MEDIA RELEASE - November 26, 1999

OTTAWA - NDP Trade Critic Bill Blaikie announced plans today to build links with progressive legislators and activists from across the world who share a critical perspective on the World Trade Organization (WTO).

“The campaign against the MAI was successful because progressive people from around the globe worked together. Now, we need to share information and cooperate once again in our fight against the WTO’s failed approach to globalization,” Mr. Blaikie said.

He will be in Seattle as an observer to the WTO ministerial meetings next week. In addition to observing the Ministerial plenary and the NGO Symposium, Mr. Blaikie will also participate in events with progressive legislators and NGOs from around the world :

·Peoples’ Tribunal: “The Human Face of Trade: Health and the Environment”

Mr. Blaikie will sit on an international tribunal of prominent legislators who will hear testimony from two international panels about the health and environmental impacts of the WTO. Panelists will inclue experts, environmental leaders and citizen activists.

·Global Legislators Organization for a Balanced Environment (GLOBE)

This event is an opportunity for environment ministers and legislators from Europe, Japan, Canada, and the U.S. to exchange views on the WTO’s impact on their ability to protect the natural environment. One legislator from each nation present will make a brief statement to the media. Mr. Blaikie will be the Canadian speaker.

·News Conference: US & Canadian legislators present common concerns about the WTO

Mr. Blaikie will join with local, state and national legislators from the U.S. to present common concerns about the impact of the WTO on democracy, particularly at the subnational level. Participating legislators include Representative David Bonior (Democratic Party Whip), who was responsible for denying President Clinton fast-track authority to negotiate new trade deals.

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