War resisters

Sylvia Powers | Jan 22, 2014

War Resisters

This month marks 10 years since the first U.S. Iraq war resister came to Canada. Without status, the war resisters and their families have been living in limbo as our government refuses to allow these conscientious objectors to stay. During the Vietnam era, Canada welcomed 50,000 draft resisters and deserters. It’s shameful that 40 years later, rather than continuing this proud tradition, our government is using its resources to try to actively intervene in the cases of Iraq resisters to try to ensure they are forced out of Canada despite having parliament vote twice to allow them to stay.

Ten years of uncertainty is too long. It is time to allow those who sought refuge here in Canada from an unjust war to stay.

The government insists that these resisters will not be punished upon their return. This was not the case of Kim Rivera who upon being sent back to the USA was sentenced to 10 months despite being pregnant and forced to have her baby while in prison. Now with a conviction, her chance of employment and other opportunities is slim.