In the context of the largest police and security operation in Canadian history, the Summit aims to talk about security and terrorism, and utter empty rhetoric about democracy and human rights. This trade agreement will accelerate both social and ecological degradation, extend the reach of capitalism, subjecting our lives to the domination of the commodity economy. In the face of this systematic dispossession of our political power, resistance is essential. Previous protests have revealed that the vast majority of demonstrators express their opinions in a peaceful manner.
Citizens have the right to demonstrate freely without fear of intimidation.
He urged the minister to ensure that police response in Quebec is graduated and proportional to disturbances involved. In recent years we have witnessed a worrisome trend where police almost automatically resort to the use of water cannons, tear gas and pepper spray to subdue more difficult demonstrators. Police must respect human rights in keeping with police ethics codes. The Quebec National Assembly has a role to play to ensure that civil liberties, freedom of speech and assembly are protected throughout the process leading up to and including the Summit. Mr. Allmand said.