PRESS RELEASE
From: Anne Miller
Re: David Orchard talk at the Artspring Gallery,
       Salt Spring Island, B.C.
Date: December 15, 2002, 2-5 p.m.

Canadian Sovereignty in an Era of Globalization

In Canada today, a sense of insecurity, frustration and worry is evident which cannot solely be explained by 9-11.  These feelings are understandable.  We are painfully aware of our dependency on trade with the US, as the softwood lumber dispute clearly indicates.  We are uncertain over Canada’s role in a looming and controversial war with Iraq. The safety and security of our fresh water is threatened. We are concerned about genetic engineering of our food, but lack of labelling make it difficult to identify and choose GE-free food.  We witness the vulnerability of our farmers, the providers of our food, as they bear the brunt of natural and legislative risks to our food supply. We watch from the sidelines as our politicians and the media talk of a common currency, and economic integration with U.S. And we argue over the economic and environmental impacts of implementing the Kyoto Protocol.

We have reason to feel worried. These are real threats, with existing and potential harm. It is difficult to remain confident amid profound issues that could affect our lives significantly, particularly when little public input enters these debates.  But insecurity and frustration stem from a perceived inability to act and to make decisions that affect us personally and collectively as communities and a nation.   When we succumb to the corporate agenda, to governments who do not act in our best interests or to media manipulation, we render ourselves impotent.  

Yet Canada is wealthy in human and natural resources, with great potential to be self-reliant and to control our own political destiny. We need a clear and principled vision of Canada as strong, capable and sovereign. 

David Orchard has worked hard and long to impart such a vision for Canada and Canadians.  He is the author of the best-selling book The Fight for Canada -- Four Centuries of Resistance to American Expansionism and was runner-up to Joe Clark in the 1998 federal Progressive Conservative leadership contest. He has farmed wheat organically for 27 years on his farm in Borden, SK.

Speaking on "Canadian Sovereignty in an Era of Globalization", David Orchard will share his vision for Canada and discuss your concerns at Artspring, on Sunday, December 15th at Artspring gallery, 2-5 P.M. Admission is free and seasonal refreshments will be served.  For further information or for those who would like a ride to the event, please contact Phyllis Bolton at 537-5578 or Pat Barclay at 537-1958.  

Anne Miller