To pgbinns@gov.pe.ca

Dear Premier Pat Binns,

I am emailing you because people in Canada ought to have a choice between conventionally- and organically-grown food. To provide this choice, Canada must provide a place for organic crops to grow, free from genetic contamination. Prince Edward Island is the ideal place for this purpose.

Please ban genetically engineered crops on Prince Edward Island, eliminate genetically altered animal feeds, ban genetically engineered fish, institute mandatory GMO labelling, adopt policies to foster ecologically and socially sustainable agriculture, especially perennial polycultures, publicize the GE-Free Zone, and encourage other governments to follow suit.
The proclamation of a GE-Free Zone by your government would protect and revitalize PEI agriculture, by meeting the growing demand for non-genetically engineered food. In effect, you are enabling PEI to find a niche in world markets. In this regard, the European market, which represents annual sales of over 1.6 billion Canadian dollars, offers a particularly relevant example: over 80% of the major food retailers and processors have introduced policies favourable to GE-free products. This market represents a very real commercial potential for PEI farmers.

Sincerely,

[name and address]

http://wheredidyourfoodcomefrom.blogspot.com/

Devils Lake outlet shut until spring?

By Mia Rabson and Paul Samyn

The controversial Devils Lake outlet operated for only 10 days before it was shut by pollution concerns, it was learned yesterday.

The Manitoba government was elated to hear high sulphate levels forced North Dakota to turn off the taps, possibly until next year.

North Dakota reported yesterday the outlet that opened Aug. 15 was closed because sulphate concentrations on the Sheyenne River upstream of the outlet exceeded the allowable limit.

Unless the Devils Lake area is hit by heavy rains this fall, it is unlikely the outlet will be turned on again before the spring, which Manitoba says gives the province more time to improve the filter protecting Manitoba from the contents of the lake.

"This is certainly a positive development," said Water Stewardship Minister Steve Ashton.

The Devils Lake outlet is designed to drain 50 cubic feet of water per second into the Sheyenne River, which flows east into the Red River. The Red then carries the water north to Lake Winnipeg.

Manitoba has long feared Devils Lake contains organisms that are foreign and possibly harmful to Manitoba waters. There have also been fears about excess pollution.

Water from the lake was expected to reach the Manitoba border sometime this week, although provincial officials say it may be hard to discern when that actually happens because the water will be heavily diluted. It isn't expected to reach Lake Winnipeg until at least late next week.

North Dakota state engineer Dale Frink said that 10 days after the outlet began operating, sulphate levels on the Sheyenne River upstream of the outlet exceeded 390 milligrams per litre, forcing the state to close the outlet's gate.

The health permit allowing the Devils Lake outlet to be opened prohibits operation when sulphate levels on the Sheyenne River exceed 300 milligrams per litre of water.

Frink blamed the high concentrations of sulphate on the low water flows on the Sheyenne. He said he believes the sulphate is coming from groundwater runoff.

"In the fall, the flow in the Sheyenne drops off significantly," said Frink. "We think that's the reason the sulphate levels are so high."

Environment Canada spokesman Kevin Cash said the jump in sulphate levels when the Sheyenne River's flows are low was entirely predictable. He said it was also expected that would impact on the outlet's operations.

But Cash said the increase in the sulphate level will not result in a breach of the Boundary Waters Treaty, as it is not a sufficient amount to cause harm to Canadian waterways.

"The volume of the water coming out of Devils Lake is unlikely to result in any violation of the sulphate guidelines by the time it reaches the international boundary," said Cash.

Sulphate is an inorganic substance that occurs naturally in water, and is particularly prevalent in ground water. High levels of sulphate in drinking water usually cause a foul taste and odour and have been linked to gastrointestinal problems such as severe diarrhea.

U.S. federal regulations require drinking water to contain no more than 250 milligrams of sulphate per litre of water.

Dwight Williamson, director of water science and management for Manitoba Water Stewardship, said the high levels of sulphate on the Sheyenne are not expected to pose any problems in Manitoba.

