Demand Refugee Status for American War Resisters in Canada!

The presence of War Resisters in Canada traces back to the Vietnam War era when more than 30,000 draft eligible Americans made their way to Canada. They were seeking refuge from persecution by the American Government for their refusal to fight in a war that they felt to be unjust. Canada gave these soldiers refuge. Today the number of soldiers refusing to participate in the unjustified and illegal occupation of Iraq is growing. Some are choosing to come to Canada, seeking sanctuary from the Canadian Government, just like that given to their predecessors.
These War Resisters include Jeremy Hinzman, Brandon Hughey, David Sanders, and many more, all of whom are applying for refugee status in Canada and await their day in court in front of the immigration and refugee judges.
Canada must grant full refugee status to American War Resisters who seek it. They must not be punished by the Canadian Government for following their conscience and refusing to fight. We demand that War Resisters be given sanctuary in Canada. We demand that Canada demonstrate its commitment to international law and the treaties that it has signed, by allowing War Resisters to stay in Canada as refugees.