Joshua Key in 2011. Photo: Paul S. Graham
By Peace Alliance Winnipeg
As many of you know, rather than continue to be a part of the illegal invasion of Iraq, Joshua Key deserted the US military in 2004 and sought refugee status in Canada. After a decade in Canada, Joshua has finally been told he is eligible for health care and permitted to work. While the health card has yet to arrive, this is all good news for Joshua and his family. He is actively seeking work and is cautiously optimistic about the future.
Because Joshua has been unable to work, he and his wife and four children depend on the kindness of extended family and friends for basic necessities. Peace Alliance Winnipeg is once again asking for your help in lending support to Josh and his family. Here are some of the ways you can help.
1. Make a donation. You can do this online at our website. Go to http://peacealliancewinnipeg.ca and click on the “donate” icon on the upper right hand side of the page. Follow the directions. Be sure to write “For Joshua Key” or similar language in the “special instructions to the seller” dialogue box.
2. Help Joshua find work in or near Winnipeg. He’s trained as a welder and a machinist and is skilled as a home handyman. He hopes to work construction or making home repairs. If you have work for him or know someone who might, you can message him on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/joshua.key.357) or send him an email at joshuanalexina@gmail.com.
3. The threat of deportation has not been lifted by the new Liberal government. Contact your Member of Parliament. Remind your MP that the House of Commons voted for a non-binding resolutions in 2008 to “allow conscientious objectors…to a war not sanctioned by the United Nations…to…remain in Canada…” – a resolution that was supported by all parties (except the Conservatives). Tell him/her that Joshua and all other war resisters must be welcomed to stay in Canada as we would any immigrant or refugee. If you don’t know how to contact your MP, look here: http://www.parl.gc.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members.
You can learn more about American war resisters in Canada at http://resisters.ca. Please share this message widely.
1 comment for “Joshua Key’s struggle continues”