MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 31, 2008 

“Boom for Whom?”
Council of Canadians Gathers in Edmonton to Bust the Myths of Continental Integration

Edmonton - The Council of Canadians is holding its 23rd Annual General Meeting in Edmonton this weekend, bringing together members and concerned citizens from across the continent to challenge the myths of continental energy integration. This year’s gathering will build on the demand for no new tar sands approvals, with panels, workshops, and a rally and march to the Alberta Legislature.

Founded in 1985, the Council of Canadians is Canada’s largest citizens’ organization, with members and chapters across the country. The Council works to protect Canadian independence by promoting progressive policies on fair trade, clean water, energy security, public health care, and other issues of social and economic concern to Canadians.

WHERE: Crowne Plaza-Chateau Lacombe, 10111 Bellamy Hill, Edmonton

FEATURED EVENTS:

Free Public Forum:
Friday, October 31, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Featuring Keynote Speakers: Maude Barlow; Dr. David Schindler; and Andrew Nikiforuk. Followed by Q & A and a book signing in the Ballroom Lobby.

Bringing the Boom to the Streets: Rally and March for No New Approvals in the Tarsands
Saturday, November 1, 12:45pm, Veterans Park at 102nd Street NW and MacDonald Drive NW (across from the Crown Plaza Hotel) for a March to the Alberta Legislature. The rally at the legislature will feature speeches from Maude Barlow, Tom Goldtooth (Executive Director of the Indigenous Environmental Network), and David Eggen (Director of Friends of Medicare).

This is Not a Pleasure Ride – Touring the Tar Sands Occupation of Alberta’s Industrial Heartland
Saturday, November 1, 2:45pm – 4:15pm

Limited media seating is available for a guided tour of refinery row, with veteran oil industry worker Sean Currie, environmental scientist Dr. David Henry, and Council of Canadians Prairies Regional Organizer Sheila Muxlow.

Banquet Dinner
Saturday, November 1, 7:00pm-10:00pm, with awards to be presented to:

Bill Moore-Kilgannon and Diana Gibson, Activists of the Year Award
Joan and Mel Teghtmeyer, Ken Wardroper Founder’s Award
The Fort Chipewyan Community, Special Award to be accepted by Michael Mercredi, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation

“Boom for Whom?” Panels and Workshops:
Saturday, November 1, 8:45 am – 5:15 pm. “Boom For Whom?” will feature a wide array of prominent speakers, including Maude Barlow, Andrew Nikiforuk, Dr. David Schindler, Michael Mercredi, Laura Carlsen, Eriel Tchekwie Deranger, Sean Currie, Diana Gibson, Tom Goldtooth, J. David Henry, Ph.D., Mike Hudema, David Hughes, Gordon Laxer, Gil McGowan, Lindsay Telfer, and many others.

Panel topics include The Good, the Bad and the Necessary: Developing a real Canadian Energy Strategy; Boom for Whom? No New Approvals in the Tar Sands; and The Case for Renegotiating NAFTA and Other Rotten Trade Pacts.

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For more information, contact:
Dylan Penner, Media Officer: Tel.: (613) 233-4487, ext. 249;