Canadian law enforcement agencies are afraid of outbreaks of violence and open confrontations with over 25-30,000 opponents of the summit.
Democracy is more than casting a ballot every four years.
The petition they have initiated will be signed by thousands of people and handed over to Chretien by the time the three-day summit opens coming Friday. Those opposed to FTAA believe it could increase disparity and bring more poverty in poorer countries and compromise their sovereignty as their dependence on the U.S. would increase. Trade rules in the proposed free trade area should include provisions that guarantee the basic rights of workers and a commitment to improve labor standards and working conditions, FTAA opponents say. She had gone for the World Trade Organization conference in Seattle in November 1999 and will be in Quebec City also to join other demonstrators. A parallel people's summit will open in Quebec City April 17.