Maple Ridge Friends for Peace is turning its attention to Trump.
Concerned citizens of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows are invited to a free community forum on the topic "Canadian Sovereignty in the Age of Trump."
The townhall meeting in Pitt Meadows will feature panelists Marc Lee, senior economist for the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives; and Kathy Fitzpatrick, a lecturer and PhD in Human Geography.
There will also be excerpts from the video "Trump’s Trade War: Debunking the Lies, Tallying the Cost, Building a Fightback," by Jim Stanford, an economist and the director of the Centre for Future Work.
Panellists will be followed by a question and answer session, and opportunities to share feedback and ideas.
Sharon von Hollen, one of the organizers, sees the forum as an opportunity to promote an exchange of questions and ideas.
“We need discussions about how local businesses, unions, and community groups can work together, to help with strategies which strengthen Canada’s economic resilience,” she said.
Oosha Ramsoondar, another organizer said people can take action.
“We want to provide this opportunity for people to inform themselves and get involved, because local citizens and businesses are already suffering effects from the tariffs, and the threats of worse to come," she said.
"Some are already taking personal actions like Buying Canadian, and asking themselves what else they can do.”
The event is being sponsored by Maple Ridge Friends for Peace, which is concerned that the emerging crisis is destabilizing what was a longtime peaceful relationship between Canada and the U.S.
The Community Forum is March 31, at the United Church Hall, 12109 Harris Rd., Pitt Meadows. Doors open at 6 p.m., with panelists and public discussion from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Admission is free, and all citizens and views are welcome.
