Sponsors of Halifax War Conference, 2018

Part of a series providing background information on the Halifax International Security Forum which will be held November 19-21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Interview of Tony Seed by TML Weekly, November 7. 2018

TML Weekly: Tony, as an independent journalist and researcher who amongst other things specializes in NATO and war exercises and preparations around the world, you have done investigation into the sponsors and partners of the Halifax International Security Forum (HISF). Can you tell us about that?

No to Foreign Interference in Cuban Affairs! Petition to Government of Canada Against the U.S. War on Cuba

The Canadian Network on Cuba (CNC) has initiated a new parliamentary petition to the Government of Canada calling on it to oppose the U.S. war on Cuba, and that Canada maintain principled relations with Cuba and not follow U.S. dictate. This petition, e-3640, opened October 29 and replaces a previous one, e-3456. That petition gathered thousands of signatures but died on the order paper when Justin Trudeau called the pandemic election, ending the 43rd Parliament.

All Out to Oppose the 13th Annual Halifax International Security Forum

– No Harbour for War –

Webinar

Friday, November 19 – 8:00 pm AT/
7:00 ET/ 6:00 CT/ 5:00 MT/ 4:00 PT
Further information on how to register to come

Halifax

Rally
Saturday, November 20 – 1:00 pm AT
Halifax Peace and Friendship Park (Hollis and South Sts)

The 13th Annual Halifax International Security Forum (HISF) will be held November 19-21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. According to the organizers, they plan to have all their participants in person at the Westin Hotel for the fully vaccinated Forum.

The HISF is a U.S. organization hosted by Canada’s Minister of National Defence. It proudly announces it “receives generous support from the Government of Canada and Club HFX.”

At this time, the Security Forum is part and parcel of the U.S. and NATO’s “pivot to Asia.” Last year it rolled out its anti-China stance by issuing a “Handbook for Democracies” titled: China vs Democracy: The Greatest Game. HISF President Peter Van Praagh said, “We know what we are for; and we know what we are against. This is how (the Security Forum) differs from all other conferences of similar stature.”

This year, two of the eight Plenary Sessions and at least three of the Informal Sessions are directly related to China while a number of other sessions are indirectly related. All of it grows the danger of war in the Asia Pacific and on the world scale.

Besides the Plenary and Informal Sessions, the Security Forum prides itself on providing the venue for international defence and security “leaders” to meet behind closed doors to plan further crimes against the peace and the peoples of the world. “There is no substitute for face-to-face, in-person conversations between international defence and security leaders. They lead to collaboration, innovative solutions, and renewed hope for our democracies,” said Van Praagh.

The agenda purports to deal with global security issues but it does so not from the perspective of the peaceful resolution of conflicts and promotion of international rule of law by upholding the UN Charter. On the contrary, it promotes a U.S. “rules-based international order” which it calls democracy despite its aim to make the entire world submit to the U.S. declaration that it is the “indispensable nation” which every country must obey.

Anti-war activists in Halifax urge you to get involved in opposing the Security Forum and making sure Canada provides No Harbour For War and gets out of NATO and NORAD.

No Harbour For War advocates the prevention and resolution of conflicts in accordance with international law and the UN Charter. It opposes the use of force, threats and sanctions to subjugate countries. It calls on Canadians to oppose Canada’s integration into the U.S. war machine, NATO and NORAD and the usurpation of Canada’s decision-making and sovereignty by the U.S. All foreign and military policy should be decided in a manner which favours the peoples of the world.

Join a webinar on Friday, November 19 to hear speakers discuss what’s at stake for Canada and the Asia Pacific at this time. Participate in actions to oppose the warmongering Canada is sponsoring by hosting the HISF.

We call on Canadians to demand that the HISF be banned, along with demanding that Canada get out of NATO and NORAD and that they be dismantled. No foreign troops should be permitted to operate on Canadian territory and Canadian forces should be brought home. No foreign warships, whether armed with nuclear weapons or not, should be permitted to use our harbours. NATO-sponsored think tanks and academic institutions should be dismantled. Promotion of imperialist war aims and the militarization of culture must be rejected.

