Another major resource is the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. The CCPA is a non-partisan research institute that focuses on social justice. CCPA is one of Canada’s leading contributors in public policy debates.
They perform thorough research and engage in outreach through democratic dialogue. They also publish studies, policy briefs, books, editorials and commentary, and other publications, including The Monitor, a monthly magazine which can be viewed online free of charge.
CCPA has offices in n Nova Scotia, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia, and are willing to address local and national issues.
Regarding the Security Certificates, CCPA has published The Harper Record, where they discuss the issue at length: http://www.policyalternatives.ca/documents/National_Office_Pubs/2008/HarperRecord/Canadas_Secret_Trial_Detentions.pdf
CCPA argues that changes have been made in terms of availability of ‘special advocates’ and the release of a few detainees, but they admit that much needs to be done. CCPA states that grassroots action has made a difference and should continue on in their efforts.We suggest that Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives would be a great source to garner support for the abolition of the security certificates due to their wealth of knowledge and research on policies and security certificates and their activity in national social justice issues.
The interesting thing about issues like this, is that its often the grassroors action groups and organizations that are having to make a difference. What happened to the governmental bodies that are responsible for National Security? Why are they not seeing the injustices? Why are they not defending the rights of the people that are paying taxes to keep this country running?
Why are they not the ones lobbying to make a change?
Why must detainees starve themselves to death for 25 days (Jaballah) before their voices are heard? CPPA states that grassroots action groups are causing improvements in the process. Why must grassroots organizations and associations like the Canadian Bar Association and teenagers on Facebook and family members hosting websites and rallys be the ones lobbying for human rights (access to facts, evidence, visitation, fair trials)?
Is it not the government that should be ensuring human rights?
Your thoughts are welcome.
7 comments:
Have never heard of the CCPA- definitely did a great job in allowing me to become more aware.
Ditto -- never heard of CCPA before this. Really interesting in what they do now..
I dont understand why the government thinks that gaurding national security = no fair trial
I think it should be interesting to watch what will happen if/when the present government collapses and the new Liberals come into power, how exactly they will deal with this issue specifically. Especially with Obama coming into Presidency and talks of him taking action to shut down Guantanamo, I hope Canada will follow suit in dealing with this problem of detainees.
Yes, that would be a good suit for Canada to follow.
Good questions at the end.
Its difficult. We think of the government as a group that is there to protect us, but as we know, and as we hear from the critics, it seems that they're only looking out for the National corporations and how to ensure they keep money in their pockets.
Sure the human rights are there and supposed to be granted, but its certainly taken a backseat on their list of priorities. This is why we see so many issues arising. No one is there to monitor them stringently.
They're too preoccupied to tend to these issues.
Interesting and thought provoking argument; government should really play a key role to ensure fair trials for all Canadians.
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