FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 13, 2007
SIKSAY INTRODUCES CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION BILL
NDP respects Canadians who object to the use of their tax dollars for military purposes
OTTAWA – Today, Bill Siksay (Burnaby Douglas) introduced a Bill which would allow Canadians who object, on conscientious or religious grounds to paying taxes which would fund military purposes, to have their income tax diverted into a special conscientious objector account.
“This Bill would recognize the very deeply held convictions of those Canadians who believe that participating in any way in the activities of war sanctions and perpetuates killing and violence,” said Siksay. “The Bill provides an important option for those who want to ensure their tax dollars are used only for peaceful purposes.”
“Canada has a long history of respecting the views of those who object to participating in military action or funding,” said Siksay. “I hope this tradition will be continued by the implementation of this Bill.”
The Bill, seconded by NDP MP Alex Atamanenko, (B.C. Southern Interior) was re-introduced from a previous version (C-348) wherein only the portion of the conscientious objector’s taxes directed to the military would be redirected to a conscientious objector account. After consultations with Conscience Canada, the Quakers, the Mennonite Central Committee, and the Mennonite Church of Canada, the Bill was re-drafted to propose the redirection of all the conscientious objector’s taxes into a special account that can be used for any purpose except for a military purpose.
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For more information:
Office of Bill Siksay, MP 613-996-5597