Blair Redlin

Corporate rights in Europe under scrutiny while Canada stays fast asleep

PolicyNote — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 14:58:10 +0000

On February 3, I made a presentation in Vancouver to the House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade on the proposed Canada/EU trade deal (CETA). I was there on behalf of CUPE B.C.

The Committee, chaired by Alberta Conservative MP Rob Merrifield, was in B.C. to review both CETA and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)

A glimpse of Venezuela: Part two

Blair Redlin — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 22:30:03 +0000

I recently took part in a delegation to Venezuela sponsored by the San Francisco based human rights organization Global Exchange. This is the second part of my report on the trip. Part one can be found here.

A glimpse of Venezuela: Part I

Blair Redlin — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 03:29:10 +0000

Ten years after the failed coup attempt of 2002, revenue from huge oil reserves and widespread popular mobilisation are supporting grassroots change for many parts of Venezuelan society. Despite media demonisation of the Venezuelan experiment here in Canada, the changes are significant and deserve to be better understood -- especially given the increasing importance of oil revenue for our country too.

Europe/Canada trade talks spark new Trade Justice Network

Blair Redlin — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 14:38:34 +0000

An exciting new Trade Justice Network has come together in response to the proposed Canada/European Union "Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement" (C.E.T.A.)

Environmental, cultural, labour, farm, food safety and pro-democracy groups from Canada and Quebec have joined forces to inform Canadians and Europeans about the disturbing proposals that are on the table. The new trade agreement promises to go much beyond N.A.F.T.A. in constraining the ability of governments to act on behalf of citizens and communities.

Tar tankers: The mystery of the missing moratorium

Blair Redlin — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:17:58 +0000

Most British Columbians, and many Canadians, probably believe there is a moratorium preventing oil tankers from plying the waters off the fragile and beautiful B.C. north coast. After all, hasn't the federal government banned oil tankers from entering Dixon Entrance, the Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound since 1972?

Even worse than Harper?

Blair Redlin — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 04:50:33 +0000

The thing that is most alarming about Michael Ignatieff's threat to force yet another election is Michael Ignatieff himself. He thinks he can win, which is a particularly scary prospect.

Based on Ignatieff's writings, musings and comments, there's every chance a Michael Ignatieff government may well be worse than Harper's.

"Not possible", you say? Well, put a spotlight on Ignatieff's policies and priorities for a minute and a disturbing picture becomes quickly clear.

Losing sight of the economic forest for 'Buy American' trees

Blair Redlin — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:01:55 +0000

Who knew? It turns out the biggest threat to the Canadian economy and jobs is not collapsed global financial institutions, weak markets, lack of innovation or declining infrastructure. No -- apparently the clear and present danger Canada suddenly faces is "Buy American." As if out of nowhere, Buy American polcies are at the top of the agenda for the Harper government, premiers, business lobbies and the media. It matters little that the Buy American provisions of the recent Obama stimulus bill are much the same as those first instituted way back in 1933 and strengthened by the Reagan administration in the 1980s. It's now all hands on deck to stop the Americans from insisting that U.S. jobs be created when U.S.

Are EU trade talks behind the pressure to end local procurement?

derrick — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 22:33:39 +0000

Friday, June 12, 2009

Here in Canada, the sudden demand to end local procurement is coming from the usual suspects at the Canadian Council of Chief Executives and Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters.

Judging by all the recent hype about “Buy America,” you’d think Canada had suddenly been devastated by some horrible natural disaster.

As if out of nowhere, “Buy America” provisions in the U.S. stimulus Bill are suddenly at the top of the policy agenda for the Harper government, the Premiers and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. It matters little that the U.S. government has had “Buy America” laws in place since 1933.

Election reflection

Blair Redlin — Fri, 15 May 2009 19:32:53 +0000

Even though Gordon Campbell's B.C. Liberal government has been one of the most right wing in Canada -- and despite significant economic decline -- Campbell's Liberals have been re-elected for a third majority term. At only 48%, the voter turnout was the worst ever. Both those discouraging results merit serious reflection.

Campbell's Liberals secured 46% of the popular vote and 49 seats, versus 42% of the vote and 36 seats for the NDP. The NDP picked up three more seats than they had in 2005 and their popular vote was up slightly from 41% in 2005. The Greens only drew 8% of votes. As in the 2005 election, the Green vote declined and the Green campaign seemed less relevant than ever.

Just what we don't need: An investor rights deal with the EU

derrick — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 23:28:00 +0000

Monday, April 13, 2009

How many Canadians realize the Harper government is well into detailed talks aimed at concluding a comprehensive “free trade” agreement with the European Union?

Probably not many yet, though hopefully more will soon. In light of the bad experience with NAFTA and other similar trade deals worldwide, the last thing we need right now is yet another investor rights agreement, this time to increase the power of European and Canadian corporations at the expense of Canadian and European citizens. But corporate lobby groups like the Canadian Council of Chief Executives are relentless. Even though the global economic meltdown has totally discredited the prescription of deregulation, privatization and free trade, they continue to insist we need still more of it.

Obama - disappointing, but not surprising

Blair Redlin — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:23:06 +0000

U.S. President Barack Obama's 10 minute interview with CBC.'s Peter Mansbridge last night was very disappointing, but not really surprising. Obama made it clear that on all the major North American issues, there will be very little change from Bush administration policies without major campaigning by social movements.

Yes we can hope for change... to NAFTA

Blair Redlin — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 06:57:40 +0000

I'm recently back to Canada after a couple of months in Asia. One thing that's striking here at home, compared to elsewhere in the world, is how reluctant our governments and corporate media are to think differently in the face of the global economic collapse.

Eyewitness to the Americas Social Forum

derrick — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 01:04:57 +0000

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Just as economies and financial markets were crashing worldwide, more than 7,000 social activists from some 350 organizations throughout the western hemisphere gathered in Guatemala City last month.

Just as economies and financial markets were crashing worldwide, more than 7,000 social activists from some 350 organizations throughout the western hemisphere gathered in Guatemala City, October 7 to 12, for the third Americas Social Forum.

Their goal was to elaborate a more democratic and humane vision for the Americas - a vision of strengthened community control that is increasingly coherent as neoliberal corporate systems implode.

Hopeful alternatives emerging in Latin America

Learning from the lowest turnout ever

Blair Redlin — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 06:28:30 +0000

Turns out low voter turnout helps tell the tale of the 2008 federal. At 59%, the turnout yesterday was the lowest yet.

For all the arcane and complicated discussion about strategic voting, the record low turnout may explain more. Certainly the turnout offers important lessons for next time.

With megabucks in their party coffers and a focused message, the Conservatives were able to hold and grow their base in many parts of the country, particularly suburban and rural Ontario and B.C.

Good format, real issues

Blair Redlin — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 06:30:04 +0000

The format of the French language t.v. debate, with leaders seated around a table and with taped questions from electors, allowed for a range of real issues to be covered.

It was a relief to hear discussion of Afghanistan at the end, since it's been so missing in the election so far. Stephane Dion flailed about and had trouble defending Liberal support for extension of Canada's involvement to 2011. Elizabeth May was unclear about when, or even whether, the Greens would withdraw Canadian troops. Gilles Duceppe used the opportunity of a voter question on Afghanistan to attack the N.D.P. Only Jack Layton was clear in his firm opposition to the mission, which has to be helpful for N.D.P. prospects. Of course, Stephen Harper defended his support for the discredited mission.