Dianne Watts, the mayor of Surrey, BC, has announced that two former US presidents, both of whom are accused of massive human rights and international law abuses, will be "featured speakers" at the annual Surrey Regional Economic Summit in October 2011. 

Quoted in the Vancouver Sun, Watts said: "President Clinton and President Bush will appear together to provide their very unique and timely perspectives on a broad range of economic, business, and geo-political issues and trends".

Vancouver lawyer Gail Davidson is hoping to compel a war crimes investigation from the Canadian government, focused on Bush. Similar accusations have been made against Clinton, over the attack on Yugoslavia, the attacks and sanctions on Iraq, and other typical acts of US imperial exception. Michael Mandel, a Canadian law professor, claims Clinton specifically committed war crimes in the Balkans.

Facing torture charges and massive protests in Switzerland, Bush was forced in early February to cancel a speaking trip, his first trip to Europe since his disgraceful exit as President.

Gail Davidson has sought a war crimes investigation and spoken on this issue in the past, including appearances on Keith Olbermann and Democracy Now.

Regarding their "perspectives" on economic and business issues and trends both Presidents took massive steps to destabilize the US and global economy. Clinton embarked on a disastrous and radical de-regulation scheme; took little or negative action on climate change, energy, or food issues; and under-invested in infrastructure and human development, like education. The economic nightmare that developed under the Bush administration requires no additional comment.

It is not clear how the city of Surrey could benefit from their advice, except as a cautionary tale of regulatory capture, short-sightedness, disaster capitalism, and violence.