2003:02 CAMPAIGN FOR FAIRER TRADE RULES
Whereas: more than 40 percent of the world’s population lives in developing countries, yet these countries account for just three percent of world trade; and
Whereas: workers in developing countries, especially women and children, are often subject to exploitative and dangerous conditions because the International Labour Organization does not have enforceable labour standards; and
Whereas: producers in developing countries face stiff tariffs on their exports that are four times higher than tariffs paid by producers in developed countries; and
Whereas: when developed countries export subsidised agricultural products to poor countries, prices are driven down and poor farmers may be put out of business; and
Whereas: increased patent protection (driven by major transnational corporations in wealthy countries) is costing the developing world $60 billion a year; therefore be it
RESOLVED: that the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as its policy support for fairer rules of trade; such as international employment standards, removal of tariffs, a ban on the subsidisation of agricultural exports, stabilisation of prices for primary commodities, and a relaxation of patent rules for vital medicines for developing countries; and be it further
RESOLVED: that the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to support fairer trade rules by working for:
a. an end to pressure exerted on developing countries by the World Trade Organisation, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to have them open their markets, pay debts or be required to grow crops for export without regard for the impact on impoverished nations;
b. improved international employment standards, especially for women;
c. removal of tariffs and other barriers that prevent the 49 poorest countries from selling their goods to developed countries;
d. a ban on the subsidisation of agricultural exports by developed countries;
e. stabilisation of prices for primary commodities (such as coffee) in order to ensure fair living standards for small farmers; and
f. a relaxation of patent rules for vital medicines which keep costs high and restrict the supply to developing countries.