Trudeau’s modus operandi of using unverifiable remarks to arouse passions

Blaming “extremist groups on the far-right and the far-left”to cover up the need for democratic renewal

A controversy has arisen about remarks by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the “Malmö International Forum on Holocaust Remembrance and Combating Antisemitism — Remember-ReAct,” an event held in Sweden on October 13. In a speech delivered by video, the Prime Minister blamed “extremist groups on the far-right and the far-left” for a rise in “hatred, fear and mistrust.” Trudeau told the audience, “We’re in a time right now where around the world we see an increase of polarization, of extremism, or radicalization everywhere, including in some of the most open, liberal democracies in the world. In our elections, in our public discourse and in mainstream communications — let alone social media — we’re seeing a rise in intolerance. We see the organizations of extremist groups on the far-right and the far-left that are pushing white supremacy, intolerance, radicalization, promoting hatred, fear and mistrust across borders but within borders, as well.”

Opening of the 44th Parliament: Government business and start of new parliament

The 44th Parliament will begin sitting at 1:00 pm on November 22, the Prime Minister’s Office announced in a press release on October 15. That is just over two months after the federal election. The session will start with the Throne Speech, delivered by Governor General Mary May Simon.

The new cabinet will be sworn in by the Governor General at Rideau Hall on October 26. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that Chrystia Freeland will keep her positions as Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister but no other cabinet posts have been announced.

Slavery and Reparations: African Nova Scotia, Canada and Beyond

Updated October 27

Dalhousie University and the University of King’s College, together and in partnership with the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia are pleased to announce an online event focused on the theme of Slavery and Reparations: African Nova Scotia, Canada and Beyond. This event is being held in preparation for the 2023 Universities Studying Slavery Conference, which will take place in Halifax, Nova Scotia (see below).

Monday, November 1 – 2-4pm EST & 5-7pm EST

Featuring panelists (2-4pm EST): Cikiah Thomas (Co-ChairInternational Working Committee, Global African Congress); Delvina Bernard (PhD-candidate, International Development Studies, Saint Mary’s University); Dr. Andrea Douglas (Director, Jefferson School African American Heritage Centre)

Keynote lecture (5-7pm EST) by Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies and the leading international scholar on reparations.

Register at http://register.bccns.com

For more information: https://ukings.ca/events/pre-conference-event-for-2023-universities-studying-slavery-conference/

Dalhousie University and the University of King’s College, together and in partnership with the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia are pleased to announce an online event focused on the theme of Slavery and Reparations: African Nova Scotia, Canada and Beyond. This event is being held in preparation for the 2023 Universities Studying Slavery Conference, which will take place in Halifax, Nova Scotia (see below).

International Tribunal on U.S. Human Rights Violations

New York City, October 22-24

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Friday, October 22: Cultural event 6:00-9:00 pm
Saturday, October 23: Tribunal 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Sunday, October 24: Tribunal 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Monday, October 25: Presentation of Findings at the UN
Register here: spiritofmandela.org

An important International Tribunal is taking place October 22-24 in New York City. Organized and hosted by the Spirit of Mandela Coalition it aims to bring international attention to U.S. violations of human and civil rights of Black, Brown, and Indigenous peoples, spotlighting the inhumane and violating treatment of political prisoners. As an example, the U.S. is violating international law in its deliberate refusal to provide adequate medical care to U.S. political prisoners and all prisoners. Another example is the use of extended solitary confinement. Leonard Peltier, still unjustly in jail after more than 45 years, was repeatedly kept in solitary for long periods, as were many others, especially Black and Puerto Rican political prisoners. In the case of Albert Woodfox he was forced into solitary for 40 years!

This Day. Anniversary of the Proclamation of War Measures in 1970

Police powers unjustly imprisoned hundreds uring 1970 “October Crisis”

Army deployed on the streets of Montreal October 15, 1970, the day before the War Measures Act is invoked.

October 16 marks the 51st anniversary of the proclamation of the War Measures Act by Pierre Elliott Trudeau and his Liberal government. Trudeau declared a state of “apprehended insurrection” in order to use the powers of the War Measures Act, which had been used in World War I and World War II, to indefinitely detain people without charges or trial.

A brief recollection of Canada’s ‘Indian Policy’

The Kuper Island Residential School in British Columbia, where 160+ unmarked graves were discovered in July 2021, is pictured in this June 19, 1941, archival photo.

At the time of the conquest and into the 19th century, what is called “Indian policy” was diplomatic and military in orientation. Both the English and the French conquerors recognized the Indigenous peoples’ nations. Besides other proof, it is known that they sought and formed alliances with various nations on a sovereign and independent basis. They also entered into the Two Row Wampum which established nation-to-nation relations. Their military and diplomatic policy towards these nations means they were forced to form alliances with them for purposes of defence and for purposes of making advances in the fur trade, in exploration, etc. In 1763, at which time the problem of settlement began to be posed, the Crown gave an assurance by Royal Proclamation that “the Indians” would not be disturbed in their territories beyond the settled colonies. “Indian land” could be surrendered only to the Crown and only by a “General Assembly of Indians.”

