4 forwarded messages... GE/FTAA

Date: Wed, 13 Dec 2000 05:58:16 -0400 (AST)
From: Paul A Falvo <pfalvo@chebucto.ns.ca>
To: Sustainable Maritimes <sust-mar@chebucto.ns.ca>
Precedence: bulk
Return-Path: <sust-mar-mml-owner@chebucto.ns.ca>

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1. Cyndi Gilbert: targetting McDonald's on Dec 14 - GE Food
2. Aaron Koleszar: anti-GE demo at McD's - Charlottetown - 14 Dec
3. Aaron K: FTAA meeting - Charlottetown - 14 Dec
4. Aaron K: anti-GE action - Halifax

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From:	"cyndi gilbert" <cyndigilbert@hotmail.com>
Subject: McGE Food - National Day of Action Dec.14

Why Can't Canadians Get a GE-Free Mac?

Thursday Dec 14th is the day to target McDonald's and their use of 
genetically engineered (GE) ingredients in Canada, but not in Europe.  Join 
others gathering at the McDonald's on Quinpool Rd., Halifax from 12:00 - 
1:00 handing out information on the issue.  A small leaflet havs been 
developped by the Council of Canadians, Sierra Club and Greenpeace.  Please 
email if you would like more information.  cyndigilbert@hotmail.com
Thanks, Cyndi Gilbert, Sierra Club of Canada

Think McDonald's is the same all over the world?  McDonald's stopped selling 
GE food to their European customers a long time ago, but in Canada, they 
won't make that commitment.  They're hoping you won't notice the 
McHypocrisy!

Last month, McDonald's in 7 European countries announced that they wouldn't 
even feed GE soy to their chickens.  But still, no respect is given to 
Canadians.  Scientist and doctors have argued that GE is a danger to the 
environment and a risk to human health.  But in Canada, without a public 
commitment by McDonald's you could find GE ingedients in many of their food 
products.

Ask them for a list of what is GE and what isn't.  Write or fax McDonald's 
and tell them to provide the same non-GE food to Canadians that their 
company offers to Europeans.

McDonald's
1 McDonald's Place
Toronto, ON M3C 3L4
fax: (416)446-3443



---------- Forwarded message ----------
From:	Aaron Koleszar <aaronk@isn.net>
Subject: Thursday: GE demonstration at McDonald's

If McDonald's can go GE-free in Europe, why not Canada???

Let's ask them!

Thursday, December 14th
11:45am
In front of McDonald's (University Ave, Charlottetown, PEI)

----------------------------------------------
From:	"Ramona Ryan" <rryan@mgmt.dal.ca>

Hello everyone:
 
The Council of Canadians has an incredible opportunity coming our way 
 in the days ahead . We have a chance to push McDonald's to go GE 
free  in North America.
 
The Council of Canadians, along with Greenpeace Canada, Gene Allies,  
and Sierra Club will come together on Thursday December 14th to hold  
demonstrations at McDonald's restaurants in communities across  
Canada. We are inviting Council chapters to participate in their  
own communities to make our voices even louder. 
 
Here's why we're doing this on such short notice:
 
The European division of McDonald's, who has already gone GE-free due 
 to public pressure, recently capitulated to PETA (People for Ethical 
 Treatment of Animals) and also eliminated genetically modified  
organisms (GMOs) from their animal feed. In light of these recent  
events, we have reason to believe that the North American division of 
 McDonald's is very concerned about becoming a target of anti-GE  
demonstrations and may be considering going GE-free in Canada and the 
 USA. 
 
We have decided, along with the groups cited above, to confirm  
McDonald's fears and leaflet their restaurants on December 14th to  
tell them that if they can go GE-free in Europe, they can do it here  
too. 
 
We realize that many chapters are already holding demonstrations  
against Loblaw's on December 9th, so this new action would only be  
for those chapters who feel that you have the time, energy and desire 
 to participate. No pressure... but it could be fun!
 