Williamson said the International Joint Commission, which oversees boundary water issues between the U.S. and Canada, set a limit of 250 mg of sulphate per litre of water on any body of water as it crosses into either country.

Williamson said once the Sheyenne hits the Red River, the sulphate will be diluted in the higher flows in the Red. He added it has been a very rare occurrence to see the sulphate level on the Red River at Emerson exceed the 250 mg limit.

"Once the Sheyenne mixes with the Red River, the levels (of sulphate) will go down," he said. "Even at 300 mg it is unlikely to exceed the IJC limit at the border."

Williamson said sulphate would only affect aquatic species at extremely high levels.

Frink noted the outlet itself did not cause the increased level on the Sheyenne, but because it would increase sulphate levels slightly, it can't operate when the river is already over its limit.

Manitoba will test the water on this side of the border, but the results won't be relevant until Manitoba can tell whether the Devils Lake water has arrived in our neck of the woods, officials have said.

A call to action

From November 28th to December 9th representatives from 150 or more nations will be meeting at a Climate Conference in Montreal, Canada. The vast majority of those present will be signers of the Kyoto Protocol on global warming. They will be discussing the latest developments with this deepening world crisis and what should be done about it. The representatives of the United States government, however, will be present working behind the scenes to try to block any positive action.

This is the role they have played for several years. We are outraged that our government has taken this obstructionist approach to one of, if not the, most critical and urgent issues of our time.

Powerful dirty energy corporations like Exxon/Mobil are calling the shots on U.S. energy policy. Resources and lives are being wasted in a tragic war instead of going into energy conservation and development of clean, safe energy that would end our reliance on Middle East oil while generating millions of new jobs. We must stand up and take action now! This fall let's mobilize a
nationwide, grassroots education and action campaign leading up to mass demonstrations in Montreal and throughout the U.S. on Saturday, December 3rd. (Especially if you are an American) help gather signatures for the Peoples Ratification of the Kyoto Global Warming Treaty www.kyotoandbeyond.org, which will be presented in Montreal. Join Climate Crisis USA and join the world as we call for:

• U.S.A., Join the World by Ratifying the Kyoto Protocol
• Support and Export Clean, Safe, Non-Nuclear Energy Alternatives
• End Government Subsidies for Oil and Coal Corporations
• Dramatically Strengthen Energy Conservation and Fuel Efficiency Standards
• A Just Transition for Workers, Indigenous and Other Communities Affected by a Change to Clean Energy
• Defend the World's Forests; Support Community-Run Tree Planting Campaigns

This organizing campaign in the United States is part of an international effort. A call has been issued and organizing is underway for demonstrations on December 3rd in many other countries around the world. Leading up to December 3rd local groups, e.g., Canadian groups, can organize house parties, forums, teach-ins, conferences or town meetings.

Two things today

#1

To: dalton.mcguinty@premier.gov.on.ca
cc: mkwinter.mpp@liberal.ola.org
Re: 72-Day Hunger strike of Mohammad Mahjoub

Dear Mr. McGuinty,

I am writing to urge you to take immediate action to meet the legitimate demands of Mohammad Mahjoub, who has been detained without trial in an Ontario prison for over five years and is now on Day 72 of a hunger strike (Sept. 16) to demand minimally decent conditions of detention. His main demands include proper medical treatment for the Hepatitis C he contracted at the jail (a prescribed liver biopsy has been denied), proper medical care for as knee injury sustained at the jail, filling a long-neglected prescription for eyeglasses, and touch visits with his young children once a month.Given that Mr. Mahjoub is not hooked up to any medical monitoring devices, there is a real danger that his blood pressure may take a sudden drop and send him into a coma without anyone knowing before it is too late. Mr. Mahjoub has requested that he be hospitalized given his extremely weak, and painful state. He also needs authorized individuals from your government to meet with him, his family, and his legal representatives to negotiate a solution to this crisis.

