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On June 15th, the Harper Government, with support from the Liberals, passed legislation in favour of a controversial trade deal. For the last two years, a coalition of labour and human rights groups have been vigorously opposing the deal, with several successes in delaying passage of the bill. Unfortunately, the Harper government refused to listen to the testimony of labour, human rights, and international workers.

“Since 2008, CUPE has been active in our opposition to a free trade deal between Canada and Colombia,” said Paul Moist, CUPE national president. “There is widespread concern among Colombian trade unionists, opposition politicians and human rights activists that this free trade deal will further exacerbate an already intolerable level of human and labour rights abuses.”

Despite this setback, CUPE is committed to working with our sisters and brothers in Colombia in the defense of human rights.