This is an archive of news stories and research from the National Union of Public and General Employees. Please see our new site - https://nupge.ca - for the most current information.
National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is encouraging Canadians to raise their voices against the war in Iraq and Afghanistan and participate local events on the anniversary of
Ottawa (10 March 2008) - The Canadian Peace Alliance and the Collectif Échec à la guerre are calling for a pan-Canadian mobilization on March 15 to coincide with the fifth anniversary of the invasion of Iraq.
Protests will be held around the world that weekend in a global day of action to end the occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan. The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is encouraging Canadians to raise their voices against the war in Iraq and Afghanistan and participate in a local event on March 15. Please visit the Canadian Peace Alliance website for events marking the anniversary.
When the war in Iraq began, Canada decided against taking any active role. Canadians supported that decision and their judgment has been vindicated. NUPGE was among the many organizations that spoke out in opposition to the war in Iraq. With the array of events planned to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the war, it is worth looking back on what NUPGE said as a union at the outset and it is difficult not to conclude that the union's assessment of the situation remains as valid today as it was then. Not in our name
In terms of the war in Afghanistan, the main recommendation of the high-profile report by the Panel on Canada's Future Role in Afghanistan, led by former foreign affairs minister John Manley, is that Canadian troops should continue their military mission in Southern Afghanistan beyond 2009.
The Liberals and Conservatives, contrary to the opinion of a clear majority of the population, seem intent on accepting this recommendation and extending Canadian participation in the war for at least three more years. NUPGE has also taken a clear position on this issue, calling for Canada to withdraw its troops and commit to supporting humanitarian aid, reconstruction, progressive organizations in civil society and women's organizations.
In addition, in a recent letter to the Prime Minister, NUPGE national president James Clancy made it clear that the Harper government should provide more support for Canadian forces in Afghanistan and take steps to improve the quality of life for their families back home. NUPGE
More information: