FIPA Speaking Tour (August 10 – 16, 2013)

Jul 30, 2013

FIPA Speaking Tour (August 10 – 16, 2013)

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Hello,

My name is Brenda Sayers and on behalf of Hupacasath First Nation on Vancouver Island I hold the portfolio for our court case challenging the Canada-China Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA).  This proposed investment treaty will have negative impacts on our constitutional rights and unless we stand up for our personal sovereignty, our rights will continue to be taken from us.

I invite you to participate at a meeting in your community where I will explain how the FIPA will affect you and future generations.  I will also take this opportunity to update you on Hupacasath First Nation’s court challenge.  I am travelling a long way to meet with Ontario and Quebec community members because I strongly believe all people of Canada have the right to know how this 31-year treaty will affect them.

FIPA would expose Canada to lawsuits from Chinese companies who claim their profits have been lowered somehow by a government decision, including environmental legislation, resource conservation measures, or actions that fulfilled constitutional responsibilities with respect to First Nations. These lawsuits would be decided by paid arbitrators, not judges, in closed-door tribunals outside Canada’s legal system. As an example of what this means, a U.S. oil and gas firm, Lone Pine Resources, is using a similar measure in NAFTA to sue Canada for $250 million dollars because of a temporary moratorium on shale gas extraction in Quebec.

The time is now to say a resounding No to the federal government and say Yes to our right to participate in the formation of our country.  It is time for the power to be restored back to the people of Canada.  I encourage everyone to take the time for a closer look at the implications of the FIPA in regards to national security, the environment, job security, and our constitutional and human rights.

I would like to ask that you forward this letter to your members and consider co-sponsoring my nine-day tour (details on reverse).  You can show your support by allowing Hupacasath First Nation to use your logo for our promotional and outreach material.  Only by standing together will we be able to win this massive court challenge to protect our communities and our democracy from the worst aspects of investment treaties like the FIPA.

It would be an honor to meet with you, listen to your concerns and set a plan in motion.

In solidarity,

Brenda Sayers

FIPA Speaking Tour (August 10 – 16, 2013)  W/ Brenda Sayers and others

Saturday, August 10 Montreal Rally and gathering

Sunday, August 11 Ottawa Parliament Hill Rally, 1-3pm

Monday, August 12 Ottawa Gathering at CUPW, 10am – Noon

Wednesday, August 14 Peterborough Public event

Thursday, August 15 Hamilton Public event

Friday, August 16 Toronto Public event, rally and gathering  Cecil Street Community Centre  58 Cecil St, Toronto, ON M5T 1N6  6:30 - 9:30