(Winnipeg, June 8, 2008) Peace Alliance Winnipeg (PAW) joins with the majority of Canadians in urging the Government of Canada to allow conscientious objectors to the war in Iraq to remain in Canada.
Moreover, PAW demands that the federal government cease deportation proceedings against American Iraq war resister Corey Glass, who is scheduled for deportation to the United States on June 12.
“Canada has a proud tradition of welcoming war resisters, of being what former Prime Minister Trudeau called ‘a refuge from militarism’,” said PAW spokesperson Glenn Michalchuk. “The House of Commons reaffirmed that tradition on June 2 and we believe the government should act accordingly.”
On June 2, 2008, by a vote of 137-110, Parliament approved a resolution recommending “that the government immediately implement a program to allow conscientious objectors and their immediate family members (partners and dependents), who have refused or left military service related to a war not sanctioned by the United Nations and do not have a criminal record, to apply for permanent resident status and remain in Canada; and that the government should immediately cease any removal or deportation actions that may have already commenced against such individuals.”
PAW urges Manitobans to contact the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Diane Finley, and Prime Minister Stephen Harper to insist that they implement the will of Parliament and stay deportation proceedings against Corey Glass:
Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Diane Finley
phone 613.996.4974
fax 613.996.9749
email finley.d@parl.gc.ca and finled1@parl.gc.ca
Prime Minister Stephen Harper
phone 613.992.4211
fax 613.941.6900
email pm@pm.gc.ca