Student groups across campus are taking a stand against war this Saturday. A cross-Canada action for peace is in the works, calling for an end to the “war on terrorism” and a stop to neo-liberal trade agreements. The September 11 Peace Coalition is calling for a Day of Action to be held on November 17.

The plan is to call on the Canadian government to withdraw all troops in the Canadian Forces helping in the war against terrorism, and assemble troops to assess the World Trade Organization (WTO), International Monetary Fund (IMF), and World Bank agreements.

“The alternative to war is to begin rebuilding the world’s infrastructures, like food, shelter, medical care, education, jobs, and justice,” said Deborah Bourque, co-chair of the September 11 Peace Coalition. The Coalition formed on October 5 to oppose Canada’s participation in military retaliation against terrorism and speak out against racism resulting from the attacks on the US.

U of T’s campus counterpart is called the Campus Coalition Against War and Racism.

People will be gathering at 1 p.m. at Queen’s Park and will be marching to Metro Hall.

Some thoughts from endorsers
Compiled by: Karolina Walczak

Jorge Sousa from Graduate Students Union (GSU)

“We’ve endorsed peaceful issues of magnitude and alternatives to violence before within our group. Our endorsement is in line with the values of CFS and we support it with those values in mind, to support peaceful alternatives.”

Pam Frache from Canadian Federation of Students (CFS)

“Social programs tend to work better in times of peace than times of strife…the Ontario government has put money into the anti-terrorism program instead of post-secondary education or healthcare…education, healthcare and tolerance for all people…all these are reasons why we endorse the Nov. 17 Day of Peace and Justice”

Emily Sadowski from Association of Part-time Undergraduate Students (APUS)

“Students want a peaceful resolution. Any peace movement needs strong student support. This event could be a step towards moving into the wider peace movement.”

Mookie Cherian from OPIRG-Toronto

“It is important for students to add their voices to the movement that doesn’t support the Canadian government’s involvement in the bombing of innocent civilians in Afghanistan. This may be one of the last opportunities to exercise the right to assembly and freedom of expression because of the forthcoming anti-terrorism bill which will make it illegal to have a dissenting voice against unjust practices carried out by the Canadian government.”

Samer Muscati from Students in Law for the Advancements of Minorities (SLAM is the Umbrella Group for MLSA, BLSA, SALSA and Women and the Law)

“We endorse the Nov. 17 Day of Peace and Justice because it supports peace. Millions of people are being killed, the cycle of violence has to stop and that can’t happen unless you have global solidarity.”

Alex Kerner from Students Administrative Council (SAC)

“SAC does not endorse the Nov 17. Day of Peace and Justice but encourages students to participate. For a lot of students the issue of bombing in Afghanistan is a concern and they are looking for alternative solutions, we encourage students who are concerned to participate.”

Other groups who endorse the “Nov. 17 Day of Peace and Justice” are:

Muslim Law Students Association, Black Law Students Association, South Asian Law Students Association, Women and the Law, Science for Peace, Arab Students Association, Rise Up! Students for Global Justice