Union leader says lack of security threat evidence of Harper's summit
security overkill

OTTAWA, June 22 /CNW Telbec/ - The union leader who unmasked Surete du Quebec provocateurs at the Montebello summit says the entire justification for the security operation for the Toronto summit has evaporated. CEP union leader Dave Coles points to last night's admission by CSIS head Richard Fadden who says there has been "little chatter" on any security threat. Meanwhile Canada's largest metropolis has been turned into an armed fortress with thousands of uniformed police armed to the teeth, and a thundering billion dollar price tag.

"Shame on the Harper Conservatives for cooking up this un Canadian show of brute force. Obviously the security czars are trying to scare away any legitimate protest."

In a related development, despite the lack of a serious threat, the police have said they will use "infiltrators" in the crowd.

"At the Montebello summit we unmasked three of these "infiltrators" who turned out to be agents provocateurs, one of whom had a rock in his hand. And when they were unmasked they slipped into the police lines," says Coles.

"Maybe Mr. Fadden isn't used to coming out of the shadows, but his admission on CBC TV's The National is shocking," says Coles. "And what is even worse is the Harper government's decision to disregard Fadden's assessment and send in the troops."

Coles is the man who unmasked three Surete du Quebec agents, one of whom was carrying a rock, at the Security, Peace and Prosperity (SPP) Summit in Montebello at 2007. Video of that incident has been viewed over half a million times on YouTube. The CEP filed a motion today under the Quebec Police Act for more information about the actions of those three SQ officers. A complaint was filed by the CEP three years ago with the Police Ethics Committee, but no answers have been forthcoming.

"Stephen Harper's ears should be burning right around now. This summit in downtown Toronto, costing Canadians a staggering amount of money, appears to be simply an exercise in fear mongering and security overkill. The point seems to be to remind Canadians just who is in charge. It may also have the effect of creating an atmosphere of confrontation which may provoke something," says Coles.

For further information: Dave Coles, CEP President - [phone]