Published November 4, 2010
by iris_author
I would like to dedicate this blog to expressing my concern for the future of Canadian civil liberties, in particular our freedom of speech, association, and assembly. At the G8/G20 protests this summer, countless protesters were detained in inhumane conditions, denied their one phone call, deprived of access to legal counsel as well as a plethora of other offenses attacking the civil liberties we often take for granted. If you are interested in some of the attacks on civil liberties that took place that week, The Canadian Civil Liberties Association has an excellent databank which includes reports, observations, analysis and on-going monitoring activities dedicated to the G8/G20.
So, how is the planning of the G8/G20 and the reaction to the protests relevant to the work at the Institute for Research in Innovation and Sustainability? Well, there are three spheres to sustainability which encompass the economic, social and natural environments. For the purpose of this blog, I would like to briefly focus on the first two. I will begin with the most entertaining of the three spheres. Economically, this circus was absolutely detrimental to taxpayers. The CBC reported that G8/G20 costs included: $80 million for food and accommodation, $85,000 for snacks and $14,000 for glow sticks. No... that is not a typo- GLOW STICKS. I really wish the CBC explained what the glow sticks were being used for- but perhaps it is more fun to leave that one to the imagination. In terms of the social environment, the security provisions made it evident that protests were unacceptable. Despite the impression police presence created, opposition, disagreement and peaceful, direct action are not illegal activities engaged in by hooligans or criminals. In addition to struggling for an equitable economic and social environment, these ‘rebels without a cause’ were also fighting for our political freedoms. What state is our society in when we marginalize and criminalize the citizens who ask for our rights to be respected?
In an article in the Toronto Star regarding the Hundert case, a journalist asks: Where is the outcry? There are some events going on in Toronto that are dealing with the aftermath of the G20 crisis including an event with Naomi Klein, the author of the Shock Doctrine. All proceeds go to the G20 legal defence fund which was set up to support those arrested for organizing in Toronto.
In response to the Toronto Star journalist: There are people who are concerned in this city such as citizens who organize events to generate funds to support community organizers, and those who dedicate their time to participating in organizations like the Canadian Civil Liberties Association. We need to continue asking critical questions to our government. WHO should be accountable for the G20 screw up (Please, can anyone tell me which bureaucrat approved the glow stick budget?) HOW can we preserve our civil liberties? WHO is being targeted, and WHY? Our social and political freedoms are vulnerable, and if we want a healthy and sustainable socio-political future we are going to have to fight for our civil liberties.
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