Canadian Parliament should give peace a chance: London Free Press










Inspired at least in part by Cat Stevens’ 1971 hit Peace Train, a band of ardent peace activists is slow rolling its way across Canada. The group of 40 left Vancouver aboard a Via train on Nov. 15. With a few stops along the way, they plan to arrive in Ottawa Nov. 20.

Along with other “peace trainers” from points south and east, they’ll spend three days meeting MPs, holding panel discussions and participating in a rally on Parliament Hill on Nov. 23.

Their aim, as stated in a petition to be presented to the House of Commons by B.C. MP Gord Johns: that Parliament “establish and fund a Centre of Excellence for Peace and Justice focused on research, education and training in conflict resolution, diplomacy and peace operations for Canadian civilians, police, military personnel and the international community.”

Never mind that petitions to the House seldom catch the attention of government, let alone result in action. Organizer Keith Wyton of Vancouver Island says he’s motivated as much by conscience – wanting to leave the world a better place for his family – as by the aim of changing the course of Canadian military and foreign policy.

Read the full story by columnist Larry Cornies in the London Free Press.

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