[van-announce] Demonstration for Haiti on the 2nd Anniversary of the Coup

[Stephanie Smith]

(please forward widely/apologies for cross-postings)

    ON THE SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF THE CANADIAN-BACKED COUP IN HAITI,
                         JOIN US IN DEMANDING:
                          Haiti for Haitians!
                            :::::::::::::::

                             DEMONSTRATION
                      12 PM Saturday, February 25
                   Vancouver Art Gallery (Robson Side)
              Bring your noise-makers, banners and placards!
                 Join our allies rallying in Montreal!
                            :::::::::::::::

                        Justice and Reparations
                             No Impunity
                        No Canadian Occupation

Since the U.S, France and Canada overthrew Haiti's elected 
government two years ago, thousands have been killed, raped, 
incarcerated or exiled in a brutal campaign of political 
repression. Two years later, Haiti is still under foreign 
military occupation.

In addition to having numerous commanders within the UN military 
structure, Canada heads the 1700 member U.N. police force. The 
primary role of this force has been to train and assist the newly 
reconstituted Haitian police force, which numerous human rights 
reports have condemned for firing on peaceful demonstrations and 
violently raiding poor neighborhoods sympathetic to the ousted 
government.

Canadian officials supervise the activities of many departments 
of the unelected, repressive Haitian government. Canadian NGOs 
(mainly from Quebec) on the Federal government's payroll have 
been used to legitimate Canada's intervention, influencing and 
directing Haitian civil society in ways favorable to Canadian 
interests. Canadian companies have benefited from a 
"reconstruction" boon and a more friendly post-coup business 
environment.  Policy makers are calling for a "commitment" of at 
least ten years;  Maclean's magazine recently referred to Haiti 
as a place where Canada is acting like a "superpower".

Haiti's February 7 election - overseen by Elections Canada - is 
being championed by the Canadian government in an attempt to have 
us forget their pivotal role in the undermining of democracy. How 
can there be free and fair elections when hundreds of political 
prisoners languish in jail and entire communities are terrorized 
by UN and police violence?

Canada owes reparations for its crimes against the Haitian 
people. Canadian politicians such as Denis Coderre, Pierre 
Pettigrew and Paul Martin must be brought to justice for their 
crimes against humanity.  Canadian military personnel, implicated 
in a number of massacres, need to have their actions investigated 
and placed on the historical record.

End the Canadian occupation!  No impunity for criminal Canadian 
politicians!  Reparations now!  Justice for the Haitian people!

Haiti Solidarity B.C.

For background to the issue, please consult:
       http://www.canadahaiti.ca
       http://www.outofhaiti.ca
       http://www.canadahaitiaction.ca

For more information:
       tel: 604-876-5384
       email: haitisolidaritybc at yahoo.ca