Export Development Canada

On May 9-11, Latin American and Canadian social and environmental activists, economists, and academics came together at York University in Toronto to set out a series of challenges for the mining industry and governments alike on the eve of a major industry conference.

As if to prove the direct human rights implications of EDC funding, one of its most outspoken critics, Kimy Pernia Domicó, was abducted at gunpoint by right-wing paramilitaries on June 2. Pernia had visited Canada on several occasions to speak out against the Urrá hydroelectric project that had flooded his people, the Embera-Katío, out of their ancestral lands in north-western Colombia. The project was partially funded by the EDC, like many other projects around the world that have led to appalling human rights abuses (see Reckless Lending for details). Over a month later, there is still no word of Pernia, and no-one has claimed responsibility for his disappearance. Despite letters and appeals from people around the world, including fifty-six Members of Parliament, the Colombian Government has refused to take any action.

On May 18, 2000, International Trade Minister Pierre Pettigrew responded to the recommendations of a Parliamentary review of the Export Development Act, which is the Act governing the Export Development Corporation (EDC). According to Pettigrew, "The way the Corporation addresses these issues will be made more transparent to ensure ongoing public confidence in its operations."

The Minister's response states that:

The Export Development Corporation has been brought forcefully to our attention by communities and non-governmental organizations that have to deal with the impact of Canadian mining development abroad. They want to know what role Canadian institutions play in perpetuating the problems they face, and what — if anything — Canadian citizens are doing to support them.