Winnipeggers to join in international protest against wars in Afghanistan and Iraq
(Winnipeg – March 13, 2008) Today’s Conservative and Liberal Party decision to extend Canadian military action in Afghanistan to the end of 2011 is in clear defiance of the majority of Canadians. Peace Alliance Winnipeg will join with peace organizations across Canada and around the world on Saturday, March 15 to protest the ongoing wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
“The vote was a shameful betrayal of Canadian wishes and traditions,” says PAW spokesperson Glenn Michalchuk. “Canada cannot be a force for peace in Afghanistan while it conducts a war of aggression on behalf of the United States.”
Eighty Canadian soldiers and one senior Canadian diplomat have died since February 2002.
“Today’s decision means more Canadians will die needlessly,” said Michalchuk
According to the United Nations, more than 8,000 Afghans were killed last year, at least 1,500 of whom were civilians. (Source: The Guardian.)
“We are attacking a country that never threatened us and killing people when we should be working for peace,” said Michalchuk. “Most Canadians understand this, and our job is to convince Parliament that Canada must work for peace.”
Demonstration in Winnipeg
Date: Saturday, March 15, 2008
Time: 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Federal Building, Main Street and Water Avenue
Contact: Glenn Michalchuk, Peace Alliance Winnipeg, (204) 479-7026