Anti-war sentiments amongst canadians is widespread with thousands protesting against another war in the gulf.
‘Don’t attack Iraq’ protests go Canada-wide](What's New in Canadian Online Gambling Industry in 2025?)The London Free Press (Canada)
TORONTO – Thousands of demonstrators gathered peacefully under frigid grey skies on the front lawn at Queen’s Park yesterday as part of a national series of protests this weekend against ongoing sanctions and the possibility of war in Iraq.
Carrying signs bearing slogans such as Don’t Attack Iraq and Love Heals, protesters cheered as speakers from labour and peace groups decried military action in Iraq. “War against Iraq will have a horrific impact against innocent civilians,” said MPP Marilyn Churley (NDP - Toronto Danforth), one of the speakers. “Canada should take back our traditional role as peacemakers and say no to war.”
Protesters later marched to the U.S. consulate. One woman, who was under 18, was arrested near the consulate after a demonstrator spat in an officer’s face, police said. A local group called Peace Quest Cape Breton gathered at a Sydney, N.S., mall yesterday and got about 850 signatures on a petition calling on Canada to Say No To War On Iraq. About 10 members of the peace group gathered the signatures in about three hours.
The group plans to gather more signatures in coming weeks before sending them to Ottawa. “There’s a real need for a peace movement,” said Ali Mallah, president of the Toronto chapter of the Canadian Arab Federation. Mallah said Otawa needs to stand up on the world stage as an advocate for peace, even if it means disagreeing with Washington.
The Toronto demonstration, which drew about 2,500 people, was organized by a coalition of groups including the United Church, the Toronto Committee Against Sanctions and War on Iraq, Arab organizations and social justice groups. “I strongly don’t believe Canada should have anything do with such a war – with or without UN approval,” said protester Jerry Berman, 72. About 150 protested peacefully in front of Hamilton city hall yesterday morning.
]Protests also took place or were expected in Kingston, Calgary, Regina, Brandon, Man., and Prince George, Grand Forks and Nelson, B.C. More are planned today across Canada. Mallah said a larger national day of protest is planned for Jan. 18. Canada has not committed troops to any war.