Mr. Mahjoub has requested that you or someone from your government immediately contact his authorized representative and friend, Matthew Behrens, at (416) 651-5800 or tasc@web.ca, to arrange an emergency meeting to include Mona Elfouli, who is married to Mahjoub, to reach a just and humane solution.So far, there has been no response from Monte Kwinter, whose portfolio includes responsibility for detainees in provincial detention centres, and time is running out on Mr. Mahjoub.

Although Mr. Mahjoub is a federal detainee, he is within your jurisdiction in a provincial jail, and it is therefore your responsibility to respond to this crisis.Montreal-based medical professionals have stated, in a letter to Prime Minister Paul Martin, that Mahjoub is at imminent risk of permanent, severe impairment, and very possibly, of death.

By way of comparison: in 1981, Bobby Sands and 9 other IRA prisoners on hunger strike died after periods varying from 46 to 73 days after sustaining severe organ damage (e.g., blindness). Several survivors of the strike remained permanently handicapped. In 1996, many Kurdish hunger strikers in Turkey died after periods of 65 to 69 days.

Please intervene immediately to try to find a humane solution to this situation. You have the power, and therefore the moral responsibility, to resolve this crisis.Surely it is not too much to ask for a monthly contact visit with two small children and for proper medical care.

As Canadians, we pride ourselves on respecting basic human rights. Please remain true to this fundamental value. Should Mohammad Mahjoub die or be permanently handicapped, it would be to our lasting shame and dishonour as Canadians and as members of the human family.

I look forward to your prompt response to my letter and to positive action to resolve this crisis.

Sincerely,

Name
Address

#2
University spokesman John Danakas would not say what restrictions the university would place on how the video is screened, because those details have not yet been discussed with the researchers. That's 3 years after the film, which the the University of Manitoba is worried might offend Monsanto, was made. That needs to be set in the context of just how far some Canadian universities allow their staff to go in operating as propagandists for the biotech industry. A situation which has lead one Canadian academic to comment, "what some are doing today under the umbrella of academic freedom is actually not far removed from the proclamations of Orwell's Ministry of Truth." Such academic propagandists, of course, can attract significant industry funding. Witness the Food Safety Network at the University of Guelph which has attracted funding from Monsanto, DuPont, Eli Lilly, Syngenta, Pioneer Hi-Bred, ConAgra, McCain, McDonald's, Nestle, Ag-West Biotech, Bioniche Life Sciences Inc., Southern Crop Protection Association, Pharmacia, AgCare, the (biotech industry funded) Council for Biotechnology Information, etc., etc.

Researchers say University of Manitoba blocked video on GM crops
by Helen Fallding

Stephane McLachlan, an environment professor at the University of Manitoba, and his PhD student Ian Mauro, were cited as accusing the university of blocking the release of their video exploring the risks of genetically modified crops while at the same time courting funds from biotech companies.

The story explains that the two completed a feature-length documentary in 2002 with help from independent Winnipeg filmmaker Jim Sanders, and is based on interviews with Prairie farmers about their experiences - good and bad - with genetically modified canola.

But the Seeds of Change video has never been screened because the university and the researchers, who share the copyright, have been unable to negotiate an agreement on its release.

The story explains that the university originally demanded assurances it would not be liable if anyone sued. One insurer demanded a $50,000 deductible for any lawsuits by crop marketer Monsanto, which has a reputation for protecting its interests vigorously through the courts.

The company is featured in the documentary because of its legal battle with a Saskatchewan farmer and its development of genetically modified wheat. Monsanto Canada spokeswoman Trish Jordan was quoted as saying, "Obviously, we've never seen (the video), so I'm not sure how these guys could assume that we would sue them."

Now that a private investor has pulled out of the Seeds of Change project and the filmmakers have made it clear they don't intend to make a profit, the lawsuit issue has apparently been dropped by the university.

Alan Simms, who represented the university in early negotiations before going on to head the university's Smartpark research complex, was quoted as saying, "I've seen (the video) and I think it's fair. It's not a biased kind of thing."

But McLachlan said the university is still demanding control over where and when the video is shown, while at the same time requiring a disclaimer indicating the project has nothing to do with the university.

