NUPGE hosts Why We Say No tour activists from Ecuador

October 4 2024

NUPGE was proud to host a delegation of women human rights defenders from Ecuador at its 3rd Issues Forum. The delegation is in Canada for the Why We Say No Tour, which NUPGE has supported. They aim to raise awareness of environmental and human rights violations in Ecuador, particularly the impacts of Canadian mining companies, in the context of negotiations for a Canada-Ecuador free trade agreement. 

The tour is being coordinated and supported by Amnesty International Canada, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, the Canadian Labour Congress, MiningWatch Canada, and KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives. 13 Canadian trade unions and civil society organizations are supporting the visit. 

The delegation is comprised of: 

  • Zenaida Yasacama, member of the Kichwa Ancestral People of Pakayaku and vice-president of the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador. 
  • Fanny Kaekat, leader of external communication for the Shuar Arutam People, community of Maikiuants, and member of Amazonian Women Defenders of the Forest. 
  • Hortencia Zhagüi, member of the Kimsakocha Women’s School of Agroecology and the Board of Potable Water Administrators of Victoria del Portete and Tarqui. 
  • Ivonne Ramos, member of Acción Ecológica.  

They stated that there has been no consultation with Indigenous nations or people on the free trade talks. The fear is that the free trade deal will allow Canadian mining companies to engage in even more resource extraction projects which will cause significant ecological damage and harm Indigenous and rural populations. 

“Climate change knows no borders,” said Bert Blundon, NUPGE President, who opened the event. “The Global North is disproportionately responsible for the climate crisis, though the impacts are felt most greatly in the Global South. And so we have a responsibility to do our part to tackle the climate crisis and to be in solidarity with affected communities.”  

The Ecuadorian human rights defenders echoed this sentiment, noting that their fight for their lands and waters benefits all of us. 

“Right-wing governments are a threat to climate action, to the health of our environment and communities, and to democracy. Unions are part of the defense against these threats.” 

The Ecuadorian human rights defenders had a call to action. They urged participants to join in the fight to protect the planet and advocate for a future with clean air, drinkable waters, and healthy ecosystems. “NUPGE is committed to raising awareness of your message and acting in solidarity,” said Blundon.