Canadians step up cross—Canada campaign against U.S. Missile Defence

Catholic New Times, Feb 29, 2004

TORONTO -- The Canadian Peace Alliance, appalled at recent announcements stating that Canada will sign on to the U.S. Missile Defence, is stepping up a cross-Canada campaign against the plan. Between now and the federal election, CPA will be calling on Canadians to make their voices heard by Paul Martin and the Liberals in Ottawa.

The campaign includes petition, postcard, letter-writing, street actions and consultation with Members of Parliament.

Its main planks are: 1. Missile Defence is an offensive system. It is not only about protecting the U.S. from alleged "rogue states" but, in particular, the "Theatre Missile Defence" component, which receives the majority of funding is actually about offensive capabilities and is designed to provide massive firepower for advancing armies. There is a deliberate deception being practiced.

2. Missile Defense will provoke arms races on earth and in space. The U.S. "long range plan" has always stated that it will lead to the weaponization of space. Canada has recently admitted to the fact after years of denial. It is a green light for countries to create new weapons of mass destruction.

"We will make Missile Defence a key election issue", said Dave McKee, co-chair of the Canadian Peace Alliance.

Well-known Canadian nationalist and writer Mel Hurtig (Pay the Rent or Feed the Kids) will be speaking in Toronto on Tuesday, March 9th at Innis Town Hall, St, George and Sussex, two blocks south of Bloor, at 7:30 p.m. Hurtig will be speaking about his forthcoming book Rushing to Armageddon.