholding of citizenship rights as a mechanism of social control. Fear of the “dangerous Other” thus underwrites the production of exclusivist nationalist identity (and therefore support for the state) while fear of the “commodifiable Other” (as "stealing" employment and eroding the social system) produces fearful and disciplined citizens vulnerable to increasing corporate exploitation and state repression.
Therefore, the general message to poor and working people of colour and their families- the overwhelming majority of migrants from the Global South- is that they need not apply as permanent residents unless they are willing to come as temporary workers in exploitative jobs and whose status will be legally reinforced as ‘non-Canadians’. This is particularly revolting in a context where the Canadian government and Canadian corporations actively participate in the creation and reinforcement of a system of global displacement of migrants and refugees who are fleeing poverty, persecution, war and corporate exploitation of their lands.
In light of this reality, we call for an end to deportation and detentions and a comprehensive, transparent, inclusive and ongoing regularization program that is equitable and accessible to all persons living without permanent residency in Canada to ensure free migration and full rights for all those who seek them. We also call for the abolition of agreements such as NAFTA and the SPP, which are making Canadian borders increasingly open to capital and those who represent capital, while at the same time restricting the movement of those who have been displaced by these very
same neoliberal policies.
At a most basic level, we must also challenge the notion that some migrants are more worthy than others; we believe that freedom of movement is a fundamental human right and we struggle for a world in which no one is forced to migrate against their will and where people can move freely in order to live and flourish in justice and dignity.
NO ONE IS ILLEGAL!
* For more information, contact No One Is Illegal-Vancouver
www.nooneisillegal.org
email: noii-van@resist.ca
*** WED APRIL 9 - FRI APRIL 11, 2008: Flood the offices of Liberal and NDP Members of Parliament with calls, emails and faxes to pressure them to vote AGAINST Bill C-50.
Recently the Conservative government introduced a series of amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act buried in Bill c-50, the 'budget implementation bill'. This fundamentally undemocratic move sneaks in critical changes to Canada’s immigration policy without proposing any of those changes before Parliament. These sweeping changes will give enormous and arbitrary powers to the Minister around application processing, while perpetuating a racist and anti-poor agenda of setting immigration agendas based on 'labour market needs'. In respose to an overwhelming negative response to these amendements- including the Canadian Bar Association- the Immigration Minister has recently been forced to attempt to spin these regressive changes as being guided by the principles of 'fairness'!
* A full backgrounder and statement on Bill C 50 and its impacts is included below *
+++> TAKE 5 MINUTES TO PRESSURE MPS TO VOTE AGAINST BILL C-50 <+++
Flood the Opposition parties with your calls, faxes and emails. Demand that they must vote against this Bill; accepting the bill, or abstaining from voting on it, would send the message that they are in support of the anti-immigrant agenda of this Bill.
1) Contact your MP:
http://www2.parl.gc.ca/parlinfo/compilations/HouseOfCommons/MemberByPostalCode.aspx
2) Contact key MP's (please contact them all!)
- Stephane Dion
Tel: (514) 335-6655. Fax: (514) 335-2712. Email: DionS@parl.gc.ca
- Maurizio Bevilacqua
Tel: (905) 303-5000 or (613) 996-4971. Email: Bevilacqua.M@parl.gc.ca
- Irwin Cotler
Tel: (514) 283-0171. Fax: (514) 739-9452. Email: cotler.i@parl.gc.ca
- Ujjal Dosanjh
Tel: (604) 775-5323. Email: dosanjh.u@parl.gc.ca
- Hedy Fry
Tel: (604) 666-0135. Email: Fry.H@parl.gc.ca
- Sukh Dhaliwal
Tel: (604) 598-2200. Email: dhalis@parl.gc.ca
- Jack Layton
Tel: (613) 947-0867 Fax: (613) 947-0868. Email: laytoj@parl.gc.ca
- Olivia Chow
Tel: 416-533-2710. Fax: 416-533-2236. Email: chowo@parl.gc.ca
######## BACKGROUNDER: Scrap Bill C-50! ########
Recently the Conservative government introduced a series of amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), buried in Bill c-50, a 136-page “budget implementation bill”.
This fundamentally undemocratic move sneaks in critical changes to Canada’s immigration policy without proposing any of those changes before Parliament. By making it a matter of confidence, the government forces Opposition parties to either accept them or call an election.
