Canada is being less than charitable: Debt-cancellation policy means less than it might seem. ( PDF file )

In 1999, Amnesty International raised alarms about the killing of four indigenous peopl

I am the Coordinator of the Halifax Initiative.

China pushes Canada hard on controversial Tibet project - Globe and Mail
( PDF file )

Excerpts from a letter sent to the IMF & WB (July 1999)
Excerpts from a letter sent to: Tom Bernes, Executive Director for Canada, International Monetary Fund
Terrie O'Leary, Executive Director for Canada, World Bank

13 July, 1999

Dear Ms. O’Leary and Mr. Bernes,

I am writing, belatedly, on behalf of the Halifax Initiative, and the NGOs who joined us, to thank you both for meeting with us while we were in Washington for the Spring meetings. The meeting on April 26th, as well as the related meeting with Minister Martin on the 28th, was useful in learning more about the unfolding debt and financial architecture discussions as well as current Canadian positions in these areas. We also appreciated the opportunity to question you about the Enhanced Structural Adjustment Facility (ESAF) process and to briefly discuss the Structural Adjustment Participatory Review Initiative (SAPRI).

Government action on debts of poorest countries a progressive move
says Halifax Initiative Coalition, and backs Canada to take a stronger position at the World Bank, IMF.
For immediate release 28 March, 1999
Ottawa -- Today's announcement that Canada will cancel 100% of debts owed by the poorest countries in the world is welcomed by the Halifax Initiative, a national coalition of environment, development, social justice and faith groups.

HOUSE OF COMMONS VOTE RESULTS - MARCH 23, 1999

MOTION M-239

That, in the opinion of this House, the government should enact a tax on financial transactions in concert with the international community.

YEAS

February 10, 1999    

Lorne Nystrom's office has just informed us that the 3rd and final hour of debate on the Tobin tax motion (M-239) will be held at 5:30pm EST on Wednesday, March 17. The vote on the motion will likely immediately follow the debate. With a little luck (it is St Patrick's Day!) and all our hard work, we'll have a "Yes" vote to celebrate that night.

Please keep the Declarations and letters to the MPs coming.  Over the next weeks, Halifax Initiative will be circulating an Open Letter to MPs from economists, non-governmental organizations and prominate Canadians. We will also coordinate press work in Ottawa to present the Declarations to Paul Martin - Please try to have all your signed Declarations to us by March 11, 1999 (last minute Declarations can be faxed directly to our Ottawa office at 613-789-4447

Thanks for all your efforts,

Robin Round
Regional Coordinator

Bail out the people of Central America, not the banks, says NGO coalition

In September 1998,