Christmas in Canada for Iraq War Resisters

NANAIMO--The Green Party of Canada is urging Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship & Immigration to stop the deportation proceedings against US Iraq war resister, Cliff Cornell, whose proceedings have been moved to December 19th, and to implement the motion adopted by Canada’s Parliament on June 3rd to allow all U.S. Iraq war resisters the right to apply for permanent resident status.

During the English Leaders’ Debates Prime Minister Stephen Harper actually acknowledged that the Iraq war "was absolutely an error.”  He went on to say “It's obviously clear the evaluation of weapons of mass destruction proved not to be correct. That's absolutely true and that's why we're not sending anybody to Iraq."

“The Green Party demands that Canada adopts the United Nations Handbook on Refugees which clearly states that soldiers who refuse to take part in wars condemned by the international community must be considered refugees,” said Green Party Leader Elizabeth May.

"I find it despicable that this government had not only set Cliff’s deportation hearings for Christmas eve, but has now moved to expedite the process to this week,” decried Ben Hoffman, Peace and Security Shadow Cabinet member, “It just shows the true nature of this government.”

"Both international refugee law and compassion dictate that Canada offer refuge to those who enlisted in an army based on a fraudulent contract. Cliff Cornell should be allowed to celebrate Christmas in Canada secure in the knowledge he is welcome to stay,” said Ms. May

-30-

Contact:
Michael Bernard
Communications Officer
Green Party of Canada
Office : 613 562 4916 ext. 244
Cell : 613 614 4916
Fax : 613 482 4632