National Economic Conversion Network Formed

On Saturday, September 21, about one hundred people assembled in Ottawa at a conference organized by the Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade (COAT). They heard a series of 15 experts address the timely issue of converting military factories and bases to socially useful and environmentally safe civilian production. Then on Sunday, forty activists from 5 provinces representing a total of two dozen peace groups, including several national peace coalitions, hammered out a campaign strategy to encourage the vitally important process of economic conversion

Realizing that, for practical reasons, conversion strategies must be carried out on a base-by-base and company-by-company basis, efforts will be made in communities across Canada .to form local conversion committees. These committees, to be composed of labour and community representatives, will carry out practical research into the most viable alternative uses for local military companies and bases. The importance of working with local labour representatives was recognized by all as a crucial requirement for the success of the campaign.

The address for further information is: Coalition to Oppose the Arms Trade, 489 Metcalfe St., Ottawa, K1S 3N7, (613) 231-3076.