Press Release: February 25, 2008
MEDIA ADVISORY: For Immediate Release – Feb. 25, 2008
Will MPs debating Afghan War listen to constituents – over 160 organizations demanding Housing Not War
Today MPs begin debating whether and how to extend the government’s unpopular war in Afghanistan. They will soon vote on Prime Minister Harper’s confidence motion, revealed at a recent meeting of military lobbyists, aimed at securing Liberal support.
As the House of Commons discusses extending the war most of the country wants to end, an unprecedented and growing alliance of over 160 organizations is demanding Housing Not War: an end to Canada’s war, and a shift of resources from record-high military spending to peace including an extra 1% of the budget for social housing. The national campaign represents a new unification of the peace and anti-poverty movements in the face of a destructive war and a severe national housing crisis in Canada.
“As the politicians debate the war, will the thoughts of ordinary people get through?” asks Beric German, Toronto Disaster Relief Committee (TDRC) co-founder. “Never before has such an alliance spoken out on these crucial issues. In a democracy, that must be respected.”
“This debate should be about more than political play-making by the national political parties”, said Andrew Mindszenthy, TDRC Housing Not War Outreach Co-ordinator. “There is now very broad demand for the government to respect our priorities, and MPs are choosing whether or not to represent us.”
Housing Not War endorsers include Canada’s largest unions and civil society groups, women’s groups, faith groups, scientists, health and social agencies, environmental advocates, immigrant groups, housing co-ops, and many other organizations. Thousands of individual endorsers include Ursula Franklin, Gordon Pinsent, Naomi Klein, Linda McQuaig and politicians from every level of government. (www.HousingNotWar.ca)
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
TDRC Office: 416-599-8372
housingnotwar@tdrc.net
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