Citizenship and Immigration committee  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 milita

Citizenship and Immigration committee  I would simply say that the distinction between the objection to specific wars versus general objection is an important point. However, the reality on the ground may well be a specific war that is just totally unacceptable. To say, well, I'm being asked to kill civilians but I wo

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Well, that's fine. It could be broadened or not; I'm here in terms of American soldiers who have deserted the Iraq War. There are many possible amendments or resolutions that could get this point across. Obviously, though, the present policy is that you make a humanitarian and

Citizenship and Immigration committee  A halt in removal?

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Yes, well, that's a first step. But as well, I would like there to be some instruction from this committee or from the Parliament that represents the Canadian people that conscientious objection to the Iraq War is a positive circumstance that suggests that the people who have d

Citizenship and Immigration committee  If I could answer that, I think deserters are deserving of assistance. That doesn't mean I think that others aren't also deserving of assistance. Canada is a large country, and if we're talking about 50 or 100 people, I doubt very much whether there is a zero-sum game, where if w

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Thank you very much for that question. I believe it would be quite easy to write an amendment to section 25 of IRPA. The amendment would simply instruct the person making a decision with respect to humanitarian and compassionate considerations to take into account the status as

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Thank you very much, Mr. Chair and members, for allowing me to speak to you today. I want to be brief, but I think Phillip McDowell has been very compelling in what he had to say to you. I would simply say the fact that the courts have decided that these people are technically