University spokesman John Danakas would not say what restrictions the university would place on how the video is screened, because those details have not yet been discussed with the researchers.The university wants to make sure the documentary is only used for educational purposes, he said.

Canada organic farmers press forward in gene contamination lawsuit against Monsanto & Aventis/Bayer

by Angela Hall

Organic Agriculture Protection Fund (Canada) Media Release
August 30, 2005
Organic farmers granted leave to appeal class certification decision

Today the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal released Honourable Mr. Justice Cameron's decision granting the certified organic farmers of Saskatchewan leave to appeal the Court of Queen's Bench decision dated May 11, 2005 denying them class certification under Saskatchewan's Class Actions Act. The farmers are seeking compensation for losses due to contamination of organic fields and crops by Monsanto's and Bayer's genetically engineered canolas.

Judge Cameron agreed that the issues raised by the plaintiffs should be dealt with by the Appeal Court. He agreed that the questions of whether Judge Smith erred in her finding of no cause of action - an error which cascades through her decisions on the remaining four tests required to grant class certification – and whether she applied an overly rigorous standard for class certifications should be examined by the Appeal Court.

Plaintiff Larry Hoffman says he feels encouraged by the decision. "It gives us a chance to argue how the Class Actions Act should be applied. The spirit of the law is to even out the odds between the Davids and the Goliaths in the world. The lower court decision made it too hard on us Davids, and we think that's unfair. A farmer like me can't afford to take on a big company like Monsanto when it threatens my livelihood and way of life. But if we can join together in a class action, our combined strength can make it possible to hold these companies accountable for their actions."

"This is great", says plaintiff Dale Beaudoin. "On behalf of 1000 plus organic farmers we can continue to fight for our right to remain stewards for sustainable agriculture. This is no minor issue. It is a matter of independence and survival for all farmers world-wide."

For the decision and other details of the class action suit, please see http://www.saskorganic.com/oapf/

August 31, 2005
The Regina Leader-Post
Organic farmers can appeal ruling

Saskatchewan organic farmers will get another opportunity to try to launch a class-action lawsuit against Monsanto and Bayer CropScience.

The farmers' first attempt to have the case against the two companies certified as a class action was rejected in a 179-page ruling by Justice Gene Anne Smith in May 2005. On Tuesday, the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal granted them leave to appeal that decision.

Two farmers were named as plaintiffs in the suit, which aims to include all Saskatchewan organic farmers certified from 1996. The producers, supported by the Organic Agriculture Protection Fund, are seeking compensation for losses they say are the result of the introduction of genetically modified canola.

In granting the leave to appeal, Justice Stuart Cameron wrote that the proposed appeal raises "some comparatively new and potentially controversial points of law." Smith had ruled that prerequisites needed to certify an action as a class action -- according to Section 6 of the Class Actions Act -- were not satisfied. Cameron noted the Class Actions Act was enacted fairly recently, and Smith's decision "constitutes the most comprehensive application" of Section 6 of the act undertaken so far in the province. "It stands as the seminal authority in the province on class actions," Cameron wrote.

"Without suggesting that Justice Smith's decision is in any respect flawed, I do believe her appreciation and application of the prerequisites of Section 6 raises some issues of sufficient importance generally to warrant consideration by this court." For example, some of the arguments before Cameron centred on the "rigour" Smith applied in considering each of the prerequisites that had to be met to allow the class action, wrote Cameron.

On one hand, it was argued the application for certification as a class action was subjected to more exacting standards than called for by the act. On the other, Smith was said to have approached it rigorously "in the sense of carefully and thoroughly."

Terry Zakreski, the lawyer representing the farmers, said they will now file documents with the Court of Appeal and wait for an appeal date to be set. Zakreski said he feels the decision shows they raised good arguments for the higher court to consider on the basis the lower court may have "set the bar too high" regarding what's needed in order to be certified as a class action.

