Last month we reported on the murder of an
18-year old Latino in Montreal by the police which provoked an angry reaction
among the immigrant communities. Here we provide an analysis which gives
background information outlining the social and economic conditions that have
led to this situation.
For a week now, Montreal has been boiling with rage. The unprovoked
murder of 18-year-old Freddy Villanueva, by agents of the Montreal
Police Service, catalyzed an explosion that has been building for
years. Police attacks on peaceful demonstrators sparked a riot.
Workers in British
Columbia have seen their pulp, paper, and lumber mills
closing at an alarming rate, leaving thousands jobless and facing an uncertain
future. Whole communities have been devastated as large forestry companies such
as Interfor and Canfor pull out operations and ship jobs overseas where labour
is cheaper.