November 18, 2007

WAR RESISTERS SUPPORT CAMPAIGNwww.resisters.caresisters@sympatico.ca

SUPREME COURT DECISION ON WAR RESISTER APPEAL

SPARKS CANADA WIDE MOBILIZATION


"POLITICAL SOLUTION FROM PARLIAMENT IS NOW TOP PRIORITY"
- WAR RESISTERS SUPPORT CAMPAIGN

(Ottawa) – Today the Supreme Court of Canada decided to not hear appeals from US Iraq War resisters seeking refuge in Canada. In response to today's decision, the War Resisters Support Campaign has announced plans to ramp up pressure for a political solution, calling for a provision from Parliament to allow resisters and their families to stay in Canada.

The War Resisters Support Campaign are hold cross-country rallies today to call on Parliament to do the right thing and allow resisters to stay in Canada.

  • WHO: War Resisters Support Campaign and allies (Ottawa area)

  • WHAT: Demonstration to appeal for political support

  • WHEN: Thursday November 15 at 5:30 p.m.

  • WHERE: Human Rights Monument, Elgin and Lisgar streets (just South of Laurier St).

"Following today's decision we call on Parliament to take a stand by enacting a provision that would allow U.S. war resisters and their families to stay in Canada," said actor and activist Shirley Douglas. "The Supreme Court has handed the issue back to Parliament. It is urgent that Parliament demonstrate leadership and act in accordance with Canadian tradition. Do not let the principles that Canadians cherish slip away. "

Today's Supreme Court decision, by a panel of three judges, prevents the full court from reviewing the decisions of the Immigration and Refugee Board regarding the refugee status of resisters Jeremy Hinzman and Brandon Hughey. The Immigration and Refugee Board had refused to grant refugee status to Hinzman and Hughey.

Resisters have already found widespread support among Canadians, including from faith groups, trade unions, peace organizations and thousands of individuals and families who have extended a welcome. In a June 2007 poll by Strategic Communications, 64.6% of respondents in Ontario think that resisters should be allowed to stay in Canada (margin of error +/- 4%, 19 times out of 20).

The War Resisters Support Campaign has been assisting US Iraq War resisters who come to Canada because of their opposition to the Iraq War since 2004.

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