NUPGE criticizes report from Afghanistan advisory panel

'Peace and democracy cannot be brought to another country through war and occupation.' - James Clancy

Ottawa (23 Jan. 2008) – The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is criticizing the main recommendations of the advisory panel studying the future of Canada’s military commitment in Afghanistan, saying they merely tinker with the current mission instead of offering real change.

"These recommendations will not help to build sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan,” says James Clancy, NUPGE's national president.

"The options this panel studied were far too limiting from the outset," says Clancy. "Rather than looking just at Canada’s military role in Afghanistan, what we need instead is a full public debate about what an independent foreign policy for Canada should look like in the 21st century."

The high-profile, five-member Afghan advisory panel, led by former foreign affairs minister John Manley, was appointed by Prime Minister Stephen Harper to recommend what Canada should do when the mandate of its current Afghan commitment runs out in February 2009.

The main recommendation of the panel is that Canadian troops should continue their military mission in Southern Afghanistan beyond 2009 if they receive additional equipment and more support from other countries.

“We’re disappointed with the recommendation that Canada's military role should be extended,” says Clancy. “At our policy convention last year our members made it clear they disagree with the Canadian military combat role in Afghanistan and want our troops to come home.”

The Prime Minister has promised a parliamentary debate and vote on the future of the Afghan mission.

“If Parliament agrees to extend the mission this time, where does it end? Will it end? How will it end? We’re once again urging all political parties to support our call for Canada to immediately withdraw its troops and to focus instead on peacemaking, development and reconstruction.”

Peace and the Global Commons Policy Paper

Delegates to the 2007 National Union convention in Fredericton adopted a policy paper on peace. The paper stated, "It is time for Canadians to seriously examine the premise underlying our government’s support for the U.S.-led occupation of Afghanistan – peace and democracy cannot be brought to another country through war and occupation.

"History has shown us that such an approach will not be successful. The National Union joins the call for Canada to immediately withdraw its troops from Afghanistan and to commit to supporting humanitarian aid, progressive organizations in civil society and women’s organizations.” NUPGE

More information:

? Peace and the Global Commons Policy Paper - pdf

(Published as n23ja08c.htm)