Stéphane Dion

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January [date], 2008

The Honourable Stéphane Dion

Leader of the Opposition

House of Commons

Ottawa, Ontario

K1A 0A6

Dear Mr. Dion,

I am writing to ask for your support for U.S. war resisters who have come to Canada after deserting the American armed forces rather than be forced to fight in Iraq. The invasion of Iraq was never authorized by the United Nations, and American soldiers who have been in Iraq have told of atrocities and war crimes committed by their fellow soldiers. Others have deserted during their basic training when they discovered that they were being trained to despise the Iraqi people and to kill civilians and to invade their homes, terrorizing women and children.

I understand that a motion will be presented in Parliament very soon, probably similar to one that passed in the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration on December 6, 2007. The text of that motion follows:

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, to apply for permanent resident status and remain in Canada; and that the government should immediately cease any removal or deportation actions that may have already commenced against such individuals.

During the Vietnam War thousands of young Americans came to Canada. We have benefitted greatly as these men became solid citizens. We stand to gain again as these young people of conscience choose Canada as their home.

Please work with the opposition parties to bring such a motion to the House of Commons as soon as possible in this session of Parliament, and please give your support to the motion when it is presented.

Sincerely,