Mi’kmaq fishers inform Trudeau government they will continue affirming their rights

Indigenous peoples defence of hereditary rights

The day after the federal elections, September 21, about 50 Mi’kmaq fishers and their supporters held a rally outside the Atlantic headquarters of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia to affirm their hereditary and treaty fishing rights and serve notice to the government that they will continue to vigorously defend these rights.

Wet’suwet’en resistance to CGL pipeline occupation 2021: Recap of events from Wet’suwet’en territory

All Out for Wedzin Kwa!INTERNATIONAL WEEK OF ACTIONS – October 9 – 16

– http://www.yintahaccess.com –

We are producing below the most recent recap of events from the Gidimt’en Checkpoint, Wet’suwt’en territory, issued October 4, 2021.

Edmonton exhibition of works by artist Mary Joyce: ‘Culture of Resistance’ – a review

“When you enter Galerie Cité in Edmonton where Mary Joyce’s show ‘Culture of Resistance’ is on display, the first impression is a combination of energy, vibrancy, sensuousness and beauty” | Marina Allemano

The review below of Mary Joyce’s show, Culture of Resistance, was written by Dr. Marina Allemano, Retired Lecturer, Department of Modern Languages & Cultural Studies, University of Alberta, and an author, translator and literary critic.

State funding based on ‘electoral performance’: Electoral process funding of parties and individual candidates promotes inequality, power and privilege

Now that the results of the 2021 Federal Election have been validated and certified in all but three ridings where recounts are underway, the Canada Elections Act requires the Chief Electoral Officer to immediately start reimbursing some candidates for their election expenses. Only those candidates who received at least 10 per cent of the valid votes cast are eligible.

Federal Court asked to rule against use of Royal Prerogative to call unnecessary elections

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Democracy Watch and Integrity B.C. have applied to the Federal Court for a ruling on the legality of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s 2021 early election call. The case was filed on September 15 and asks for a ruling that would stop such calls going forward.

Mi’kmaq water protectors are winning some battles

For close to a year and a half, Mi’kmaq water protectors have had an encampment, Truckhouse #2, alongside the Windsor Causeway of Highway 101 in Nova Scotia to monitor government compliance with tidal water flows vital to fish habitat in the macro tidal estuary of the Avon River. Through their resistance and organizing work they are winning some battles.

Ukraine: The inter-imperialist rivalry between the Biden presidency and rich local oligarchs

‘One Way Ticket’, painting by Svetlana Kryukova, 2021*

By Dmitriy Kovalevich*

Over the past 30 years, Ukraine’s independence has had two main pillars – the administrations of the United States/UK/Canada and the Ukrainian oligarchs, who defended their assets looted in the 1990s. Both these pillars have actively promoted their deputies to the Ukrainian parliament, as well as financing ultranationalist organizations and their media. And right now, a struggle is flaring up between the two pillars.

September 30, Orange Shirt Day – Drum and Sing for Missing Children of Indian Residential Schools

National Day of Truth and Reconciliation

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Declining voter turnout gives evidence of government legitimacy crisis

Results of the 44th Federal Elections | Anna Di Carlo

Elections Canada has released validated results for the September 20 Federal Election. With mail-in ballots having been counted, the seat count stands at Liberals, 159; Conservatives, 119; Bloc Québécois, 33; NDP, 25 and Green Party, 2.

Official complaint says media failed to provide ‘equitable’ coverage

‘His Master’s Voice’ – RCA Victor

Canada’s election and broadcasting laws do not uphold the right of Canadians to an informed vote. A major reason is that registered parties and candidates are not treated equally. A concept of “equitable” treatment was introduced to displace the fundamental democratic principle of equality. The suggestion is that all parties and participants in an election are all treated “fairly” but there is no discussion of the criteria used to determine what constitutes fairness.

In this vein, on September 20, a complaint was filed with the Canadian Radio and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), arguing that the 2021 election coverage does not even meet the requirement for equitable treatment. The complaint was also filed with the Commissioner of Canada Elections.

The ability to plan and predict raises human beings above mere survival

“Trudeau’s ‘Gamble’” in Renewal Update is a very good article which goes right to the heart of the problem as to why the various factions of the ruling class are unable to make accurate predictions in the current political and economic situation which this same ruling class has fostered.

