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NDP leader sends letter to U2 singer
Says Martin not keeping promises
MARY GORDON
OTTAWA BUREAU
OTTAWA?Paul Martin, be warned: Jack Layton is telling Bono on you.
In an open, six-page letter, Layton tells U2's lead singer that the Prime Minister is neglecting the causes they purportedly share. Martin has met the rock star and discussed helping developing countries. Last fall, Bono spoke at the Liberal convention, promising Martin he'd be a "major pain in his ass" if he didn't deliver.
Layton may be a bigger one.
On issues such as cheap drugs for Africa to foreign aid, Layton tells Bono he is using his speech to point out Martin's "progress on your words."
On the United Nations' global fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, Layton tells Bono: "You asked for: `three times the current amount.' The result: The global fund was not referred to in either the throne speech or 2004 federal budget."
On trade, Layton writes: "You said: `We talk about free trade, but we refuse to let the poorest people put their products on our shelves.' Result: Canada continues to be one of the most aggressive proponents of unfair trade agreements."
PMO spokeswoman Melanie Gruer called the letter "another Jack Layton gimmick."
The NDP brought up Bono's name in the Commons Thursday with MP Libby Davies (Vancouver East) asking Martin about the bill that would allow cheap drugs to go to poor countries. Canada is the first country to introduce such legislation, but critics say the bill will let patent-holding drug companies compete against generic firms negotiating contracts. "If helping Africa is a priority, why has this prime minister done nothing to fix this bill?" Davies asked, prefacing the question by noting, "we are sending his answer to Bono, so I hope he thinks about his reply."
In 2002, Bono founded DATA (Debt AIDS Trade Africa). Its executive director, Jamie Drummond, has urged Martin to drop the bill's "right of first refusal" for brand-name firms.
In the letter, Layton says that: "With an election looming, I obviously have an interest in pointing out some of my party's disagreements with Mr. Martin's Liberals.
But the looming election also provides an opportunity to help Canada take a place in the world that truly reflects Canadians' values and hopes, largely by putting your words into action."
The letter is signed, "Sincerely and with thanks, Jack Layton, Ph.D., Leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada."
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/Co...530&call_pageid=968332188774&col=968350116467
Says Martin not keeping promises
MARY GORDON
OTTAWA BUREAU
OTTAWA?Paul Martin, be warned: Jack Layton is telling Bono on you.
In an open, six-page letter, Layton tells U2's lead singer that the Prime Minister is neglecting the causes they purportedly share. Martin has met the rock star and discussed helping developing countries. Last fall, Bono spoke at the Liberal convention, promising Martin he'd be a "major pain in his ass" if he didn't deliver.
Layton may be a bigger one.
On issues such as cheap drugs for Africa to foreign aid, Layton tells Bono he is using his speech to point out Martin's "progress on your words."
On the United Nations' global fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, Layton tells Bono: "You asked for: `three times the current amount.' The result: The global fund was not referred to in either the throne speech or 2004 federal budget."
On trade, Layton writes: "You said: `We talk about free trade, but we refuse to let the poorest people put their products on our shelves.' Result: Canada continues to be one of the most aggressive proponents of unfair trade agreements."
PMO spokeswoman Melanie Gruer called the letter "another Jack Layton gimmick."
The NDP brought up Bono's name in the Commons Thursday with MP Libby Davies (Vancouver East) asking Martin about the bill that would allow cheap drugs to go to poor countries. Canada is the first country to introduce such legislation, but critics say the bill will let patent-holding drug companies compete against generic firms negotiating contracts. "If helping Africa is a priority, why has this prime minister done nothing to fix this bill?" Davies asked, prefacing the question by noting, "we are sending his answer to Bono, so I hope he thinks about his reply."
In 2002, Bono founded DATA (Debt AIDS Trade Africa). Its executive director, Jamie Drummond, has urged Martin to drop the bill's "right of first refusal" for brand-name firms.
In the letter, Layton says that: "With an election looming, I obviously have an interest in pointing out some of my party's disagreements with Mr. Martin's Liberals.
But the looming election also provides an opportunity to help Canada take a place in the world that truly reflects Canadians' values and hopes, largely by putting your words into action."
The letter is signed, "Sincerely and with thanks, Jack Layton, Ph.D., Leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada."
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/Co...530&call_pageid=968332188774&col=968350116467
