Bulletin Vol.26 No. 1

Fall 2005

Upcoming Events

Block the Extradition of Marc Emery

LEADER’S REPORT — Sam Apelbaum

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT — George Dance

Liberty Summer Seminar 2005

Patriarchy, Matriarchy and Libertarianism

Upcoming Events

Paulo Fabrizio: Campaign Director

 I'm organizing a Planning Committee, to take charge of activities for the party and its members.  The main focus will be organizing good deeds and charity events.  Our goal is to help communities in need at the same time getting the party and our leader, Sam Apelbaum, exposure among the public.  I need our members burning my phone line with inquires about how they can get involved.  We need volunteers to form this committee and participate in our events.  We are also looking for ideas for future events.  Libertarians live for freedom and the personal responsibility that implies for helping others and that’s what I'm looking for from our new group.

We’re planning a huge rummage sale with all the money going to Giant Steps Toronto – a school and therapy centre for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  We need everyone to collect anything they don't need anymore.  Look in your attics, garages, and basements and then call me to pick them up.  Then we need volunteers on the day of the sale to help sell the goods.  We will have Sam and Kaye Sargent present the school with the money we collect.  Please act now as we are planning this event for late September or early October.  I will post the exact date on our website.  Please be advised that I will be calling people personally so you better answer the phone.

We’re also having a Clean Vaughan For Free Day.  The city has a program where they reward people for picking up litter.  Can you imagine what’s next?  Take a bath and get paid or feed your kids and win a prize?  We are organizing the neighbours and will designate a central location where the volunteers can meet and receive a shirt or hat that has OLP Clean For Free Day printed on it.  I will be calling my friend Russel Korus of the Green Party to see if we can make this a joint venture between the two parties.  Another friend who works at a disposal company says he will provide a bin or garbage truck and haul it away.  We need help so please get involved. 

Political Fair for the Politically Homeless

Next is a political fair to be held in the Pinevalley and Steeles area.  We will invite all the different political parties, provincial and federal to set up a booth and invite the public to attend and ask questions.  This is good for anyone who is politically homeless.  Every party will be invited to give a speech in the speech zone – a separate part of the banquet hall.  We’ll also invite other groups such as the National Citizens Coalition and Fraser Institute to give speeches.  People will be able to compare all the different political views and meet Sam.

We also are planning a dinner dance where all of you will be forced to come.  I'm only kidding about using force to have you all show up ... or am I?        

 For the party to keep moving forward we all need to get involved so move it!  My e-mail address  is

Block the Extradition of Marc Emery

The War on Drugs is a War on Liberty

On July 29, the RCMP arrested Marc Emery, Leader of the British Columbia Marijuana Party along with fellow activists Michelle Rainey-Fenkarek and Gregory Williams. These arrests were the result of a U.S. Federal Grand Jury indictment on charges of Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana, Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana Seeds and Conspiracy to Engage in Money Laundering. Since Marc Emery is alleged to have sold many of his seeds to U.S. customers, the investigation in Canada was actually led by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration under the terms of the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty

The most disturbing fact is that the U.S. Attorney's Office has filed an extradition request with the Canadian government that all three Canadians be brought to Seattle to stand trial. If convicted in the U.S. on either of the marijuana charges, they could face cruel prison sentences ranging from a minimum of 10 years to life in prison.

Therefore the Libertarian Party of Canada calls upon Canada's Minister of Justice, Irwin Cotler, to block the extradition of Marc Emery and his associates, and to set them free. We also urge Parliament to narrow the types of crimes that are covered by extradition treaties in order to protect Canadians from legal domination by foreign governments.

Although the sale of cannabis seeds is also illegal in Canada, Marc Emery has not been charged by Canadian authorities, who are well aware that Canada has a medical-marijuana program in which patients can lawfully use marijuana.

U.S. officials have falsely characterized Marc Emery as motivated by greed, but the truth is that, in addition to serving those who are in desperate need of medical marijuana, the proceeds of his seed business have been directed towards political activism and compassionate aid for drug addicts.

It seems clear that Marc Emery was targeted because of his prominence as a political activist and this is another reason why the Minister of Justice should choose to rule against extradition. In these respects the Extradition Act states the following:

44. (1) The Minister shall refuse to make a surrender order if the Minister is satisfied that
(a) the surrender would be unjust or oppressive having regard to all the relevant circumstances; or
(b) the request for extradition is made for the purpose of prosecuting or punishing the person by reason of their race, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, language, colour, political opinion, ...