New Brunswick: Public sector workers give strong strike vote

St. John meeting during strike vote on September 22, 2021

In its September 22 bulletin, the Canadian Union of Public Employees New Brunswick (CUPE NB) reports that seven of its 10 locals engaged in efforts to renew their collective agreements, some of which expired as long as four years ago, have been given strong strike votes. Workers are currently engaged in centralized bargaining with the government for wages that they consider acceptable and that will assist in addressing the problem of attracting and retaining workers in public services. The issue of working conditions must be resolved through negotiations with the locals.

Justice for Haitian refugees: Montreal action condemns US administration

Mistreatment of Haitian refugees in Del Rio, Texas

Solidarité Québec-Haiti and Debout pour la dignité organized a protest in Montreal on Saturday, September 25 to vehemently denounce U.S. racism against Haitians, as well as the deportations that are in violation of international law. The MLPC joined the demonstration and called on all Quebeckers and Canadians to join the denunciation and demand justice for Haitian refugees.

Mysterious stealth boat in Mississippi boatyard linked to US special forces

U.S. Southern Command is the main organizer of riverine exercises in which such craft are deployed – in South America.

ZeroHedge reports: A picture of a mysterious stealth boat has surfaced on social media. The catamaran was spotted in a boatyard in Gulfport, Mississippi, known for the high-tech manufacturing of vessels for US special forces.

Discussion. Problems with Party Government

At one get-together with MLPC leader Anna Di Carlo, a participant asked whether proposals to allow “free votes” by Members of Parliament might be a solution. Anna shared her knowledge about proposals that have been made in the direction of lessening party control of the House of Commons, with some adopted but never really implemented, such as party caucus members exercising control over the party leader.

Global Climate Strike, September 24

Vigilance: Government resumes militarist spectacles

Oppose the Militarization of Culture! Make Canada a Zone for Peace!

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT⚠️

An #RCAF CF-18 will conduct a flyby over @BMOField for the @TorontoArgos #CanadianArmedForces Appreciation game on September 24, 2021 at approximately 7:30 pm. #Toronto pic.twitter.com/NPFbD7WsNc

— Royal Canadian Air Force (@RCAF_ARC) September 23, 2021

Four days after the election and the Afghan debacle before that, the Canadian Forces is launching yet another U.S.-style militarist spectacle, a “flyby” over a Canadian Football League (CFL) game featuring an “appreciation” of the military and war and its brutality. The spectacle is co-sponsored by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), the latest owner of the CFL franchise Argonaut franchise of the CFL. This oligopoly also owns Raptors of the NBA cartel, Maple Leafs of the NHL cartel, Toronto FC of the MLS cartel, Scotiabank Centre, operator of BMO Field (owned by the City of Toronto), lucrative downtown real estate, cable TV channels, you name it.

Canada’s role in supplying critical minerals to the US war economy

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources said in its June 2021 report entitled From Mineral Exploration to Advanced Manufacturing Developing Value Chains for Critical Minerals in Canada that:

“Critical minerals are essential components of many new technologies, from low-greenhouse gas energy sources to electric vehicles to advances in cutting-edge sectors such as medicine, electronics, aerospace and defence.”

Canadians can only rely on themselves to sort out climate crisis

Global Climate Strike Actions, Spetember 24. For map of events across Canada, click here.

Not a day went by during the 44th general election without the leaders of the cartel parties stating that they have the solution to the climate crisis. Climate change is wreaking havoc on the peoples of the world, while also endangering island nations, coastal communities and all forms of life on the planet.

Trudeau’s ‘gamble’

By Pauline Easton

The prediction of Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party strategists that he could win a majority government by holding the election in September, and his own opportunism and arrogance in agreeing to call the pandemic election, causes many to question the Liberals’ narcissism and lack of good judgement.

The fact is that the ruling class’s powers of prediction are zero and have been zero for some time. Polls are more often than not wrong and many people wonder why. They have been wrong so often that in this election pollsters often included the caveat that “if the poll results are accurate,” then this or that can be expected.

No to legislating against postal workers’ rights!

Workers’ concerns are everyone’s concerns

By Jeff Callaghan*

I think that the biggest issue for us as CUPW, when it comes to our employer, is making sure that the employer, and through extension the government, respects the work we do and does not just pay lip service to it. When we are in a pandemic they call us heroes, they call our work essential, and yet every time we go to exercise one of our fundamental rights in this country, that being the right to withhold our labour, the government steps in and has the employer’s back.