Fredericton Peace Coalition

“The expansion will increase the mine’s copper output fourfold to 730,000 metric tons a year, boost gold production eightfold and uranium by almost fivefold, according to company forecasts. Creating an open pit mine will require the removal of about 1 million tons of earth every day for four years, according to the South Australian government”.

‘Children as young as six are being sexually abused by peacekeepers and aid workers, says a leading UK charity. “They grabbed me and threw me to the ground and they forced themselves on me… I tried to escape but there were 10 of them and I could do nothing,” she said.’

“Speaking at the end of a two day mission to the area, the former archbishop said the humanitarian situation there could not be justified.”

On May 5th, 2008 Canada’s Trade Minister, David Emerson, proudly declared that Canada is “very close” to concluding free trade negotiations with Colombia. According to Foreign Affairs officials, a deal could be reached in a few short months, meaning that Canada would complete its free trade agreement with Colombia before the United States completes its own deal with the Andean country. In the U.S., Bush faces strong Congressional opposition to such a partnership.

SGT. COREY GLASS, US WAR RESISTER: And I don’t think it’s fair that I should be returned to the United States to face unjust punishment for doing what I felt morally obligated to do.

Cluster munitions kill children and other civilians long after wars are over–and this week, we have a chance to ban them. 116 countries are in the final stages of negotiation on a cluster bomb ban — but some are trying to water down the treaty with loopholes, exceptions, and delays.

The Canadian government, while support a ban on cluster bombs, is also negotiating a clause that would allow them to participate with the U.S. in their use.

Today, Indigenous people will gather from across Ontario, including the remote North, on the lawns of Queen’s Park to insist that governments and industry recognize their right to say no to mining and forestry on their lands. Travelling by bus and even by foot, they are coming to participate in four days of sacred ceremonies, teach-ins, drumming, music, readings and a mass rally that they are calling a Gathering of Mother Earth Protectors.

Press Release

May 23, 2008

KI 6 to be Released Today, Bob Lovelace to Remain Incarcerated

A motion was heard today in Toronto asking for the immediate release of political prisoners Bob Lovelace, and the KI 6 pending the appeal of the sentencing for contempt which will be heard on Wednesday May 28.

Members of KI will be released today because Platinex, the platinum exploration company operating within their lands prior to the blockade, agreed to no drilling during this week leading up to the appeal.

Frontenac Ventures, on the other hand, refused to make a similar guarantee to refrain from exploration work in Algonquin territory. Such a gesture would have allowed Bob Lovelace to be released pending the appeal under the same circumstances as KI leaders and council members. Bob Lovelace, therefore is to remain incarcerated and will be transported to the appeal hearing on Wednesday.

For more information on what transpired in court today, contact Chris Reid who is legal council for both Ardoch First Nation and KI.

He can be reached at 1-416-466-9928 or lawreid@aol.com

Platinex Inc. (TSX Venture: PTX) today announced that it had commenced a lawsuit against the Government of Ontario claiming
$50 million of general damages, $20 million of special damages, plus interest and costs. The lawsuit arises out of its mining claims in the Big Trout Lake area. Platinex has been unable to gain access to its mining claims because of actions by Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (“KI”).

Shame on UNB for taking money from a company that profits from war.