Libertarians believe in the principles of self-ownership and individual liberty. We believe that governments act aggressively when they violate these principles by interfering with an individual's freedom to buy, sell or use drugs such as marijuana for medicinal or other purposes.

We believe that each individual should be free to live as they choose, as long as they do not aggress against the life and property of others. Non-coercive means should be used to discourage the abuse of dangerous drugs instead of the destructive application of the criminal justice system.

That is why we call on Parliament and the people of Canada to not only decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana but to also work towards the abolition of the disastrous policy of drug prohibition, which results in increased criminal activity and the unjust imprisonment of peaceful citizens.

The Libertarian Party of Canada is dedicated to the cause of personal and economic freedom for all Canadians.  We believe that individual liberty is a necessary condition for a peaceful and prosperous society.

We welcome enquiries from all Canadians who wish to aid our cause.

LEADER’S REPORT — Sam Apelbaum

Since this will be the last Bulletin before our party Convention on Saturday, November 5, 2005, I think it appropriate to share some thoughts about the future and how I see the role of the party leader.  Firstly, let me say I have decided to continue to lead the party into the next election, subject to confirmation by our members at the Convention.  The last three years, while far from carefree, have nonetheless been rewarding.   I feel grateful to have witnessed the development of our party into one less dependent on the leader for its continued functioning and efficacy than at any time since I became involved in March 1994.  The party has increasingly taken on a life of its own.  This is as it should be and allows me to concentrate more on doing what I believe a party leader should be doing.

 In my view there are three important responsibilities for the leader.  The first is to inspire people to take action and become involved.  The second is to act as the primary spokesperson for the party.  The third is to set party direction.  I no longer see the first role as also requiring me to have primary responsibility for finding the people.  There is only one of me and the job should be ongoing for everyone who values our future success.  The second role is self-evident and there is no doubt the party will be defined for the public by its leader, particularly during elections.  The leader must be able to clearly articulate what we stand for.  As for the third role, there is no doubt the leader is the most influential person in creating a vision for the party.

 When considering our future prospects, experience has taught me not to attempt to project too far ahead.  Short term, it seems clear the world is not becoming more libertarian.  Quite the contrary.  In Canada, for instance, governments are becoming ever more aggressive, with no shortage of pretexts for their destructive activities.  This direction will not be altered in the near term by elections, which are won by those who most closely reflect established opinion.  In the current environment it would be foolish to imagine election success is possible for any party consistently and uncompromisingly advocating individual liberty, which hardly anybody cares about.  We can win only when there is a large and growing body of opinion demanding liberty instead of the sham of democracy and the predatory activities of the state.  The battle against entrenched ignorance and venality promises to be a long one and anyone expecting quick success is bound to be disappointed.  For that reason I recommend not becoming overly attached to any particular outcome and making the best of an imperfect world on a personal level.  We are looking for people who enjoy promoting a great and worthy cause, not martyrs.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT — George Dance

American drug cop Karen Tandy and Toronto mayor David Miller, have little in common.  Tandy is the Bush appointee who heads the federal Drug Enforcement Agency.  Miller is a devout Canadian New Democrat, who once even tried to appear on a ballot as “David Miller NDP”.  It’s hard to imagine the two agreeing on any political issues.    

Political tactics, though, are another matter.  Both Miller and Tandy believe it is good politics to blame their domestic problems on the laws of other countries. 

 Miller’s problem is a summer shooting war between rival street gangs.  In two hot August weeks alone, 23 Torontonians - including a four-year-old boy – have been shot, seven fatally.  His response was to blame gun smuggling from the United States, caused in turn by America’s “insane” gun-control laws.  Thanks to those, fumed the mayor, "at least half the guns on the streets of Toronto come from the U.S.”

Premier McGuinty publicly agreed with Miller, going so far as to lecture the U.S. Ambassador.  Others were more sceptical.  Columnist George Jonas (www.george­jonas.ca), for one, noted that illegal guns were as available (and far cheaper) 50 years ago.  “Gun violence should have gone down,” he tells Miller.  “If you and Premier McGuinty were right, that is, and gunplay in the streets of Toronto the Good were caused by cheap guns.  But it's not.”   

