Canada must welcome war resisters: Green Party

OTTAWA - Canada must not facilitate the persecution of American war objectors by deporting them to the United States, said the Green Party today. Today, the Supreme Court will decide whether to hear the appeal of two American war resisters who wish to remain in Canada.

“Canada is a peaceful country and we have a proud tradition of welcoming conscientious objectors, most notably American soldiers who fled to Canada while the United States waged war in Vietnam,” said Green Party leader Elizabeth May. “One of the Green Party’s key values is Non-Violence and we strongly believe that Canada should be a sanctuary for war resisters and their families from around the globe, especially those objecting to illegal wars of occupation.

“The U.S. occupation of Iraq began with lies, continues with lies and people are dying because of these lies,” said Ms. May. “The Green Party applauds all soldiers who, upon realizing that they cannot in good conscience participate in George Bush’s illegal war in Iraq, turn to Canada for sanctuary.”

Green Party International Affairs critic Eric Walton added that the Prime Minister Stephen Harper must intercede to stop any attempt to ship war resisters back to their home countries.

“The United Nations Handbook on Refugees is very clear: soldiers who refuse to participate in wars that have been condemned by the international community should be considered refugees. They must be allowed to remain in Canada.”