We are asking chapters to have a few people leaflet a McDonald's  
restaurant in their community at lunch time on December 14. 
 
Let us know by Friday, December 8th if you want to participate and  
how many leaflets you will need and we will make sure they are sent  
to you. You can send your responses to me at vgibb- 
carsley@canadians.org. 
 
For more information about the actions, visit the Greenpeace website  
at  http ://www.greenpeacecanada.org/e/home.html
 
thanks and best wishes.
 
......................................................................

http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/uk/newsid_1031000/1031182.stm BBC ONLINE
Sunday, 19 November, 2000, 15:21 GMT McDonald's dumps GM-fed meat

Fast food chain McDonald's has promised not to use meat reared on
genetically modified (GM) feed.
McDonald's UK, which uses 30,000 tons of beef every year, made the decision
in response to public concerns about the safety of the so-called
"Frankenstein" foods.

The company says around 2.5 million people a day eat at one of its 1,100
restaurants in the UK.

Some farmers use GM feed to increase the muscle bulk of animals or improve
their milk yield.

But anti-GM campaigners say the public cannot be sure that meat fed on GM
feed is safe and they point to the BSE crisis as an example of complacency
in the meat industry.

A spokeswoman for the company said: "McDonald's in the UK has taken the
decision to move away from the use of animal feed containing genetically
modified ingredients.

"We have therefore requested that our suppliers seek non-GM sources of feed.

"Our chicken supplier already uses feed containing soya meal of Brazilian
origin, which is principally non-GM.

"We are continuing to work with our suppliers of beef, pork, eggs and dairy
products to identify sources of non-GM animal feed, although sustainability
remains a concern."

'Listening to concerns'

She added: "We are listening to concerns expressed by consumers seeking
reassurances about the safety of food produced in this way.

"We will continue to monitor public opinion and scientific developments."

.....


*********************************************************************
Aaron Koleszar <aaronk@isn.net>
_____________________________________________________________________

Anti-Capitalist Convergence (CLAC)
http://www.quebec2001.org (English, French, Spanish, Italian, and Portugese)

resisting the FTAA and capitalist globalization
mobilizing for Quebec City, April 2001
creating alternatives
_____________________________________________________________________

The 2000 election has further solidified the grasp of corporate capitalism
on the governance of Canada. In what amounts to a virtual dictatorship, the
arrogant right wing (Neo)Liberals are poised to continue the wholesale
sell-off of Canada to mostly American corporations, as well as tax cuts for
the rich, at the expense of the environment, the poor, aboriginals, and
other minorities. The "official" opposition - the newly garbed Reform party
- will not oppose the NeoLiberal cuts and tax-breaks. They will only force
the (Neo)Liberals further to the right.

The lopsided election results demonstrate the futility of trying to change
our society through traditional electoral politics while we're living in a
capitalist economic system where the public is overwhelmingly influenced by
mainstream corporate media, and the government is overwhelmingly controlled
by transnational corporations.

So it is up to us to build the REAL opposition. Opposition in our
communities, opposition in the streets. We must build the movement that
will place power in the hands of the people instead of the elites. There
are many more people being exploited than doing the exploiting. We are very
powerful - all we need to do is realize it and get organized!

One important step will be the moblization against the FTAA between now and
April.
See you in Quebec!
_____________________________________________________________________

FOR THE REAL NEWS ON PROTESTS AND DIRECT ACTION AGAINST THE WTO IN SEATTLE,
THE IMF/WORLD BANK IN WASHINGTON & PRAGUE, G-20 IN MONTREAL, THE FTAA IN
QUEBEC, AND OTHER PAST AND FUTURE ACTIONS, VISIT:

http://www.indymedia.org - The Independenat Media Center (IMC)
THEN FOLLOW THE LINKS TO LOCAL IMCS



---------- Forwarded message ----------
From:	Aaron Koleszar <aaronk@isn.net>
Subject: Thursday: FTAA Mobilization Meeting in PEI

Thursday, December 14, 7:00 PM

Come to the Meeting of PEI Mobilization for Global Justice
Organize and mobilize to oppose the FTAA and corporate globalization.

at Colonel Grey High School, Charlottetown.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

PEI Mobilization for Global Justice

PEI Mobilization for Global Justice is a coalition of groups and
individuals that has come together specifically to educate about and resist
the FTAA and corporate globalization. We are mobilizing toward Quebec City,
April 2001,where FTAA negotiations are scheduled. 