This series of amendments places more arbitrary power in the hands of the Immigration Minister:
- Under the existing s. 11 of the IRPA, anyone who meets the already stringent criteria to enter Canada as a worker, student, visitor, or permanent resident, shall be granted that status. However, under the proposed changes, despite meeting the criteria, the Minister will have the discretion to arbitrarily reject an application.
- Sec. 25 currently says that the Minister “shall” examine a Humanitarian and Compassionate application – this is changed to “shall” examine the H&C application if the applicant is in Canada, but only “may” examine the application if the applicant is outside Canada. Although the government claims will have no impact on family reunification, in practice it will have a serious impact on family reunification as H&C applications are one of the most frequent avenues for family reunification (for example separated refugee children).
- Proposed s. 87.3 of the Act will allow the Minister to issue “instructions” setting quotas on the “category” of person that can enter Canada – including quotas based on country of origin. This unprecedented modification of IRPA would risk putting in place implicit equivalents to the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1923, the Order in Council of 1911 prohibiting the landing of “ any immigrant belonging to the Negro race”, that of 1923 excluding “any immigrant of any Asiatic race”, or the “None is too many” rule applied to Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi concentration camps in 1945.
- Ministerial power in deciding the order in which new applications are processed, regardless of when they were filed. This means prioritizing immigration applicants based on their ability to fulfill the needs of the Canadian job market, “whether it's people to wash dishes and make sandwiches, or whether it's the highly skilled engineers”, as stated by Minister Diane Finley. This is a profoundly dehumanizing and racist conception of immigrants as disposable commodities.
- New sections 87.3 (4) and (5) of the IRPA would allow the Minister to simply hold on to, return, or throw out a visa application and deny any opportunity to review that decision in Court. This precedent is truly alarming, especially in the context of a deeply flawed appeals process, including the existing lack of implementation of a Refugee Appeal Division, despite being provided for under IRPA.
The Conservatives argue that these changes are necessary to “modernize” the immigration system and reduce the existing backlog. However, the true objective is clear from Finance Minister Jim Flaherty’s comments that the government seeks a “competitive immigration system which will quickly process skilled immigrants who can make an immediate contribution to the economy."
The major lobby behind these changes comes from employers’ organizations and business lobbies. Indeed, Bill C-50 is being praised primarily by business associations. Philip Hochstein, president of the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association of British Columbia, has stated that the government is moving in the right direction by focusing on Canada’s economic needs, “We need strong, young, willing workers to come,
much like the people who built this country.”
Mr. Hochstein seems to forget the historical exploitation of immigrant workers, the most well-known example of which is the Chinese railway workers. The estimated 17,000 Chinese workers who came to Canada from 1881-1884 were met with dangerous working conditions and discrimination upon their arrival. Chinese workers earned $1 a day, and it is estimated that anywhere from 1500-2500 Chinese migrants died during the construction of the railway. As soon as this dangerous work was completed, the message
was clear: Chinese people were no longer welcome.
These proposed legislative changes come in the context of a global capitalist and nationalist reinforcement of labour flexibility as the guiding principle of immigration policy, where migrants are only as valuable as their labour. It is clear that the priorities will be relatively wealthy people applying under the skilled worker program and investor classes, as well as increasingly vulnerable temporary migrant workers. Immigration policy will serve the needs of Canadian industry by regulating migration and providing a flexible labour pool rather than upholding the dignity of migrants.
These changes are directly in line with Canada’s commitment to the Security and Prosperity Partnership, which lays out the need for a rapid expansion of both “low-skill” temporary guest worker programs and “high-skill” professionals. In Canada today, the number of people admitted each year on temporary worker visas is greater than the number admitted as permanent residents. We must reject temporary migrant worker programs of indentured servitude and call for the unconditional right of migrant workers to permanent residency and labour rights equal to those of citizens.
At the same time, such changes comes at the deliberate expense of refugees, non-status migrants, or those seeking family reunification- who are seen as increasingly ‘undesirable’ and potential security threats in light of repressive post 9/11 controls. Decisions such as the $101 million arming of Canadian border guards; the establishment of Canadian Border Services Agency as an enforcement division in processing refugee claims that sends the message that refugee claimants are a threat to public safety; the ongoing unjust use of Security Certificates against
non-citizens; the implementation of the Safe Third Country Agreement between the Canada and US which has drastically reduced the number of asylum seekers able to make a claim in Canada; and increasing rates of deportation to over 13,000 a year from Canada have all perpetuated a racist, anti-poor, and anti-migrant agenda.
