Evidence of meeting #6 for Citizenship and Immigration in the 39th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was objection.
A recording is available from Parliament.
5 p.m.
As an Individual
Yes, I understand that as well. There are administrative ways, where soldiers who oppose the Afghan War can do alternate service within the military. Obviously, the difference between the Iraq War and Afghanistan is, as Mr. Telegdi was saying, that it's carried out under a military umbrella, and there was, I believe, an actual attack against the United States that originated in Afghanistan, which gives rise legally to a right of self-defence. To me, there is no similar argument in the case of Iraq. The war is a totally unjustified invasion, in the same way if Canada decided to overthrow the Government of Paraguay.
5 p.m.
Liberal
Colleen Beaumier Liberal Brampton West, ON
The lies are lies; they're just bigger in Iraq than they are in Afghanistan.
5 p.m.
Liberal
Colleen Beaumier Liberal Brampton West, ON
Do you mean have I stopped having my hissy fit? I think I've calmed down.
5 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Norman Doyle
No, according to the clock, I could allow you 60 seconds more, but thank you.
I want to thank members and witnesses for coming today to be part of this study that we're undertaking, and hopefully we'll be able to make some good recommendations to the ministers when we've heard the various witnesses who will be coming in to talk to us.
Thank you. I wish we had more time, because I'm sure people wanted to get on who didn't, and I apologize for that, but that's all we can do.
Thank you very much.
We will allow a moment for the witnesses to leave the table.
We are going to the motions. You all have the motion before you by Mr. Karygiannis, which was circulated to the committee some time ago, and which is scheduled today for discussion.
There are a couple of changes in that motion Mr. Karygiannis is putting forth, and if you have the motion in front of you, what he's saying here is:
The committee recommends that the government immediately implement a program to allow conscientious objectors and their immediate family members (partners and dependents), who have refused or left military service related to the war in Iraq....
5:05 p.m.
Liberal
Jim Karygiannis Liberal Scarborough—Agincourt, ON
It reads:
The committee recommends that the government immediately implement a program to allow conscientious objectors and their immediate family members (partners and dependents), who have refused or left military service related to a war not sanctioned by the United Nations and do not have a criminal record, apply for permanent resident status and remain in Canada; and that the government should immediately cease any removal for deportation actions that may have already commenced against such individuals.
5:05 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Norman Doyle
Okay. In order to present the motion in this particular form, the member would require unanimous consent of the committee.
5:05 p.m.
Liberal
5:05 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Norman Doyle
We will have somebody move it.
Do we have unanimous consent to move it in this way?
5:05 p.m.
Some hon. members
Agreed.
5:05 p.m.
An hon. member
Amend it.
5:05 p.m.
Conservative
5:05 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Norman Doyle
You could have made it known when I asked if there was unanimous consent.
5:05 p.m.
Some hon. members
No.
5:05 p.m.
An hon. member
Amend it.
5:05 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Norman Doyle
I will leave it to somebody to amend the motion if it's going to be done in that way.
You heard the amendment.
5:05 p.m.
NDP
Olivia Chow NDP Trinity—Spadina, ON
I will amend it if you need further amendments. I will make that amendment.
5:05 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Norman Doyle
Any discussion on the amendment, first of all?
All in favour of the amendment?
