WHEREAS you persistently downplay the dangers of the proposed MAI which, if signed by Canada, would eliminate public control over what foreign-based corporations do in Canada. Such corporations could sue our government through an unaccountable MAI tribunal whose rulings would be final. They could claim huge settlements to compensate for alleged loss of profit opportunities from core-policy laws for labour and social programs such as health, education and environmental protection. Countries worldwide are under pressure to sign the MAI, which has been called "the constitution of a single global economy."

WHEREAS you have a duty, as the responsible Minister, to seek the informed consent of Canadians. Instead, you dismiss MAI opposition as a public relations problem, a failure to adequately "sell" the MAI. You are quietly proceeding with MAI "consultations" with the OECD, and even pursuing more MAI-style rules through the World Trade Organization, the International Monetary Fund, the proposed Free Trade Agreement for the Americas and the "New Transatlantic Market."

THEREFORE we are exposing your attempts to dodge your duty to answer. Canadians can fairly expect you to suspend all negotiations on the MAI or any other similar proposal, until you deliver genuine public consultation and debate, so that Canadians are adequately informed on your government's intentions.

WE CALL ON YOU to issue a Statement of Fairness Trade-Offs explaining the implications for Canadians, which answers:

• Who would benefit from the MAI, and how would they, both in the short and longer term, and why should they benefit?
• Who would bear what costs and risks, both in the short and longer term, and why should they?
• Who would be accountable to whom, for each major provision?

WE EXPECT YOU to set out this information publicly, allowing public challenge of its validity, before the Government of Canada makes any significant binding commitment; to hold public hearings nationwide, for as long as necessary to fully explain the major provisions of such proposals; and to sufficiently inform Members of Parliament about their implications. This includes making the latest drafts publicly available, with copies to all MPs, so that they may properly inform their constituents.

Until you answer, Canadians can fairly say "no MAI" nor any other multilateral investment proposal.