Based on our online poll of over 1,800 Ceasefire.ca supporters, it is clear that the majority of respondents do not believe that the current path being taken in Afghanistan is the right one. In fact, less than two percent of respondents still believe that the best course of action for Canada in Afghanistan is to […]
Tag Archives: Defence policy
Obama's anti-nuclear speech
On April 5, 2009 President Obama delivered a speech in Prague outlining his nuclear disarmament plan. President Obama’s strategy promised to negotiate a new strategic Arms Reduction Treaty with Russia, pursue U.S. ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, seek a new treaty that ends the production of fissile materials intended for use in state […]
Steven Staples addresses the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee on Canada-US relations
On March 11, 2009 Steven Staples of Ceasefire.ca and the Rideau Institute appeared before the Standing Committe of Foreign Affairs and International Development on the topic of Canada-US relations. He advocated for the enhancement of space security and supported nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. View the transcript of the debate or read his remarks below: Members of the Committee, Ladies and Gentleman: […]
Why Canadians want their country to be a peacekeeping nation
As opposition to Canada’s combat mission in Afghanistan grows, support for Canada’s traditional role as a peacekeeping nation is on the rise. In an article he wrote for the Toronto Star, Eugene Lang, former chief of staff to two ministers of national defence, states that “…the allure of non-violent peacekeeping does not correspond to the realities of today’s UN missions.” While this is valid […]
Remarks to students at St. Thomas Moore College (audio)
Here is a recording of my remarks to a group of students at St. Thomas More College on the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon. My thanks to Michael Murphy of Development and Peace and the Saskatoon Peace Coalition for making this event happen.
Canadians leery of Stephen Harper's plan to spend a half trillion dollars on defence as national economy weakens
September 25, 2008 – OTTAWA – A new poll commissioned by the Rideau Institute reveals a high degree of public anxiety with Stephen Harper and his Conservative Party’s 20-year, $490 billion defence strategy, with half of Canadians supporting a reduction in this planned spending. (more…)