The dissenters

Historian Howard Zinn once said that dissent is the highest form of patriotism.  In this episode we will hear from a number of dissenters.  First, sign of the times. We'll hear how a placard holding woman near parliament hill drew an unwelcome visit from the RCMP.  And, a group of folks in Regina, Saskatchewan are resisting private control over their water.  Then, an announcement of a different kind of labour union, whose leaders say that their dissenting voices will be heard. And Inter Pares founder Ian Smillie about whether development work is working. In our democracy holding a protest sign is a pretty basic right of freedom of expression.  Or is it?  Redeye host Jane Williams gets the story from one woman who was stopped by the RCMP for doing just that – holding a sign. Hear the whole interview here. Citizen advocacy group Regina Water Watch has forced a referendum to keep their wastewater facility public.  Scott Neigh spoke with activist Jeremy Campbell about the campaign.  Hear the whole interview here. Over the labour day weekend a new union was formed in Canada.  It is named "Unifor," and it is made up of the members of Canadian Auto Workers union and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union.  UNIFOR is now the largest private sector union in Canada. It represents more than 20 sectors. That's over 300 000 workers.  The leaders of the new union say UNIFOR will do things differently.  Here is Inaugural Unifor President Jerry Dias making the opening statement at his first Unifor press conference. To hear the whole press conference listen here. Does development work? Ian Smilley has some thoughts on the matter. Smiley  has been an international development practitioner, consultant, teacher and writer for many years. He has lived and worked in Asia and Africa, was a founder of Inter Pares and Executive Director of CUSO.  This month, a new podcast called face 2 face, hosted by David Peck joined the network. Here is David Peck talking with Ian Smilley. Hear the whole interview here. Finally, please support our campaign to put Karl Nerenberg back on the on Parliament Hill beat.