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Canada, Liberia, Panama or Visa? The federal NDP has launched a cheeky online poll to pressure good-as-crowned prime minister Paul Martin to sail his fleet under the Canadian flag.

Martin, who owns Canada Steamship Lines, has his ships registered in the Bahamas, Liberia, and Vanuatu, flags of convenience that allow his ships to avoid taxes, hire crews at starvation wages, and avoid inspections and other regulations designed to safeguard the industry.

Visitors to the site www.flyourflag.ca get to vote on which flag they figure Paul Martin will fly from the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill after he’s made Prime Minister.

You can also read about how flying flags of convenience can hurt workers, the environment and social programs.