Kangaroo+Courts

//__ Kangaroo Courts __//

The World Trade Organization (WTO) exercises its incredible powers through a system of //Kangaroo Courts//. Kangaroo Courts listen to complaints made by corporations or governments- about domestic laws/policies of other countries which they feel obstruct business activities. The Kangaroo Courts were based upon the design of the North American Free Trade Agreement courts.
 * __ What is a Kangaroo Court? __**

- //Complaints could be about a vast array of topics//

- Could be a law requiring domestic content in industry - Could be rules banning hazardous substances or unsafe production practices - Could be rules protecting natural resources or public services
 * __

What Happens Next? __** If the court agrees (whatever the subject), that it unfairly limits business freedoms, the offending country __must change the law__- or get rid of it altogether.

- The people are nothing but pro-corporate trade officials and consultants - They are appointed, not elected (don’t represent the popular will in any way)
 * __ Who Represents Them? __**

With one flick of their pro-business pen, they can eliminate decades of hard fought social, labour and environmental gains of countries.
 * __ What Are They Capable of? __**

- The Kangaroo Courts have been very aggressive, interpreting WTO rules in the most far-reaching, pro-business manner possible. - Countries can be convicted if they are found to violate just one of the many treaties which the WTO overseas.


 * __Has Canada Ever Won a Case?__** Yes, but in an unimpressive manner

We successfully attacked Brazil’s policies (a poor third world country). Brazil used subsidies to develop its own aerospace industry- a rare accomplishment for a developing country. Canada complained about these subsidies, and the WTO ordered Brazil to end the program. **Everybody Loses!** (Except those who are already rich and powerful)
 * We can’t develop our economy in strategic areas, and neither can the third world! **