1. This audio documentary successfully manages to bridge many little-heard perspectives on the Canadian mining industry. First, we hear from indigenous peoples in Canada and beyond as to how mining companies threaten their very existence as peoples; in other words, how the industry is complicit in an ongoing global genocide. We hear from working people around the world on how the industry has devastated their health, livelihoods and environment. Finally, we look at how Canadian mining is intricately connected to, complicit in and profiting off of wars being waged around the world. Ismi and Schwartz provide us with a horrific but solid introduction on how Canadian and international laws, trade agreements and the power of wealth protect mining corporations from answering to any justice system for their crimes. At the same time, the program provides us with hope as it questions the very need for mining and takes an introductory look at alternatives to this devastating resource extraction industry. 'Path of Destruction' is an outstanding educational tool addressing the issues of colonialism, resource extraction economies, corporate power, free trade agreements, the military industrial complex and many other issues.
--Zainab Amadahy, indigenous writer, community worker and activist based in Toronto. She is a founding member of the Coalition in Support of Indigenous Sovereignty, member of the Board of the Association of Native Development in the Performing and Visual Arts, and the Executive Director of Community Arts Ontario.

2. Ismi and Schwartz's radio documentary, "Path of Destruction: Canadian Mining Companies Around the World" is a thorough and remarkable exposé of Canadian imperialism and its global economic web of ecocide and misery. Eloquent testimonies from indigenous community members from all continents are woven together to give us an intimate view of the mining industry's devastating impacts. Everyone must hear it." --Sarita Ahooja, Isuma TV, an indigenous video/multi-media portal started by Isuma, the Inuit film house. Isuma has been working for 20 years out of Igloolik, Nunavut, and has a northern Inuit TV network.

3. Canadian imperialism's best-kept secret is undoubtedly the inconvenient truth about Canadian mining capital's genocidal path of destruction. Ismi and Schwartz's audio documentary illustrates how at home and abroad Canadian mining companies are poisoning the environment, propping up brutal dictatorships, and violently repressing any dissent to their exploits. 'Path of Destruction' is a bold exposé of Canadian imperialism, thoroughly dispelling any illusions that Canadians may have about the Canadian state as a positive force in the world."
--Steve da Silva, Co-producer of 'Radio BASICS' on CHRY 105.5 FM--York University, Toronto; Editor, BASICS Community Newsletter.

4. 'Path of Destruction' is the best radio documentary I've come across in a long time. It combines an oft-neglected analysis of colonialism in Canada with a radical critique of the mining industry and the other institutions and processes that support it. A very important series which has a powerful impact.
--Matt Soltys, Producer of 'Healing the Earth Radio' on CFRU Radio 93.3 FM--University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, www.resistanceisfertile.ca.

5. Ismi and Schwartz have the fearlessness and integrity to report the truth and hold Canadian mining companies accountable. Canadians need to know what's happening in Africa, for example in the Democratic Republic of Congo where the slaughter of 4 to 5 million people has occurred for the sake of Canadian (and foreign) profits. We can no longer claim ignorance after listening to this documentary. Essential for all Canadians.
--David Parker, Spoken Word Coordinator, CKDU 88.1 FM--Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS

6. I have just heard your excellent radio programme 'Path of Destruction'. Great job and thank you for it. I think it is a daring programme to take on the Industry with facts of history and it is damaging to them and their high moral claims.
--Xavier Dias, Spokesperson for Jharkhand Mines Area Coordination Committee (JMACC), an indigenous organization resisting mining and displacement in Jharkand State, India; Editor of the Hindi monthly 'Khan Kanij aur ADHIKAR' (Mines,Minerals & Rights),"India's only mining-affected community newspaper". http://www.adhikar.in/

7. Thank you for 'Path of Destruction'. The concept of a radio project for a wider information and education campaign is brilliant. This is very helpful information to us in the Cordillera, Philippines, where Canadian mining companies are beefing up their applications (Olympus,Terra Nova, Ivanhoe,Golden Valley).
--Abigail T. Bengwayan, Public Information Commission, Cordillera Peoples Alliance, The Philippines.

8. The new audio documentary, 'Path of Destruction' is an important contribution to the growing chorus of resistance to Canadian mining. Through careful analysis of Canadian corporate and government polices, the documentary's producers expose how mining has devastated communities around the globe and who has benefited from that devastation. Mining policies are carefully situated within the broader context of Canadian colonialism. Most compellingly, the documentary features the voices of those directly affected by those policies. Their urgent stories are a call to action for change that will restore and protect the health of their communities and the rights of its peoples. This documentary can and should be used as a tool to create that change.
--Alison Brown, Producer of 'Redeye' on Vancouver Cooperative Radio, CFRO 102.7 FM

A must-listen documentary, especially for those entities (both in and outside Africa) whose role it is to chart a sustainable course for the continent's future. It's also a powerful tool for those individuals and groups that are actively involved in challenging the Western bastardization of the African continent. This well-researched documentary provides credible evidence of how the Western European nations and the United States have for many years been devastating the African continent through the plundering of its precious resources, as well as by their continuing support for and instigations of military wars. The documentary successfully highlights some of the serious problems that nations in Africa continue to face as they struggle against the United States' selfish determination to dominate their turf. This documentary cannot be ignored by anyone who cares about Africa's economic, social, and political emancipation from the bondage of neo-colonialism.
--Maria Mboono Nghidinwa, Ex-combatant of South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO), the former liberation movement of Namibia. Ph.D., Mass Communication and Media Studies, Howard University, Washington D.C. [SWAPO is presently the ruling political party in Namibia].

