Uprising against military exhibits
By DEREK PUDDICOMBE, CITY HALL BUREAU 2nd June 2009
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Last weekend's military trade show in the capital may be the last.
A motion coming before today's meeting of the city's corporate services committee calls for a ban on future military trade shows that showcase weapons of war in municipal facilities, and asks the city to urge the federal and provincial governments to implement a similar ban.
Bay Coun. Alex Cullen authored the motion which says the these types of exhibitions have "little or no consideration of moral or humanitarian issues in that weapons can and have been used against civilians."
The military show at Lansdowne Park on the weekend was the first in the capital in 20 years since the former City of Ottawa passed a motion 11-1 to not allow military exhibitions. However, according to the city's legal department, the 1989 council motion no longer applied to Lansdowne Park so another motion is required.
PEACE GROUPS
Cullen expects a "lively" debate at today's meeting, with about 50 groups signed up to speak for or against the ban. Many of the groups who intend to speak are faith-based organizations and peace groups.
"Many Canadians don't know how deep Canada is involved in the arms trade," he said. "We're contributing arms and material to conflicts were innocent people get killed."
Last year, two military trade shows approached the city for use of trade show facilities at Lansdowne Park -- Secure Canada 2008 and CANSEC. Secure Canada eventually cancelled its plans, but CANSEC went ahead with securing Lansdowne Park for its trade show.
"It's not what the City of Ottawa should be supporting," said Cullen.
Peace demonstrators gathered outside last weekend's military trade show, but said it was the prelude to a larger protest expected at City Hall today.
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By DEREK PUDDICOMBE, CITY HALL BUREAU 2nd June 2009
Article Link
Last weekend's military trade show in the capital may be the last.
A motion coming before today's meeting of the city's corporate services committee calls for a ban on future military trade shows that showcase weapons of war in municipal facilities, and asks the city to urge the federal and provincial governments to implement a similar ban.
Bay Coun. Alex Cullen authored the motion which says the these types of exhibitions have "little or no consideration of moral or humanitarian issues in that weapons can and have been used against civilians."
The military show at Lansdowne Park on the weekend was the first in the capital in 20 years since the former City of Ottawa passed a motion 11-1 to not allow military exhibitions. However, according to the city's legal department, the 1989 council motion no longer applied to Lansdowne Park so another motion is required.
PEACE GROUPS
Cullen expects a "lively" debate at today's meeting, with about 50 groups signed up to speak for or against the ban. Many of the groups who intend to speak are faith-based organizations and peace groups.
"Many Canadians don't know how deep Canada is involved in the arms trade," he said. "We're contributing arms and material to conflicts were innocent people get killed."
Last year, two military trade shows approached the city for use of trade show facilities at Lansdowne Park -- Secure Canada 2008 and CANSEC. Secure Canada eventually cancelled its plans, but CANSEC went ahead with securing Lansdowne Park for its trade show.
"It's not what the City of Ottawa should be supporting," said Cullen.
Peace demonstrators gathered outside last weekend's military trade show, but said it was the prelude to a larger protest expected at City Hall today.
More on link