 Similarly, the Toronto Free Press (www.torontofree­press.com) pointed out that “the shooters are 100% Canadian.  Perhaps Mr. Miller should stop lecturing other governments and countries on their laws and conduct, and concentrate on things domestic that might be changed.”

 Meanwhile, Tandy, faced with her own domestic problem – an unwinnable war against American marijuana smokers - was blaming Canadian laws, which have allowed a thriving mail-order business in cannabis seeds to grow up here in the past decade.  Unlike Miller, she did not opt for public denunciation.  Instead, she quietly opened DEA offices in Canadian cities; and began a year-long investigation against Canada’s best-known hempseed entrepreneur, Vancouver libertarian Marc Emery. 

 As a result, Emery was arrested on July 30 by Canadian police.  The DEA is now requesting his extradition to the U.S. on charges of “conspiracy” and “money laundering,” (though Tandy herself has hinted that his real crime was financial support for the cannabis legalization movement).  

Many Canadians have protested the arrest and request.  The Libertarian Party of Canada (www.libertar­ian.ca), for example, called for Justice Minister Cotler to refuse to extradite, and for Parliament to “protect Canadians from legal domination by foreign governments” and “work towards the abolition of the disastrous policy of drug prohibition, which results in increased criminal activity and the unjust imprisonment of peaceful citizens.”  Others have raised issues of cruel and unusual punishment (Emery faces up to 10 years in U.S. prison) and Canadian sovereignty. 

 A recent Globe/CTV poll found 58% of Canadians opposed to Emery’s extradition.  One can hope that the poll-driven federal Liberals will pay attention, and that Cotler will tell the DEA to fight its own war on its own turf. 

 Similarly, Miller (and McGuinty) should be told to look to our turf for understanding of our gang-war problem.  Then, if we’re lucky, they too might stumble upon the clear connection between drug prohibition and drug-related crime found by both academics like James Ostrowski (www.cato.org/pubs/pas/pa121.html) and top drug squad police like Scotland Yard’s Edward Ellison (www.leap.cc/publications/ellison/wantalldrugs.htm).  If we’re even luckier, that might be enough for them to add their voices to the Libertarians and other Canadians who are speaking out against drug prohibition. 

 In turn, that might provoke Tandy to have both McGuinty and Miller extradited.  And that would make us luckier yet. 

Liberty Summer Seminar 2005

By Jim McIntosh

The fifth annual Liberty Summer Seminar was held on August 13-14 outside of Orono, about an hour north east of Toronto. Sixty-two people attended to hear a great line-up of speakers organized by Peter Jaworski, and were served terrific meals prepared by Peter’s parents, Marta and Lech. 

 Professor Jan Narveson (http://www.arts.uwaterloo.ca/~jnarveso/homepage.htm) spoke on what libertarianism is and why it matters.  Libertarians believe that “net aggression” is always wrong.  That is, you may only use aggression to counter aggression, and then only a reasonable amount.  We have a right to do as we wish, so long as we do not interfere with anyone else’s liberty.  We want liberty not as an end in itself, but as a means to secure our own welfare. 

 Ezra Levant, publisher of Western Standard (www.westernstandard.ca), chaired a panel of writers:  Michael Taube, freelance Toronto Sun columnist has written for several papers; Marni Soupcoff, editorial board member of the National Post and formerly with the Institute for Justice in Washington D.C.; and Karen Selick, lawyer and columnist for Western Standard and Canadian Lawyer.  Some key messages for would-be writers:  don’t give up your day job – there is not much money in writing; letters to the editor (300 words) is a good way to start; editors are busy and don’t have time to edit your material, so be clear and concise; provide a unique perspective; write to the audience; do your research and get your facts right. 

 Brett Skinner, Director, Centre for Pharmaceutical and Health Policy Research at the Fraser Institute (www.fraserinstitute.ca), spoke on “Liberty – the Solution to our Health Care Woes.”  He commented on Dr. Chaoulli’s victory in the Supreme Court (Dr. Chaoulli attended last year’s Liberty Summer Seminar).  Key findings were that excessive wait times for essential surgery is an infringement of rights guaranteed by the Charter, and a public monopoly is not necessary for the objective of universal access.  Brett has done research on the experience in other OECD countries with universal access to health care and finds that more choice leads to better outcomes.  Health care costs are taking an increasing share of government revenues and is unsustainable. 