To find out more about or get involved with PEI Mobilization for Global
Justice contact: 
Janette Cormier <jcormier@hushmail.com> 902.566.5916

FTAA Related Websites

Anti-Capitalist Convergence (CLAC)
http://www.quebec2001.org (English, French and Spanish, Italian, Portugese)

OQP (Occupation Quebec Printemps)
http://www.oqp2001.org (French and Spanish)

Public Citizen Global Trade Watch (FTAA)
http://www.tradewatch.org/FTAA/ftaahome.html

WTOAction.org
http://wtoaction.org/ftaa.phtml   and    http://wtoaction.org/discuss/

http://quebec.indymedia.org (English, French and Spanish)

http://www.indymedia.org (links to indymedia sites around the world)

FTAA Related Listserves

ftaa-l  <ftaa-l@lists.tao.ca>
resisting the FTAA and capitalist globalization / mobilizing for Quebec
City, April 2001 / creating alternatives
to subscribe from this list, send a message to:
<ftaa-l-request@lists.tao.ca> with the following text only: subscribe

FTAA listserves in other languages:
Francais <zlea-l@lists.tao.ca>
Espaņol/Portuguese <alca-l@lists.tao.ca>

Halifax/Atlantic Mobglob Planning <mobglobplan@egroups.com>
to subscribe send an email to <mobglobplan-subscribe@egroups.com>
mobglob meeting or action-related items, broadly defined (focused around
Halifax, but from or for anywhere in Atlantic Canada)

some other sites:
www.a16.org
WTOWatch.org
www.directactionnetwork.org
http://cyberjournal.org/

Anarchism:
www.infoshop.org
http://www.insurgency.cjb.net/
www.geocities.com/malatestaleague/
www.spunk.org

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Seattle Anniversary Marked by Launch of PEI Mobilization for Global Justice

On November 30th, 2000, roughly 20 Islanders gathered to watch a video,
which documented the events that happened in Seattle, Washington 12 months
ago. It was the anniversary of the protests that had seriously disrupted
the World Trade Organizations ministerial meetings and helped start a
visible movement in North American against capitalism and corporate
globalization. After the film we decided to form a group called PEI
Mobilization for Global Justice (or PEI Mob Glob). 

The short-term goal of this group is to organize and inform Islanders about
the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) and its negative effects on the
environment, labor rights, human rights, and non-human animal rights, in
hopes to gain support for the events this spring. The FTAA is very similar
to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) except it encompasses 34
countries instead of three. Both of these agreements were created for the
immediate interests of corporations and elites, not for the majority of
people. 

In late April of 2001, 34 heads of government from all over the Americas
and the Caribbean (except Cuba) will be having meetings (called the Summit
of the Americas) inside a secure perimeter in Quebec City. The meetings
focus is on the FTAA and its implementation (no later then 2005). 

While these 34 government representatives gather in Quebec City, so will
the activists. There will be rallies, teach-ins, demonstrations, workshops,
convergence centers and street theatre being planned by numerous groups and
organizations.

PEI Mob Glob is hoping to take as many Islanders down to the actions as
possible. We are looking into a number of transportation possibilities
including buses, trains, and vans. All of this will of course cost money so
we are also looking for donations to help send more people. 

If you wish to join PEI Mob Glob, make a donation, or want more information
about Quebec City  and organizers in other places, contact:

Janette Cormier
902.566.5916
jcormier@hushmail.com

Our next meeting is tentatively set for 7 pm on Thursday, November 14, at
Colonel Grey High School in Charlottetown.

