Image by SixFourG via FlickrThe response I received from my local Conservative MP is a good indication of the ideology they are willing to uphold. It illustrates how they avoid answering or dealing with legitimate issues. They use tactics that confuse the issue by using inflated figures, mis-information and irelevant facts, smear opponents by insinuating that they want to take jobs away from Canadians, and find ways to smear NGO's and blame them for bringing forth any legitimate issue. And then they blame opposition memebers for trying to score political points, when in fact their own rebuttles are about trying to score political points, it's just completely hypocritical!
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From: Blaine Cameron [mailto:blainecameron@gmail.com]
Sent: October 26, 2010 10:49 PM
To: Ignatieff, Michael - M.P.; Coady, Siobhan - M.P.; Bagnell, Larry - M.P.; Bennett, Carolyn - M.P.; Dryden, Ken - M.P.; Goodale, Ralph E. - M.P.; Hall Findlay, Martha - M.P.; Rae, Bob - M.P.; Regan, Geoff - M.P.; Poilievre, Pierre - M.P.
To Whom it May Concern,
As of recent Canada has been sent a message on the world stage, I refer to our recent failure at the UN. Canada's image has been tarnished, we are no longer seen as the humanitarian diplomat with the moderate voice. We are now seen as an opponent to these values, an abuser and opportunists. It seems corporate interests have taken precedence over ethics, human rights and environmental stewardship, this is apparent here in Canada and abroad.
One of the perpetrators are Canadian mining corporations in countries such as El Salvador and Mexico. Haven't the poor people of countries like this already suffered enough environmental and humanitarian abuses from their own governments? And what does this say about us as Canadians when it is corporations from Canada that now take part in such despicable and cruel acts that destroy people, their lives, their lively hood and their environment? I am ashamed to call myself a Canadian with such blood on our hands and a Government that does nothing. These corporations can, and should be forced to, act ethically and in an environmentally sound manner. Doing so does not take away their ability to have a viable enterprise.
Are we monsters or human beings, will you take the high road or the low road when it comes time to vote on bill C-300. Will you vote to protect the weak and the environment or for the corporate minning lobby whom engage in profiteering at any cost? I hope you take the high road of ethics, imagination for the plight of others and your ability to reason that destruction of the environment does a disservice to all humanity.
Sincerely,
Blaine Cameron
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from PoiliP@parl.gc.ca
to blainecameron@gmail.com
date Tue, Nov 2, 2010 at 11:17 AM
subject RE: Your correspondence - Bill C-300
Blaine,
Canadian companies are world leaders in corporate social responsibility (CSR), because they know that a commitment to CSR is a commitment to their own success.
Ignatieff MP John McKay has introduced legislation that unfairly targets successful Canadian mining, oil and gas companies – a key pillar of our economy.
The legislation aims to bring so-called “accountability” to Canadian mining companies in developing countries. In fact, it would, among other things, subject Canadian companies to grievances lodged by foreign interests.
If the Coalition has its way, many Canadian jobs will be lost in an industry that contributed $40 billion to Canada’s economy in 2008 and which employs 351,000 workers. During the thick of the global recession, overseas contracts kept the mining industry afloat.
At a time when the economic recovery is still fragile, why does the Coalition want to make it harder for Canadian companies?
Canadians want a Government focussed on the economy, helping to preserve and create jobs. Our Government will continue to fight for working families and communities. Canadians don’t want a Coalition willing to score political points—siding with international special interest groups—at the expense of Canadian jobs.
Sincerely,
Pierre Poilievre, M.P. Nepean-Carleton
Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister
and to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs
LPRelated articles
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from Blaine Cameron blainecameron@gmail.com
to PoiliP@parl.gc.ca
date Wed, Nov 3, 2010 at 3:08 PM
subject Re: Your correspondence - Bill C-300
Honorable Pierre Poilievre,
You could not have sent a more disappointing letter that is completely ideologically based and does not address the issues of unethical behaviour perpetrated by Canadian mining corporations. Profits would be effected very little if environmental, humanitarian and ethical concerns were incorporated and imposed upon these companies. Using numbers to justify the destruction of people and communities gives one real insight into your lack of humanity, you and your party have been blinded by your ideology. When one adheres fanatically to an ideology they soon become willing to do anything to uphold it.
To say that this legislation unfairly targets these corporations is laughable. Unfair is what happens to people and communities that are negatively effected by the actions of "some" of these companies. The figures you've thrown at me are for the combined industry, I'm sure not all mining, oil and gas companies act unethically. If you would argue fairly and present relevant facts, by breaking down the figures for the companies in question, then I'm sure your figures would be much smaller.
You then confuse the issue by indicating this bill is the work of international special interest groups, this is false and misleading. But you take it further with fear mongering and the unfounded statement of what a threat this bill is to jobs, that is a blatant attempt to score political points. Ensuring Canadian corporations act ethically is not a special interest, it's a humanitarian and environmental issue. Backing corporations even in light of unethical conduct, well that is called siding with special interests, and it is completely transparent.
And then you frame your entire argument with the fragile economic recovery, I didn't realize ethical behaviour was dependent on an economic situation. So basically if times are hard economically than humanitarian and environmental abuses are acceptable and even encouraged, especially those taking place out the sight of Canadians, let alone in our own backyard. I seem to recall tough economic times in world history, and if memory serves me right on many occasions humanitarian abuses took place under the guise of economic measures, nationalism and self interest.
We all want economic prosperity and jobs, but not at the expense of the environment and human rights!
Sincerely,
Blaine Cameron
_________________________________________________________________________________
fromPoiliP@parl.gc.ca
toblainecameron@gmail.com
dateWed, Nov 10, 2010 at 12:14 PM
subjectRE: Your correspondence - Bill C-300
Blaine,
Thank you for taking the time to write back.
I have noted your comments.
Sincerely,
Pierre Poilievre, M.P. Nepean-Carleton
Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister
and to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs
LPRelated articles
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Just note how Pierre Poilievre does not even dispute the fact that Canadian mining companies are in violation of environmental and human rights! Is this really how us Canadians want to be represented? I can only see that we have lost our way, we are caught up in the new world order. That being of corporate controlled governments with no ethics, and an insatiable appetite of profits for the few. And to legitimize it the World Trade Organization with it's disembodied rulings that favour corporations over real people's lives, communities and the environment. And it's not just effecting poor people in foreign lands, it effects us here in North America. Corporations are permitted to override environmental regulations, labour laws and municipal decisions. And if these considerations interfere with their profits then they can sue nations for those projected profits! Our government is not working in our best interest!