Recipes for reclamation

Seed Balls

ingredients

5 parts dry red clay, finely powdered and sifted

3 parts dry compost mix, which ought to include: a source of carbon such as chopped straw, dead leaves, woodchips, etc.; and a source of nitrogen such as composted vegetable matter and/or composted manure

1 to 2 parts water with some yogurt, and fresh and dirty indigenous roots, minced

1 part dry seeds of all kinds

directions
In a large flat container, add all seeds and mix thoroughly. Cover the mixture with dry compost. In large batches layer the mixture with dry clay, mix well. Layer the mixture with minced roots. Gradually add water until the mixture reaches a malleable consistency. Roll into pennies until polymerization is felt. Sun dry seed balls on a tarp for at least 24 hours. Store in a cool, ventilated place, or apply immediately, do not bury. Recommended densities:

• Scatter at least 10 seed pennies per square meter
• At least 0.20 g seeds per penny,
• or 2 g seeds per square meter.

Moss Graffiti
(serves to create several small pieces or 1 large piece of graffiti)

ingredients
1 can of beer
1/2 teaspoon sugar
several clumps garden moss

plastic container (with lid)
blender
paintbrush

directions

Gather together several clumps of moss and crumble them into a blender. Add the beer and sugar and blend just long enough to create a smooth, creamy consistency. Pour the mixture into a plastic container. Find a suitable damp and shady wall on to which you can apply your moss mixture. Paint your chosen design onto the wall (either free-hand or using a stencil). If possible try to return to the area over the following weeks to ensure that the mixture is kept moist.

To: mkwinter.mpp@liberal.ola.org

Cc: pm@pm.gc.ca, McLellan.A@parl.gc.ca, volpej@parl.gc.ca, cotlei@parl.gc.ca, tasc@web.ca

Re: Hunger strike of Mohammad Mahjoub

Dear Mr. Kwinter,

I am writing to urge you to take immediate action to meet the legitimate demands of Mohammad Mahjoub, who has been detained without trial in an Ontario prison for over five years and is now on a hunger strike to demand minimally decent conditions of detention. His main demands include proper medical treatment for the Hepatitis C he contracted at the jail (a prescribed liver biopsy has been denied), proper medical care for as knee injury sustained at the jail, filling a long-neglected prescription for eyeglasses, and touch visits with his young children once a month.

Although he is a federal detainee, he is within your jurisdiction in a provincial jail, and it is therefore your responsibility to respond to this crisis. As of today (Thurday, September8), Mohammad Mahjoub is on Day 64 of his hunger strike. Mr. Mahjoub was already in poor health before beginning his current hunger strike, and medical professionals have stated, in a letter to Prime Minister Paul Martin September 2, 2005, that Mahjoub is at imminent risk of permanent, severe impairment, and very possibly, of death.

By way of comparison: in 1981, Bobby Sands and 9 other IRA prisoners on hunger strike died after periods varying from 46 to 73 days after sustaining severe organ damage, e.g., blindness. Several survivors of the strike remained permanently handicapped. In 1996, many Kurdish hunger strikers in Turkey died after periods of 65 to 69 days.

Please intervene immediately to try to find a humane solution to this situation. You have the power, and therefore the moral responsibility, to resolve this crisis.

Surely it is not too much to ask for a monthly contact visit with two small children and for proper medical care.

As Canadians, we pride ourselves on respecting basic human rights. Please remain true to this fundamental value. Should Mohammad Mahjoub die or be permanently handicapped, it would be to our lasting shame and dishonour as Canadians and as members of the human family.

I look forward to your prompt response to my letter and to positive action to resolve this crisis.

Sincerely,

Name
Address

The Hemispheria Action Group statement of unity

1) We come together in opposition to the North American Summit Hemispheria to be held in Winnipeg May 31st to June 2nd, 2006.

2) We see the Summit as promoting the neo-liberal agenda of competition and privatization that seeks to expand the wealth and power of corporations at the expense of people and the environment.

3) We will work to educate and mobilize people in opposition to the agenda of the Summit Hemispheria.

4) We commit to organizing in democratic and transparent ways and invite all those who oppose this agenda to join us in our work.

