Peace Activists Speak Out at Victoria Day Parade 

by UVic Students Against War

Dear Friends; the Canadian Government is disregarding the democratic will of Canadians by extending the mission in Afghanistan until 2011 and by continuing to send Canadian soldiers to the war in Iraq.

 

The Liberal-Conservative coalition is playing power politics while Canadian soldiers are dying and democracy crumbles here and abroad.

We object to the gross violations of human rights which have been witnessed in these two wars. While torture, chemical weapons and indiscriminate bombings are no less tolerable than the tactics of any Taliban or Saddam Hussein, our terror carries the flag of democracy, reflecting poorly upon us.

[This notice from the Students Against War invites all activists to
join in. While many Victorians may scratch their heads about the
overwhelming presence of a US marching band-colonial culture in "OUR" parade, SAW is taking this opportunity to divert attention from war to peace. - Victoria Peace Coalition]

 

The Victoria Day parade, this Monday May 19th, celebrates Canada's continuing colonialism at home and abroad, and glamorizes a military culture which brings havoc and corporate profits. Tanks and guns are instruments that kill people, not something that children should be riding on or waving to. It is time our society moved beyond these colonial relics and celebrated something that brings about peace and understanding, not war.

We support the troops coming home, which is why we fight for democracy here. We are standing in solidarity with people around the world, advocating for freedom and justice.  We demand our tax dollars be spent building communities in Canada, rather than destroying them overseas. We insist that all funding for the extended mission, as well as Brigadier-General Nicolas Matern's salary while deployed in Iraq, be redirected to housing, health care and education.

Students Against War is calling our friends and allies to support our rights and stand up against our would-be rulers on May 19th. Come leaflet, hold placards and banners, or voice your support.