Mr. Speaker, over the past year I have had the pleasure of meeting some young Americans who have come to Canada because of their opposition to the illegal war in Iraq.
They are here because they want no part of this immoral, disastrous war. Some of them lived through the horror of the invasion.
Some Canadians have criticized these young men and women for having the courage to speak out against this war. Let us look at this in context.
Young U.S. citizens, many of whom are part of the 47 million without health care, are attracted to the slick ads that promote the glamour of military life. They are promised a job, a uniform, a college education along with free medical and dental care. However, once reality sets in they see the horror of this war and some choose to come to Canada.
I call on our government to welcome these young Americans to Canada so that they can become loyal, productive members of our society.
Let Canada once again be known as a refuge from militarism.