A great project. 'The Ravaging of Africa' can be of enormous educational importance in reinforcing African perceptions of the sources of their current predicaments, and in educating those searching for ways out of their present desperate straits. Warm thanks for your efforts.
--Professor Dennis Brutus, Honorary Professor, Centre for Civil Society University of Kwazulu-Natal Durban, South Africa. Professor Emeritus, Department of Africana Studies, University of Pittsburgh (U.S.).

A superb account of the viciousness of the present trading system and the people struggling to change it all over the world.
- Ed Finn, Editor, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

This ground-breaking radio documentary shows how people of the South and North are together creating a world based on cooperation not exploitation. A must-listen.
- Dave Mitchell, Editor, Briarpatch Magazine

A fantastic series.
- Robert Ballantyne, Editor, Popjournalism.ca

The 'Conning the People' CDs are simply fabulous. It is quite the educational tool for us. It is really difficult these days for people to have the time to either read or educate themselves by going to hear speakers etc. At the plant that I work in we are unfortunately working six days a week. So having great quality information such as these CDs in a format that people can listen to either in their car or on their walkmans on line at work is a very, very useful format for us. Thank you very much for doing such a phenomenal job.
- Cathy Austin, Vice-President, Canadian Auto Workers, Local 88, Ingersoll, Ontario

True to his style, Asad Ismi has once again creatively provided us with well researched documentation of an ongoing con job, and its impact. This time it's the privatization swindle. And this time he's fighting back with a radio series - a format that offers the potential of reaching enough people to create the critical mass needed to stop the madness.
- Debra Brin, Editor, Briarpatch Magazine

'Conning the People' is a chilling but necessary account of the perils of privatization both in Canada and abroad. The scope and insight of this 5-part series gives meaning and context to such loaded terms as commodification, corporatization and deregulation. An important resource for anyone concerned about the future of their public services.
- Sarah Lemoine, CJSF 90.1 FM Simon Fraser University Radio, Vancouver

Drawing lessons from people's struggles around the world, "Conning the People" shows that privatization schemes can be opposed and defeated. This well-researched series tells the story behind the pillaging of public services, documenting how privatization benefits wealthy elites at the expense of citizens and communities.
- Bob Jeffcott, Policy Analyst, Maquila Solidarity Network

I was impressed with the series. I found it was well researched and presented.
- Corine Demas, News Director, CKXU Radio, Lethbridge, Alberta

Awesome Program!
- Brenden Van Stolk, CFUR 88.7 FM, University of Northern British Columbia Radio, Prince George, B.C

Comfortable, smug analysts in the North like to claim that "history is over," and that there's no alternative to following the path of global neoliberalism. But the rebellion in Colombia is proving once again that poor people everywhere will continue to fight back, against incredible odds, for a better way of life. History, in other words, is still being made. Asad Ismi's thoroughly documented review of Canada's shameful involvement on the wrong side of the Colombian battle will be a valuable tool for solidarity activists everywhere. It's a wake-up call to Canadians to start fighting now to end our participation in what is quickly looking like another Vietnam.
- Jim Stanford, Economist, Canadian Auto Workers

This timely report provides disturbing evidence of the apparent complicity of Canadian business in systematic human-rights violations by the Colombian Government and the right-wing paramilitary. At a time when the U.S. is intensifying its military aid to Colombia under the pretext of the "war on drugs," it is extremely important that Canadians should understand what is really at stake in Colombia and should put pressure on their own Government to dissociate itself from U.S. policy and ensure that Canadian companies observe ethical norms in their Colombian operations. Asad Ismi's report is essential reading and deserves the widest possible audience.
- Professor David L. Raby, Chair, Canadian Initiatives for Peace with Justice in Colombia

Asad Ismi's report on Canadian corporate complicity in Colombia shines the spotlight on a country that few people know anything about, thanks to the mainstream media's distortions of Colombian reality. Most Canadians only know that Colombia is full of drug dealers and Marxist guerrillas roaming the jungle. Few, if any, know the truth about the many Canadian corporations that invest in Colombia, and thereby help Colombia's repressive state apparatus. Asad Ismi's report should be required reading for anyone who wants to look behind the headlines and unmask the Canadian links to military atrocities, paramilitary death squads, and human rights violations.
- George Manz, Managing Editor, Briarpatch magazine

Most Canadians are unaware that some of this country's largest corporations are profiting from the Colombian government's brutal repression of dissent and democracy. Asad Ismi's shocking exposé of this corporate collaboration with Colombia's ruthless dictatorship is recommended reading for everyone concerned about social and economic justice.
- Ed Finn, General Editor, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives

Asad Ismi is an excellent investigative researcher whose work has helped me enormously over the years.
- Naomi Klein