To: mkwinter.mpp@liberal.ola.org

Cc: pm@pm.gc.ca, McLellan.A@parl.gc.ca, volpej@parl.gc.ca, cotlei@parl.gc.ca, tasc@web.ca

Monte Kwinter
Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services
Government of Ontario
Re: Hunger strike of Hassan Almrei

Dear Mr. Kwinter,

I am writing to urge you to take immediate action to meet the legitimate demands of Mohammad Mahjoub, who has been detained without trial in an Ontario prison for over five years and is now on a hunger strike to demand minimally decent conditions of detention. His main demands include proper medical treatment for the Hepatitis C he contracted at the jail (a prescribed liver biopsy has been denied), proper medical care for as knee injury sustained at the jail, filling a long-neglected prescription for eyeglasses, and touch visits with his young children once a month. Although he is a federal detainee, he is within your jurisdiction in a provincial jail, and it is therefore your responsibility to respond to this crisis.

As of today (Tuesday, September 6), Mohammad Mahjoub is on Day 62 of his hunger strike. Mr. Mahjoub was already in poor health before beginning his current hunger strike, and medical professionals have stated, in a letter to Prime Minister Paul Martin September 2, 2005, that Mahjoub is at imminent risk of permanent, severe impairment, and very possibly, of death. By way of comparison: in 1981, Bobby Sands and 9 other IRA prisoners on hunger strike died after periods varying from 46 to 73 days after sustaining severe organ damage, e.g., blindness. Several survivors of the strike remained permanently handicapped. In 1996, many Kurdish hunger strikers in Turkey died after periods of 65 to 69 days.

Please intervene immediately to try to find a humane solution to this situation. You have the power, and therefore the moral responsibility, to resolve this crisis.

Surely it is not too much to ask for a monthly contact visit with two small children and for proper medical care.

As Canadians, we pride ourselves on respecting basic human rights. Please remain true to this fundamental value. Should Mohammad Mahjoub die or be permanently handicapped, it would be to our lasting shame and dishonour as Canadians and as members of the human family.

I look forward to your prompt response to my letter and to positive action to resolve this crisis.

Sincerely,
[your name and address]

Two things

THE FIRST THING

To: mkwinter.mpp@liberal.ola.org, McLellan.A@parl.gc.ca
cc: tasc@web.ca

Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services
18th floor, 25 Grosvenor Street
Toronto ON M7A 1Y6

Minister of Public Safety and EmergencyPreparedness
Sir Wilfred Laurier Blvd. 13th Floor
340 Laurier Ave.
Ottawa ON K1A 0P8

Dear Monte Kwinter and Anne McLellan,

Secret trial Detainee Hassan Almrei is now on day 71 of his hunger-strike. After almost four years in solitary confinement without charge, held on secret evidence, all Almrei is currently asking for is the same conditions as federal prisoners: one hour outside his cell per day; the right to wear normal clothes instead of an orange jumpsuit; radio and tv. Things that would make it slightly easier for him as he awaits the conclusion of lengthy legal processes which will determine the legality of indefinite detention, deportation to torture, and denial of bail. Hassan is in constant pain. He cannot lie down because his ribs are so sore. He does not have the strength to stand or walk. He is afraid to sleep now for fear he will not wake up. His body, like his life, is rapidly running out of options.

Secret trial detainee Mohammad Mahjoub is on day 57 of a hunger strike, also demanding minimally decent conditions of detention, including contact visits with his two young children, as he awaits numerous court decisions similar to Hassan's. He is weak and has lost a great deal of weight.

I support Hassan Almrei and Mohammad Mahjoub. Both men are held under the secret trial security certificate at Metro West Detention Centre in Toronto. I am contacting both of you, because each of you has claimed that the other is responsible. Neither of you has done anything, but you could so easily make the decision to provide the prisoners with their simple and fully justified demands. Please enable these men to end their hunger strikes!

Sincerely,

[your name, address, and phone number]

THE SECOND THING

Look at what Chris Ramasroop is doing: http://www.justicia4migrantworkers.org/