Liberal MP introduces war resisters bill
THE CANADIAN PRESS
Sep 17, 2009 05:39 PM
OTTAWA A Liberal MP has introduced a private member's bill aimed at letting American “war resisters” stay in Canada.
Gerard Kennedy's bill would allow foreign military deserters or those who refuse mandatory military service to stay in Canada if their action is based on “sincere moral, political or religious objection.”
MPs have already voted twice to support war resisters, but that was through motions that are not binding on the government.
Kennedy's bill would be binding because it would amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
Private members' bills rarely become law, but passage is more likely in the current minority government situation.
Most war resisters in Canada are U.S. military personnel who have refused to participate in the Iraq War on the grounds that it's illegal and immoral.
At least two have already been deported to the U.S.