This agenda is normalized due to the heightened racialized national identity of Canada that continuously places racialized immigrants (although not white immigrants) as ‘Outsiders’ to the Canadian nation. For example, much of the opposition to this Bill has challenged the secretive process behind the bill, while still accepting the norm that “Canada should be able to select its preferred immigrants”, thus feeding into the commodification of migrants and the assertion of Canada’s sovereign and racist right to select who it allows to remain, as reminiscent through the Chinese Exclusion Act, Japanese-Canadian internment, and Komagatamaru incident. Therefore although nothing new, in the post 9/11 climate, we are witnessing an escalation of attacks against ‘immigrants’- the eternally hyphenated citizens- for example through the reasonable accommodation’ hearings, the wearing of the hijab and turban, the phenomenon of “nippertipping” against Asian-Canadians, and many more. The constant questioning of immigrants (although most are long-time citizens) “ability to integrate”, their “suspicious behaviours”, their “overburdening of the system”, and their “Third World traditions” reveals an incredibly shallow multiculturalism.
This mutual reinforcement of corporate and state interests - cheap labor and national identity, respectively – evident in the prioritization of labour market needs within the global War on Terror, is legitimized not only by recourse to colonial and racist discourse but also by the constant cultivation of fear in the hearts and minds of citizens. The production of migrants as disposable commodities goes in tandem with their construction as the dangerous “Other” or “The Enemy Within” as the threat they pose can be tamed through a process of commodification and the withholding of citizenship rights as a mechanism of social control. Fear of the “dangerous Other” thus underwrites the production of exclusivist nationalist identity (and therefore support for the state) while fear of the “commodifiable Other” (as "stealing" employment and eroding the social system) produces fearful and disciplined citizens vulnerable to increasing corporate exploitation and state repression.
Therefore, the general message to poor and working people of colour and their families- the overwhelming majority of migrants from the Global South- is that they need not apply as permanent residents unless they are willing to come as temporary workers in exploitative jobs and whose status will be legally reinforced as ‘non-Canadians’. This is particularly revolting in a context where the Canadian government and Canadian corporations actively participate in the creation and reinforcement of a system of global displacement of migrants and refugees who are fleeing poverty, persecution, war and corporate exploitation of their lands.
In light of this reality, we call for an end to deportation and detentions and a comprehensive, transparent, inclusive and ongoing regularization program that is equitable and accessible to all persons living without permanent residency in Canada to ensure free migration and full rights for all those who seek them. We also call for the abolition of agreements such as NAFTA and the SPP, which are making Canadian borders increasingly open to capital and those who represent capital, while at the same time restricting the movement of those who have been displaced by these very
same neoliberal policies.
At a most basic level, we must also challenge the notion that some migrants are more worthy than others; we believe that freedom of movement is a fundamental human right and we struggle for a world in which no one is forced to migrate against their will and where people can move freely in order to live and flourish in justice and dignity.
NO ONE IS ILLEGAL!
* For more information, contact No One Is Illegal-Vancouver
www.nooneisillegal.org
email: noii-van@resist.ca
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
In Solidarity with Sysco Workers - Join them on the CAW Picket Line!
**Important Update**
A tentative agreement has been reached. There is no picket on Thursday. Thanks to all for their support.
_____
The National Anti-Poverty Organization is calling for a social justice movement presence in support of the locked out Sysco workers on
Thursday, April 3rd at Noon
North Monaghan Parkway and Elmdale Road
Take the Parkway to Sir Sandford Fleming (right turn) and follow through to Elmdale Rd. Sir Sandford Fleming Dr. turns into North Monaghan Parkway.
You may be able to catch a ride at 11:30 a.m. from the liquor store on Sherbrooke St.
https://www.cawlocal.ca/414/
http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=964034
The CAW has worked closely with and supported the broad social justice movement in Peterborough for many, many years. CAW was a great ally to PCAP during the 1130 Water St. Squat. Now the Peterborough social justice and anti-poverty movements have an opportunity to help CAW members in Peterborough in their hour of need.
