Resist Atlantica! Mobilize on Halifax vs. Atlantica Congress: June 13 - 16

For a schedule of the teach-ins, presentations and protests, see below or visit: http://www.resist.stopatlantica.org/schedule.html

For billeting information, visit: http://www.resist.stopatlantica.org/logistics.html

To arrange/offer rides to Halifax, email: ridestoatlantica@gmail.com

About Atlantica

Atlantica is the abbreviated name for the Atlantic Northeast Eco-nomic Region (AINER), a cross-border trade concept spanning the Maritime provinces, Newfoundland, southern Quebec, and the New England states ( i.e. Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, and upstate New York). Its main proponent and originator is a right-wing think-tank group called the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies (AIMS), whose board of directors represents many big-business interests in the Atlantic region.

The proponents of Atlantica wish to develop a conduit to channel Asian goods to the United States through the Atlantic Provinces. Massive container ships called "post-Panamax" are too large to pass through the Panama Canal and Halifax is the closest North American port for ships from Asia via the Suez Canal. These containers would reach their destinations via "truck trains," resulting in increased greenhouse gas emissions, higher fatal-crash rates per mile, as well as the likely expansion of superhighways through communities, wilderness, and farmland.

Atlantica is also about increasing exports of unprocessed resources, like energy and water, from Canada to the United States. The intent is to export oil and gas from the Atlantic offshore as quickly as possible on terms that favour industry and leave decisions regarding exports to deregulated markets.

The Atlantica tag line is "business without borders," which has adouble meaning: business unhampered by the international border, but also unbound from what AIMS refers to as "policy distress factors" such as minimum wages, social program spending, environmental regulation, public ownership and unionization. This kind of language is eerily familiar to that of NAFTA and the FTAA, stemming from a neo-liberal agenda that aims to dismantle "trade barriers."

The results of Atlantica would be to expedite a race to the bottom for the majority of people in the region. Knowing this, the governments and institutions involved have tried to negotiate and implement this policy undemocratically behind closed doors.

On June 14th, 15th and 16th Premiers, Governors and others that support Atlantica will be meeting in Halifax for the Atlantica congress, aiming to advance on their corporate agenda....but....

THE RESISTANCE

Grass-roots organizations, labour, environmental organizations, peace groups, religious organizations, students, and people who care about social & environmental justice in general are collaborating for three days of events including teach-ins, a critical mass bike ride, a march through downtown Halifax, a street party and a picnic. We invite you to come join us on these days and voice your opposition to Atlantica!

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Websites

Resist Atlantica
http://www.resist.stopatlantica.org/

Atlantica Watch
United Against the Agenda for the International Northeast Economic Region (a.k.a. Atlantica)
http://www.stopatlantica.org/

Maritimes Independent Media Centre
http://maritimes.indymedia.org/

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http://www.resist.stopatlantica.org/schedule.html

Schedule
JUNE 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16

MONDAY, JUNE 11
Mini-teach-in on Atlantica
Description: A workshop entitled "Globalization Comes Home: Resistance and Alternatives to Atlantica" with Janet Eaton and Asaf Rashid.
Location: Room 303, Dalhousie SUB (corner of University Ave and Seymour St)
Time: 6:30 pm

Office visit to Aims
Description: Bringing Atlantica to AIMS
Time: 2:00 pm

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13
Town Hall Meeting
Description: Join the Council of Canadians, the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour and its affiliates for a community Town Hall meeting to discuss Atlantica and what it means for Nova Scotia. After the panel the floor will be opened to questions, comments and discussion about Atlantica and what we can do to stop it from going forward and promote an alternative vision that puts people and the Earth before corporate profits.The panel will include:
- Scott Sinclair, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives and author of the paper "Atlantica: Myths and Realities"
- Maude Barlow, National Chairperson of the Council of Canadians
- Alejandro Villamar, Oxfam Mexico
Location: Scotia Bank Auditorium, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Building, Dalhousie University, 6135 University Avenue
Time: 7:00 pm

THURSDAY, JUNE 14
Picket against atlantica
Description: Start off the conference with a bang, bring placards, noisemakers and friends.
Location: WTCC (World Trade and Convention Centre)
Time: 8:30 am

Take Action Against NS Power!
Description: Confront Emera (big player in Atlantica) and NS Power's policies!
Location: Corner of Duke and Barrington
Time: 12:00 pm

Resist Atlantica Teach-in
Description: A full day of free workshops and DIY seminars on topics ranging from Atlantica 101
and Deep Integration' to Know Your Rights Training and Political Puppet-making.
Location: The Khyber (1588 Barrington St) | Map
Time: 10am ­ 5pm

Critical Mass Bike Ride
Description: Ride into the streets en masse against Atlantica! Come out with your bicycles, tricycles,
skateboards, roller-blades or any other self-propelled vehicle for a good old-fashioned fun-filled
festive flocking. Costumes are encouraged!
Location: Victoria Park (corner of Spring Garden and South Park) | Map
Time: 5:00 pm

FRIDAY, JUNE 15
Rally and March Against Atlantica
Description: oin the hundreds of groups and individuals for speeches, songs, and more in the interregional mobilization against Atlantica.
Location: Victoria Park (corner of Spring Garden and South Park) | Map
Time: 12:00 pm

Reclaim the Streets!
Description: Games, fun, music and food. join us for some celebratory resistance to atlantica.
Location: Around the WTCC, downtown halifax
Time: 7:00 pm

SATURDAY, JUNE 16
Community Picnic
Description: Free food provided by halifax food not bombs, family friendly atmosphere and games. Speakers and music.
Location: Cornwallis Park
Time: Noon