 Ezra Levant spoke on Liberty and the Media.  He believes that the conservative and liberty oriented media are growing faster than the left-leaning media, especially in talk radio (e.g. Rush Limbaugh) and blogs (web logs on the internet).  Ezra claims that the CRTC is limiting right-wing commentary, and not just in radio and television.  Some magazines and newspapers are owned by owners of radio and TV stations. 

 Saturday evening the band DJ Dad and MC Mom provided an energetic performance for the attendees. 

 Mark Mullins, recently appointed Executive Director of the Fraser Institute, explained the purpose and some of the programs of his organization.  Their motto is “if it matters, measure it.”  They focus on market structure and government transparency.  In order to maintain financial independence they accept no government grants and do not perform any contract research.  Education is one of several policy areas where they do research.  They produce the Public School Report Card in which they rank schools according to the results from standardized testing.  They have found that Alberta and Quebec offer the greatest amount of choice and achieve better results than the other provinces. 

 Tasha Kheiriddin, Ontario Director, Canadian Taxpayers Federation (www.taxpayers.com), is writing a book with Adam Daifallah, Rescuing Canada’s Right.  Her research leads her to believe that our infrastructure is statist, while the US tends to be more conservative and libertarian. They will be including the Liberty Summer Seminar as an example of the kind of event that needs to happen more often in Canada. 

 Gerry Nicholls, Vice-President of the National Citizens Coalition (www.morefredom.org), gave the history of his organization’s fight against gag laws.   The NCC’s motto is “more freedom through less government.”  They fight for economic and political freedom through radio and newspaper ads.  They accept no government grants and are not a charitable organization, so the only way the government can influence them is through laws which limit the NCC’s ability to run ads during elections.  They successfully fought and won in the courts against Trudeau’s, Mulroney’s and BC’s gag laws on the basis that they interfered with the Charter’s right to freedom of speech.  However, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that Chrétien’s gag law is a reasonable limitation since there is a theoretical possibility that voters could be influenced by advertising by special interest groups.  Six of the Supreme Court judges were appointed by Chrétien.

 Heather Talley, Minister of Contraband, Bureau­crash, (www.bureaucrash.com) described several of the “crashes” she had participated in.  She was particularly proud of how she had helped to ruin Richard Gere’s vacation in Cancun.  He was a guest panellist with medical experts at the International Aids Conference, supporting the position that drug companies should give up their patents on AIDS medicine.  Bureaucrash distributed pamphlets to the attendees suggesting that maybe Gere should give up his rights to movies like Pretty Woman so that poor Africans might benefit from the morals displayed in his films.  During the question period, someone in the audience asked Gere if he would do so.  He stammered for about three minutes.  Media pursued him after the conference for an answer.  Heather had several more stories about how they have fun demoralizing the left. 

 It was a great event for the students of liberty, young and not-so-young.  Even the rain on Sunday did not dampen their spirits.  For more details, check out www.libertyseminar.org.  Peter plans to make audio recordings of the speeches available on this site. 

Patriarchy, Matriarchy and Libertarianism

By Doug Burn

 I was reflecting on the conservative preference for a patriarchal government and the liberal preferences for a matriarchal one when my thoughts drifted to my first All Candidate’s meeting as a Libertarian Party candidate five years ago.  In answer to a question about what the government should do about education, pensions and health care, I explained that our party wanted the government out of all these activities and more.  The 200 or so voters in attendance looked stunned.  Predictably the questioner followed up with, “But what would you do about the children, the elderly, the injured and ill?”

 Foolishly I told her that people would take the saved tax dollars to pay for all of these things and support the less fortunate.  Now the audience was convinced I must be utterly naïve.  My mistake was trying to convince them that others would act responsibly and cooperatively.

People, it seems, conditioned by patriarchal governments of the distant past and matriarchal governments of the present to imagine their fellow citizens as children, unable to accept personal responsibility to plan, save or invest for the long term or to share with those in need. 

 Now, if I had to do it all over again I would not have made any assumptions about the likely behaviour of others and would have said, “There are no guarantees.  If you don’t save for your children’s education, join a private pension plan and buy health insurance, you and your kids are going to be in trouble.  Is it asking too much that you contribute a fraction of your tax savings to charities that support the less fortunate?  If you don’t, I suppose nature will take its course.”

 That’s the message good parents give their children when they assume the freedoms and responsibilities of adulthood and one other politicians are loathe to embrace or even accept.