As chair of the Council of Canadians, an organization of independent, non-partisan citizens -- whose 100,000 members aim to build stronger communities at the grass-roots level -- Maude Barlow fought NAFTA and has opposed Canadian newspaper magnate, Conrad Black's, nationwide takeover of newspapers.

Articulate, unassuming, and cool under fire, Maude Barlow has inspired thousands in her own country and around the world. Her agenda? "Fair trade, full employment, cooperation, cultural diversity, democratic control, fair taxation, environmental stewardship, community, public accountability, equality, social justice: these are the touchstones of our vision and it is within our means--it is our right--to choose them."



Grade Level: 9-12, College, Adult
US Release Date: 1998     Copyright Date: 1998
VHS ISBN: 0-7722-0757-7

Reviews "Throughout recent decades, political and economic power has been concentrated on an astounding scale. This film carefully depicts the enduring struggle of Maude Barlow who, against very long odds, has campaigned relentlessly to preserve the besieged institution of Canadian democracy." Timothy McGettigan, author of Utopia on Wheels "Worth putting two sessions aside to explore the debates on private capital and social democracy." John D. Jackson, PhD, Concordia University Centre for Broadcasting Studies "As a portrait of a feminist political figure, Democracy à la Maude has much to offer the viewer and would be recommended for high school and up." Melinda Davis, University of Tennessee College of Law Library, MC Journal "This film is a powerful statement about the true nature of democracy and citizen participation. An excellent choice for political science, gender, and critical sociology courses." Mike Sosteric, Dept. of Global and Social Analysis, Athabasca University "This biography describes...how she was transformed from traditional housewife to influential Canadian media celebrity campaigning on the platforms of safeguarding social programs, promoting economic justice, and renewing democracy for the ordinary citizen...well researched." Library Journal