Author
Thatcher
ahhh
This morning, the third day of testimony begins in the NAFTA court hearing in Vanouver B.C.Mexico vs. the Metaclad corporation. On Monday, the California-based Sun Belt Water Corporation attorney was denied a dismissal of the case by Justice Tysoe. Sun Belt is suing the Canadian government under NAFTA for $100-220 million in costs and lost profits because of Canada's restriction on the movement of their water. The current hearings could determine the outcome of Sun Belt's suit. The proposed dismissal's conflict of interest and (quote) "scandalous" references defeated it. The second proposal before the court by IMC-Vancouver reporter, Scott Nelson, requested to videotape the hearings. The request was opposed by the Metalclad corporation-they argued that the public might get the wrong impression that they pollute--the very issue at stake. The judge required the Vancouver IMC to broadcast the entire proceedings. Nelson's request garnered much media attention and thanks by securing full access for everyone. Mexico has started their case, giving the background details of the Mexican Municipal legal battle. Meanwhile, Anti-Globalization activists gathered outside to demonstrate against NAFTA: [actuality]
The case is expected to be finished by the end of next week.