8.20.2008

tonight in toronto: come out in support of war resisters

Tonight in Toronto, please attend an emergency public meeting of the War Resisters Support Campaign at the Steelworkers Hall, 25 Cecil Street. Get involved. Learn how you can help.

The meeting will be followed by a fundraiser at Grossman's Tavern, featuring music by Chloe Watkinson and the Crossroads. Music starts at 8:30; all proceeds benefit the War Resisters Support Campaign.

The Campaign is facing huge legal bills, and every little bit helps. Admission is $10, or what you can.

Grossman's Tavern is at 379 Spadina, corner of Cecil Street, Toronto.

* * * *

Last week, the Immigration and Refugee Board rejected the final appeal of Jeremy Hinzman, the first US war resister to apply for safe haven in Canada. Jeremy, his spouse Nga Nguyen, their six year old son and infant daughter have been ordered to leave Canada by September 23.

In the US, Jeremy will be court martialled for desertion. He will likely receive a prison sentence - anywhere from one year to life - and a dishonourable or bad conduct discharge. These discharges are the equivalent of a felony offense. Jeremy would be unable to get student loans, a mortgage, or almost any job.

His crime: he refused to kill innocent people in an illegal, immoral and unnecessary war.

On June 3, the Canadian Parliament passed a motion calling on the Government to allow war resisters to remain legally in Canada. All three opposition parties came together for this historic vote - but the Harper Government has ignored it.

Poll after poll shows that the majority of the Canadian people - people of all parties, in all areas of the country - support allowing Iraq War resisters to stay legally in Canada.

One war resister, Robin Long, has already been deported. Robin is now in military prison; his court martial is this Friday. (Robin also has a Canadian-born son.) We cannot let this happen to another person of conscience.

These deportations are not only inhumane. They are a slap in the face to Canadian democracy.

If you care about peace and justice, if you oppose the US occupation of Iraq, NOW is the time to get involved.


If you're in the Toronto area, come to tonight's meeting and/or fundraiser. But everyone in Canada can be involved.

September 13 is the National Day of Action in support of war resisters in Canada.

Check on this blog (click on "war resisters" category) or at the Campaign website for information on local actions or plan an action of your own. The War Resisters Support Campaign can give you materials, connect you with people, and help publicize your event.

It doesn't have to be a huge event. A small demonstration or vigil in as many towns and cities as possible will show the breadth of support for our movement, clear across this huge country.

Get involved: ask me how.

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