By Mike Desautels, CLC

On Friday, November 9th the AFL sponsored a forum for affiliate members to learn more about the effects of freer trade. The event was part of the Global Day of Action against the World Trade Organization (WTO) organized by the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) and supported in Canada by the Canadian Labour Congress.

There was also a noon hour rally at the steps of City Hall, organized by the CLC and the Council of Canadians.

Many delegates also were seeking an opportunity to talk about the changes in their lives since the World Trade Centre bombings. On hand to facilitate some of that discussion was Saleem Ganam, a cleric and one of the early Muslim leaders in Alberta.

"You must know that suicide and the murder of innocents is a horrendous sin under Islam," he said, "these attacks were not performed in the name of religion, but by extremists."

Ironically, he also spoke of one of the fundamental tenets of the Muslim faith - tolerance and recognition of other religious denominations: "We believe that there is room in the world for everyone to practice their own faith" said Saleem while others acknowledged the persecution of anyone who even looked like they come from the Middle East.

Also on hand was Winnie Bogosoff who works with new immigrants to Canada. She reminded participants of the day to day traumas that people new to Canada must face every day.

"Many people come to Canada to escape oppressive poverty, racism and governments. To be saddled with actions of overt hatred and racism as they struggle to establish themselves can be hard to overcome."

John Carpenter, a local labour lawyer spoke to delegates about the dangers of Bill C-36, Federal Justice Minister Anne McLellan's anti-terrorist bill.

"This bill will turn picket lines and strike activity into acts of terrorism," said Carpenter, adding that the definition of terrorism is too broad.

He also warned of the dangers of not adding a "sunset" clause to the bill, which would see it expire after a certain period.

"The way this bill reads now makes it even more oppressive than the War Measures Act."

Mike Desautels of the CLC pointed out that we were living in a unique time in history: "We are unfortunate enough to witness the construction of racism in our society, to see first hand how it really works. We have seen how CNN and the Washington spin doctors have tried to convince Americans to feel resentment towards people that are different. As in any case of racism, there are those who benefit and clearly the US government is trying to justify their attack on the innocent people of Afghanistan."

The noon hour rally, which saw more than 200 people in attendance, heard from speakers on a variety of topics. From the privatization of water delivery to the impact on health care, it was clear that more free trade deals are not in the best interest of working class families. Entertainment was also a major part of the afternoon's activities, with performances by several of Alberta's progressive musicians.

The forum continued in the afternoon where participants started to talk about concrete actions they could undertake to halt further free trade deals. Education of others in the workplace and the community about the effects of trade liberalization was high on the agenda. "I don't think that my friends and neighbours really know what goes on behind the closed doors of the WTO meetings," said one high school participant. "But they will now," she added.

Others spoke of the need to put our politicians on notice. "It's embarrassing to hear that Trade Minister Pettigrew is out there telling leaders from developing countries that they can't have access to generic drugs. Especially in areas where there are thousands and thousands dying from treatable diseases.

The Edmonton event was just one of many that took place in every major centre (and several smaller ones) in Canada and in over 142 countries around the world on November 9th. For further information or copies of the brochure "Unions on Trade", please contact the CLC office at (780) 483-1812 or via e-mail at mdesautels@clc-ctc.ca