CAW Local 414 members been locked out at Sysco, food warehousing and distribution on, on North Monaghan Parkway (at Elmdale Road) and other CAW organized Sysco locations across Ontario since Friday last week. Now the employer is attempting to scab the operations. The issues are basic - recognition of seniority in the collective agreement being among them. The attempt to humiliate our membership by using strike-breakers in a lock-out is a challenge not only to the dignity of those members and the CAW as an organization but also to the integrity of the whole Peterborough community - a community which has a strong tradition of social solidarity, social cohesion and support for the rights of workers to organize and
bargain collectively to improve their lives and the quality of life in the
community as a whole.
The attempt to divide the community by a corporate entity interested only in profit no matter what the cost has to be rejected.
We have heard that the company is recruiting strike-breakers through homeless shelters. While these rumours are unconfirmed, they pose a potential threat to the unity and cohesion of the community.
Moreover, the CAW Local 414 members at Sysco would have their hearts lifted to see a large and spirited contingent from Peterboro social justice movements march down to the picket line at North Monaghan and Elmdale Road with banners flying and representing different organizations - NAPO, Food not Bombs, PCAP, Peterborough Coalition for Social Justice, ODSP recipients and more.
A tentative agreement has been reached. There is no picket on Thursday. Thanks to all for their support.
_____
The National Anti-Poverty Organization is calling for a social justice movement presence in support of the locked out Sysco workers on
Thursday, April 3rd at Noon
North Monaghan Parkway and Elmdale Road
Take the Parkway to Sir Sandford Fleming (right turn) and follow through to Elmdale Rd. Sir Sandford Fleming Dr. turns into North Monaghan Parkway.
You may be able to catch a ride at 11:30 a.m. from the liquor store on Sherbrooke St.
https://www.cawlocal.ca/414/
http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=964034
The CAW has worked closely with and supported the broad social justice movement in Peterborough for many, many years. CAW was a great ally to PCAP during the 1130 Water St. Squat. Now the Peterborough social justice and anti-poverty movements have an opportunity to help CAW members in Peterborough in their hour of need.
CAW Local 414 members been locked out at Sysco, food warehousing and distribution on, on North Monaghan Parkway (at Elmdale Road) and other CAW organized Sysco locations across Ontario since Friday last week. Now the employer is attempting to scab the operations. The issues are basic - recognition of seniority in the collective agreement being among them. The attempt to humiliate our membership by using strike-breakers in a lock-out is a challenge not only to the dignity of those members and the CAW as an organization but also to the integrity of the whole Peterborough community - a community which has a strong tradition of social solidarity, social cohesion and support for the rights of workers to organize and
bargain collectively to improve their lives and the quality of life in the
community as a whole.
The attempt to divide the community by a corporate entity interested only in profit no matter what the cost has to be rejected.
We have heard that the company is recruiting strike-breakers through homeless shelters. While these rumours are unconfirmed, they pose a potential threat to the unity and cohesion of the community.
Moreover, the CAW Local 414 members at Sysco would have their hearts lifted to see a large and spirited contingent from Peterboro social justice movements march down to the picket line at North Monaghan and Elmdale Road with banners flying and representing different organizations - NAPO, Food not Bombs, PCAP, Peterborough Coalition for Social Justice, ODSP recipients and more.
Tuesday April 8th - Colour of Poverty Workshop
What is the growing connection between race and poverty, and why does it matter? Find out at
The Colour of Poverty Workshop
Tuesday, 8 April 2008
6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Knights of Columbus Hall, 317 Hunter St. W.
Refreshments provided. Free event. All Welcome. Accessible Space.
The Colour of Poverty Campaign, sponsored by Heritage Canada, is a province-wide community-based effort to help raise public awareness about the serious problem of poverty within the racialized communities of Ontario. For more information on the campaign, see http://www.colourofpoverty.ca/
The workshop is sponsored by by the New Canadians Centre Peterborough, the Peterborough Coalition Against Poverty, and the Community Race Relations Committee of Peterborough.
The Colour of Poverty Workshop
Tuesday, 8 April 2008
6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Knights of Columbus Hall, 317 Hunter St. W.
Refreshments provided. Free event. All Welcome. Accessible Space.
The Colour of Poverty Campaign, sponsored by Heritage Canada, is a province-wide community-based effort to help raise public awareness about the serious problem of poverty within the racialized communities of Ontario. For more information on the campaign, see http://www.colourofpoverty.ca/
The workshop is sponsored by by the New Canadians Centre Peterborough, the Peterborough Coalition Against Poverty, and the Community Race Relations Committee of Peterborough.
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