The Multilateral Agreement on Investment ( )

What YOUR GROUP can do to stop the MAI

From coast to coast groups of Canadians are working non-stop to raise public awareness about the perils of the proposed Multilateral Agreement on Investment (MAI). The deadline for signing this treaty, being negotiated by the 29 countries which are members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), is this coming April.

Thanks to the hard work of environmental, cultural and women's groups, unions, church and community associations and many others across the country, the Chrétien government is feeling the heat of public opposition to the MAI. With the MAI deadline looming, the next weeks are crucial for intensifying the pressure on the Federal Government to withdraw from negotiations.

Here's how YOUR GROUP can help:

• Look for coalition partners-trade unions, churches, child care advocates, education and health care organizations, professional associations, and, yes, even the Board of Trade or Chamber of Commerce. Combining forces can add credibility and strength to your message.

• Organize a lobby of your Member of Parliament and provincial representative. Go as a group of concerned citizens and air your concerns about the MAI. Contact the National Campaign office for more information.

• Go before your municipal council and ask that they consider passing a resolution opposing the MAI. For more information, call The National Campaign office and ask for a MAI and your community factsheet.

• Organize a letter-writing campaign to your municipal, provincial and federal politicians as well as the Prime Minister. Include letters to the editor of your local newspaper in your campaign. See the list of key cabinet ministers below.