Mr. Speaker, this week, while gearing up to discuss trade and democracy at the OAS meetings in Windsor, the federal government has been busy quashing democracy and workers' rights here at home. The government rammed Bill C-11 through committee after virtually no consultation and refused to consider any amendments.
The legislation not only delivers a serious blow to the coal miners and people of Cape Breton, but it has international implications as well. While Cape Breton miners lose their jobs, Canadian companies that once relied on Cape Breton coal will be buying more of it from countries like Colombia, where miners live in virtual poverty and over 900 trade union activists have been murdered.
The passage of Bill C-11 will result in the loss of jobs for Canadians, the underdevelopment of Canadian resources and financial rewards for Colombian murderers.