The countdown to the Montebello summit raises very troubling legal issues

 It grows curiouser and curiouser.

 On May 23rd, 2005, President Bush, President Fox and Prime Minister Martin inked the deal for a Security and Prosperity Protocol agreement.  This would create literally HUNDREDS, maybe thousands of new trade regulations and common immigration/border requirements and pave the way for new governmental structures and regulatory agencies.    And this is only the tip of the resource reallocation iceberg ...

 Further, as leaked documents show it is also to lead to a common government for three nations and to distribute natural resources without citizen participation in the decision making process.  How can citizens participate when there actually no government in place to appeal to, there is a complete lack of transparency on the part of governments and in the press while details are hidden in secret?

The answer was to organize to get things out in the open, bearing in mind that many approaches must be taken by those who want transparency, hard core FACTS to deal with and the chance to have their input taken seriously.  As in any governmental action, there are those who oppose what is happening, obviously.  But to date, no real willingness on the part of the US, Mexico and/or Canada has been forthcoming.

 Instead, what we are seeing is a further clampdown on citizens' rights right across the board.

 Further, all the mass media is demonizing all those taking part in forums, seminars, teachins, or any other type of activity that tries to make this a public issue.

 Things are at a flashpoint in Ottawa and in Quebec at this time. This week two persons were arrested after being provoked by Ottawa policemen.  They were held and detained for four hours.  Then they were given bail conditions that make clear that there was a political motive behind the arrests!  The two young men are told that their right to free association and freedom of assembly can be taken away BEFORE a trial .. (Elsewhere in Canada, Shawn Brant is being denied bail in a seperate case and told he cannot speak with anyone surrounding his 'mysterious' arrest as well and when he protests he is referred to a mischeif making in the press. This is NO reason to deny bail.)

The security perimeter around Montebello's five-star hotel where the summit is taking place has now been photographed and circulated for many to see.  t is being constructed at taxpayer expense for the protection of government(s) and Big Business.  Large contingents of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Surete de Quebec are being assembled to ban vocal protest from coming near the summit site.  It is assumed that there may be thousands of arrests to "tie up" people in the courts and make sure their assets can not be used to further opposition.

Below is the current legal position on the situation as it exists as of today.

Intimidation and harassment can be expected at all border crossings and at all transportation hubs, as well, for people coming from Mexico and the US during the week.  Leave your placards and teeshirts with logos at HOME if you plan to come up.   Remember:  the SPP is NAFTA plus Homeland Security.

News Release  

August 15, 2007

Freedom of expression and the right to demonstrate must be respected 

The B.C. Civil Liberties Association and the Ligue des droits et libertés are calling on authorities to ensure that demonstrators’ rights will be protected at the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America (SPP) Summit, where heads of state and business leaders will be meeting on August 20-21, 2007 in Montebello, Quebec. 

Grace Pastine, Litigation Director of the BC Civil Liberties Association: “Not only must protesters be able to draw public attention to their demands, they must be able to make their protests heard by the leaders they are addressing. They must be allowed to protest in Montebello.” 

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