News release

November 13, 2003

PSAC will support Bono's call for more international development aid

OTTAWA - The PSAC hopes that the Liberals will not be using rock celebrity Bono as a mere publicity stunt and that his appearance at the party's convention is an actual sign from Paul Martin of his commitment to overseas development aid.

The lead singer for U2 is slated to speak at the Liberal Party Convention and is likely to appeal to the new prime minister for a stronger commitment to development aid in Africa , particularly on AIDS crisis relief.

“Let's hope this isn't just all lights and fireworks,” says PSAC National President Nycole Turmel. “We're in the process of negotiating in our collective agreement with Treasury Board a Social Justice Fund that will contribute to international development and crisis relief.   So we're definitely interested in Mr. Martin's response to Bono's message.”

Turmel adds that Canada 's Official Development Assistance (ODA) has drastically declined since 1995, mainly due to budget cuts to CIDA when Paul Martin was Finance Minister.   Indeed, Canada is well below the international target for ODA set by the United Nations.   Canada 's annual ODA since 1995 has been below 0.4 per cent of the GNP.   The UN international target, which Canada was key in setting, is 0.7 per cent of GNP.

“In the same period, businesses in this country have benefited from tax breaks,” says Turmel.   “I think it's high time that unions step in and do what it traditionally is good at doing: Spreading the wealth more equitably, not just in this country, but globally.”

The PSAC has signed about six collective agreements that have employers contributing one cent per hour worked per employee to the Social Justice Fund.

- 30-

For information: Joselito Calugay, PSAC Communications Officer,

                          (613) 560-4235

57-131103