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U.S. defence contractor to count Canadian heads

Canadian Press

Ottawa — An American military contractor will carry out most or part of the next Canadian census, the NDP said Thursday — a charge the federal government didn't deny.

Lockheed-Martin produces ballistic missile-defence systems, advanced gun systems, land attack missiles — and now they'll help Ottawa compile information about Canadians, New Democrat MP Bill Blaikie told the House of Commons.

The U.S.-based multinational company will work on the 2006 census, Mr. Blaikie said.

He called it his worst nightmare — a U.S. defence contractor getting detailed information on Canada — and asked the government to confirm that a contract had been signed.

Industry Minister Allan Rock refused to answer the question directly, saying only that Statistics Canada will ensure a thorough census.

Mr. Blaikie said such a contract would raise serious privacy issues such as confidential data being stored outside the country.



This is one of the most ridiculous things I've ever heard. Rock's e-mail address is: [email protected]

I encourage you all to send him a missive detailing how you feel about traitors who would sell Canada to the highest bidder. You might want to mention that you don't vote for scum-sucking weasles.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
canada news
Thursday, Oct 09, 2003

Federal government acknowledges U.S.-based defence firm doing Canada's census

OTTAWA (CP) - They make land-attack missiles, ballistic-missile defence systems, and now this U.S.-based military manufacturer will help produce Canada's next census.
Lockheed Martin has been hired to help the federal government gather information about Canadians for the 2006 census, Industry Minister Allan Rock acknowledged Thursday.

He said there was nothing to worry about.

"I assume they have expertise that will enable them to perform the contract," Rock said outside the House of Commons.




"Canadians will be involved in the performance of the work because it's a Canadian subsidiary that will be doing it."

Best known as a munitions and aeronautics manufacturer, the Colorado company has a Canadian subsidiary based in Kanata, Ont.

The company produces computer information systems and is actively involved in data management.

Rock didn't specify how Lockheed Martin would contribute to the census, which every five years compiles and publishes data on Canadian residents.

However, one opposition critic said he had a few details - and said he finds the idea chilling.

"This goes even deeper than anything I would have imagined in my worst nightmare," said New Democrat MP Bill Blaikie, who raised the issue in the Commons.


"Which wing of the Pentagon is this information going to be stored in?"

Blaikie said the company has been awarded a contract to help Statistics Canada prepare a 2005 test run of the census and is a prime candidate to receive a contract to do the entire census the next year.

Rock said free-trade rules and globalization automatically make Lockheed Martin a potential candidate for federal contracts.

"The whole bidding process is cut by the WTO and NAFTA (agreement), which requires that non-Canadian firms get to bid as well," Rock said.

"The bidding process was carried on in accordance with Public Works rules and I assume the lowest bidder, for the best price, for the best quality got the job."

He said he's sure that the people involved in the decision were fully aware of Lockheed Martin's role in weapons production.

Details on the company's products are listed on the company website, along with the corporate slogan: "We never forget who we're working for!"

Eighty per cent of Lockheed Martin's business is with the U.S. military and American government agencies.

Blaikie said the census contract would raise serious privacy issues such as confidential data being stored outside the country.

Canada has been buying aircraft from the company since 1939.

Officials from Lockheed Martin and Statistics Canada were not immediately available for comment.

© The Canadian Press, 2003

Really, e-mail Rock and your MP and the PMO and Paul Martin.

   

The first thought I had was:
"I wonder what the penalties are for refusing to participate in the census on conscientious grounds, and how could the government go about prosecuting a MASS REFUSAL, and is there a substantial legal firm that would be interested in representing a large group of Canadians in a class-action defence???"

I wonder how we could get answers to those questions?

I believe I will start with a letter of inquiry here:
http://www.canlaw.com/lawyers/lawsocieties.htm

Hey folks, you all could, too.....



[later]
Along with about the first half of the second article, I have sent off this note to the Secretary of the BC Law Society:

"Mr Matkin, this appalls me!

I am contemplating trying to organize a mass "conscientious refusal" campaign. However, being just an average retired citizen, I have no idea how to obtain any legal advice regarding potential penalties, what processes I have a right to, if any legal support might be available, either from an individual or a firm that may be sympathetic to this effort.

Would you, or anyone in your organization, be able to make any suggestions as to whom I could contact for further advice?

My thanks for your kindly taking the time to consider this,

* my full name, address, etc *



-----------------------------------------------------------------
And, of course, contact your MP, if he/she isnt a bloody Liberal, that is.

   

Done, another email sent..

   

There doesn't seem to be a lot of coverage of this in the press. Maybe it's time we got a hold of them and demanded some coverage?

   

I got a reply from a friend in Edmonton, to that email I sent, Rev. She saw it Friday in the "Mope and Wail" I think it will come next week. (I hope)

   

There's been nothing on TV at all though, nonrev. Nothing on the radio either. I know it's the weekend and all, but I'd expect at least some reaction to it.

   

http://www.vivelecanada.ca/article.php? ... 0111707274

It will only take 15 seconds to object, folks!

   

I hope he hears our voice.....

   

If you keep yelling they'll hear, Fixer. Ask my neighbours.

   

Just sent an email to Rock. Let's keep it up. Tell your mothers and fathers and everyone you know. This is serious stuff.

Rev - I told him in the letter (which I'm sure just some flunkie will read) that if this happens I will not participate in the next census. Period. I will gladly take part in any type of lawsuit. Anyone else who is serious should speak up.

   

That's pretty much what I told him too, BAB

   

...funny, Alan Rock has pretty much fucked-up everything he's touched, ever! To trust a person of this middle management calibre to handle THIS type of file, is typical, & unsuprising!

   

.... and Liberal.

   

I've also sent Allan Rock an email.

I will also refuse to participate in that census however I'm plan on making them fully aware of WHY I'm refusing.

I work for a New Zealand based company. We have tried to win bids with American airports for their baggage handling. 1 thing we've learned is that American companies will not hire/award a bid to a company that is unwilling to hire local people. They demand that manufacturing take place by american companies, that american persons are hired.

I wish Canada would do this also to some degree.

   

I thought I would get on the band wagon. I emailed my sister in Sherwood Park as well as some friends. and now am going to e mail Rock. I can see companies contracting out to bidders. But this is Canadian security we are talking about. they should do the right thing by contracting to Canadians.

   

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