Canada is a different place politically than it was in the 1970's when so many came here fleeing the Vietnam War. At that time, the government turned a blind eye to waves of resisters. Now, the government refuses to find a way for the current resisters to stay in Canada. This in spite of the contributions to Canada that Vietnam era resisters have made to our society. They teach in our universities, they work in our health care system. They have enriched our society.
Resisters come across the border and apply for Refugee status, but at this time, Canadian courts are refusing to recognise the United States as a place people might want to flee from. So far, all refugee claims from US war resisters have been turned down. Some are under appeal, but there is no government will to let them stay.
If you disagree with this policy you could let our policy makers know. Write your MP, the Minister of Immigration, the Minister of Foreign affairs, and the Prime Minister. We have listed contact addresses below. Remember you don't have to use postage on mail to Members of parliament.
Jean Crowder - Nanaimo-Cowichan
Jean Crowder, Constituency OfficeHon. Monte Solberg - Citizenship and Immigration
Hon. Monte Solbert, Constituency OfficesHon. Greg Francis Thompson - Veterans Affairs
Hon. Greg Thompson, Constituency OfficesJames Lunney - Nanaimo-Alberni
James Lunney, Constituency OfficesHon. Peter MacKay - Foreign Affairs
Hon. Peter MacKay, Constituency OfficesHon. Gordon O'Connor - Defence
Hon. Gordon O'Conner, Constituency OfficesRight Hon. Stephen Harper - Prime Minister
Right Hon. Stephen Harper, Constituency OfficesWhile letters to the politicians seem to have the most effect, and we encourage you to send them, sometimes people just don't have the time and energy to do that. If that is true for you, you might want to sign the online petition to the Government of Canada asking them to change the current policy and offer Afghanistan and Iraq War Resisters refuge in Canada. Sign the petition.
We raise funds and accept donations which we use to offer practical assistance to War Resisters who are living in our area. We have sponsored Coffee Houses, Concerts, Silent Auctions, and art sales. People can make single donations or send us a series of posted dated cheques as a monthly pledge of financial support. We publish our financial reports regularly in our newsletter (see newsletter page), and they are available on request.
Make cheques payable to WRS or War Resisters Support. Send donations to
War Resisters Support
c/o 7516C Lantzville Road,
Lantzville, BC VOR 2H0.
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