Siksay introduces conscientious objection bill

OTTAWA – Today, Bill Siksay (Burnaby Douglas) introduced a private member’s bill which would allow Canadians who object, on conscientious or religious grounds to paying taxes which would fund military purposes, to have their income tax diverted into a special conscientious objector account.

“This bill would recognize the very deeply held convictions of those Canadians who believe that participating in any way in the activities of war sanctions and perpetuates killing and violence,” said Siksay. “The bill provides an important option for those who want to ensure their tax dollars are used only for peaceful purposes.”

“I am honoured to be associated with the Peace Tax campaign led by members of Conscience Canada and their partners. Working with citizens who fully appreciate their complex responsibilities as members of Canadian society and who seek a path of peace for Canada in the world, is at once rewarding and challenging,” noted Siksay.

“I hope that Canada’s long history of respecting the views of those who object to participating in military action will be continued by the eventual adoption of this bill,” concluded Siksay.