SHUT DOWN FTAA, ABROGATE NAFTA

*********************************************************************
Aaron Koleszar <aaronk@isn.net>
_____________________________________________________________________

Anti-Capitalist Convergence (CLAC)
http://www.quebec2001.org (English, French, Spanish, Italian, and Portugese)

resisting the FTAA and capitalist globalization
mobilizing for Quebec City, April 2001
creating alternatives
_____________________________________________________________________

The 2000 election has further solidified the grasp of corporate capitalism
on the governance of Canada. In what amounts to a virtual dictatorship, the
arrogant right wing (Neo)Liberals are poised to continue the wholesale
sell-off of Canada to mostly American corporations, as well as tax cuts for
the rich, at the expense of the environment, the poor, aboriginals, and
other minorities. The "official" opposition - the newly garbed Reform party
- will not oppose the NeoLiberal cuts and tax-breaks. They will only force
the (Neo)Liberals further to the right.

The lopsided election results demonstrate the futility of trying to change
our society through traditional electoral politics while we're living in a
capitalist economic system where the public is overwhelmingly influenced by
mainstream corporate media, and the government is overwhelmingly controlled
by transnational corporations.

So it is up to us to build the REAL opposition. Opposition in our
communities, opposition in the streets. We must build the movement that
will place power in the hands of the people instead of the elites. There
are many more people being exploited than doing the exploiting. We are very
powerful - all we need to do is realize it and get organized!

One important step will be the moblization against the FTAA between now and
April.
See you in Quebec!
_____________________________________________________________________

FOR THE REAL NEWS ON PROTESTS AND DIRECT ACTION AGAINST THE WTO IN SEATTLE,
THE IMF/WORLD BANK IN WASHINGTON & PRAGUE, G-20 IN MONTREAL, THE FTAA IN
QUEBEC, AND OTHER PAST AND FUTURE ACTIONS, VISIT:

http://www.indymedia.org - The Independenat Media Center (IMC)
THEN FOLLOW THE LINKS TO LOCAL IMCS



---------- Forwarded message ----------
From:	Aaron Koleszar <aaronk@isn.net>
Subject: Over 2000 Warning Labels Stuck On GE Foods by Concerned
  Halifax Residents 

From: "Citizens' Voluntary Labelling Collective"
<cvlchalifax@yahoo.ca>

For Immediate Release
October 16, 2000

Concerned Halifax Residents Stick Over 2000 Warning
Labels On GE Foods

HALIFAX - Over a dozen citizens converged on some of
Halifax's largest supermarkets over the weekend and
stuck over 2000 warning labels on products containing
genetically engineered (GE) ingredients. Members of
the newly formed Citizens' Voluntary Labelling
Collective (CVLC) Halifax blew the whistle on the
federal government's blatant neglect of Canada's Food
and Drugs Act, which requires that adulterated food be
labelled as such.

"An alarming number of the products on the shelves
contain genetically engineered ingredients and that
has to be exposed," commented one labeller. "It's no
longer possible to have any confidence in the safety
of our families' diets." 

Products such as breakfast cereal, vegetable oil,
cookies, corn, and baby food were labelled with
stickers that read "WARNING: This product may contain
genetically engineered material which has not been
adequately tested and could be dangerous to your
health."

North American corn, soy and canola are among the most
widely grown genetically engineered crops. "Just look
at the ingredients list when you pick up a product,"
says another labeller. "If there's corn, soya, or
canola in there, you can be almost certain that it's
been genetically engineered."

The CVLC is part of the growing worldwide movement to
highlight the lack of integrity and truth in the
world's food system. Though our government is supposed
to regulate the safety of GE foods, it actually spends
millions of dollars to promote them. This is an
obvious conflict of interest.

Labellers received a thumbs-up from store staff and
many shoppers took an interest in the labels' message.
The CVLC will continue to reveal genetically
engineered foods that would otherwise remain hidden
from the public.

-30-

For more info or photos, contact:
<cvlchalifax@yahoo.ca>



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