Mr. Speaker, I am tabling a petition in the House today with thousands of signatures from Canadians who are calling on the Canadian government to demonstrate its commitment to international law and the treaties to which it is a signatory by making provision for U.S. war objectors to have sanctuary in this country.
They point out that there are many legal opinions that have deemed that the U.S. invasion and war in Iraq is illegal, and recognize that there are a growing number of American soldiers and their families who have made the decision to seek sanctuary in Canada. However, Canada's Immigration and Refugee Board has asserted that the legality of the war has had no relevance in deciding their claims.
The petitioners are saying that Canada should not be punishing U.S. war objectors for exercising their conscience and refusing to fight, given that they would face severe punishment if they were returned to the U.S.