FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, August 22, 2008, Winnipeg – HEAD to HEAD – St. Norbert Arts Centre vs Mondragon Bookstore & Coffeehouse – Local Art Activism Challenge To Raise Petition Signatures To Defeat Bill C-51.
On August 28, 2008, the St. Norbert Arts Centre will host guest speaker Judy Wasylycia-Leis, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg North, who is collecting STOP Bill C-51 petition signatures to present to the House when it resumes in September. A video of Legislative Lawyer, Shawn Buckley’s visit to Winnipeg on July 9, 2008 will also be shown followed by 'JUST Words' poetry in-the-round. The evening will end with a collage party, refreshments and music. Participants will be encouraged to write letters to their MPs, Stephen Harper, and sign the petition. This is an interactive-multimedia-political-performance-art event, and an opportunity for the public to inform themselves, ask questions, and take action against Bills C-51 and C-52.
Bill C-51, An Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts, will eliminate the ability of our elected officials to protect us. It will also fast track new drugs to market and reduce safety measures as well as make up to 70% of NHPs illegal. Bill C-52, An Act respecting the safety of consumer products, will set a precedent where Canadians will accept the removal of their rights in the name of 'safety'. Also, if Bill C-51 is defeated but Bill C-52 passes, Bill C-52 could be made applicable to Natural Health Products by way of a regulatory amendment to Schedule I of Bill C-52.
The activities at the St. Norbert Arts Centre start at 7:30 pm. Suggested donation of $5. No one will be turned away. For directions and more information, call 269-9272 or visit www.snac.mb.ca.
The challenge event will take place on Saturday, August 30, 2008 at 7:00 pm at Mondragon Bookstore & Coffeehouse, 91 Albert Street. A100-Mile feast will be served. By donation.
For more information about the Winnipeg Stop C-51 movement, visit www.mysweetspotproductions.com.
