POSITION STATEMENT

Regarding: The possibility of protests at the General Assembly of the Organization of American States

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – MAY 2000

The Windsor & District Chamber of Commerce shares the pride of the City of Windsor in hosting the General Assembly meeting of the Organization of American States (OAS) from June 4^th to 6^th, 2000.

However, the Chamber notes the possibility of organized protests and demonstrations during the OAS meetings.

It is the position of the Chamber that the free expression of opinion is basic to the laws and traditions of Canada.  So also is the right to demonstrate support for points of view in a lawful, orderly, non intrusive, unobstructive, non threatening and peaceful manner.

The Chamber of Commerce agrees that allowing individuals, groups or organizations to express opinions and policy positions during the OAS General Assembly meetings is the kind of liberty guaranteed under the Canadian Bill of Rights.   

We feel that any protests held in conjunction with the OAS General Assembly meetings should be non violent, considerate of the rights of others, non obstructive of free access and non intimidating to anyone who might be, or might be alleged to be, not in agreement with protesters’ viewpoints.

With the exception of areas closed for reasons of security during the meetings, the Chamber urges that both international and internal city access and movement be assured to all. 

This means refraining from demonstrations which would close the border between Canada and the United States, or impede the normal flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic in any except secured areas, or prevent the normal pursuits of business, commercial, and private life.

The Chamber points out that disruptions of free passage of people and goods between Canada and the United States would have a massive detrimental effect.  It would mean the loss of millions of dollars in productivity, wages, general commerce, tourism and the many other interactions which are part of our lives. 

In Windsor itself, unexpected or illegal interruptions of daily activity or of business or industry, especially at a time when our community is under international scrutiny, could   unnecessarily tarnish our reputation and call into question our worthiness for such an honour, along with the genuineness of our welcome.

The Windsor & District Chamber of Commerce urges all our citizens and visitors to respect the dignity of this international occasion simply by respecting the rights of others. 

Points of view may be strongly stated and enthusiastically supported, but this should take place within the context of freedom of speech and movement, and above all, freedom from fear.

The Chamber feels that June 4^th to 6^th, 2000, should be a time of thought and free expression and consideration, unmarred by acts of intimidation or aggression against anyone.

James E. (Ted) Farron, Chairman of the Board
Windsor & District Chamber of Commerce