By: Trisha Allie, Editor

 Canada did not enter the war in Iraq with the United States Of America, since the United Nations did not sanction the need for military action. Jean Chrétien, Prime Minister of Canada, claims that “we in Canada never went to war without the authorization of the United Nations.”

Many Canadians are against the war in Iraq. On March 21^st of this year, due to a number of protests that included upwards of 10 000 protestors, many streets in major cities such as Toronto, were closed. Alison Macdonald, a high school student said on the subject of George W. Bush, "I think he's just a big bully basically". Other high school students placed locks around their necks and attached them to the fence at to the entrance of the British High Commission protesting the war in Iraq.

 The following is the text of the statement Prime Minister Jean Chrétien made in the Foyer of the House of Commons in reaction to the start of the war in Iraq:  

"The war has started and we hope it will be brief with a minimum of casualties on both sides. At this point, I think there is no use debating the reasons why some people think war is necessary and some people think it is not. We should not say anything that would comfort Saddam Hussein.

The government of Canada is concerned with the safety of all Canadians. I want to assure everyone that we are continuing to take all necessary measures to protect Canadians and insure our security. We are working closely with American authorities to ensure that our borders and crossings remain safe and efficient.

We think about the safety and security of our troops who are performing indispensable tasks in the fight against international terrorism in the Gulf region.

The government is already working closely with the international community at the multilateral level to start reconstructing Iraq post-war."  

When Canada made a democratic decision through our parliament not to join the U.S in their fight against Iraq, many Americans, including the president himself denounced our decision, calling it unfortunate and disappointing. Some more outspoken Americans even went as far as to call our decision cowardly.

But history shows that Canada is not and has never been a cowardly nation. In fact, looking back throughout our history in the last 100 years, Canadians have fought with distinction in a number of wars.

Previous to 1931 Canada still had ties to the British Empire that automatically put us to war when Britain was at war. Without question or debate, our soldiers packed up, and went to Europe to fight alongside Britain in the First World War. After the Statute of Westminster, Canada was fully independent to make such decisions on her own.

            In 1939, the Liberal government of Mackenzie King decided on joining the cause in World War Two, only after the issue went through a full debate and subsequent approval in Parliament.

In 1950, Canada sent troops to assist the United Nations in Korea, but again, only after it was debated, discussed and approved in Parliament.

In the case of the Vietnam War in 1964-73, Canada again discussed involvement in this war in Parliament, but like the situation in Iraq, we chose not to be involved with the Americans in that controversial war. During that war, our border remained undefended and our economy grew.

Since the beginning of the 20^th century, Canadians have earned the respect of the world as peacemakers. We earned this respect by following proper parliamentary procedure and from following the ethics of democracy. We, in Canada, elect our government officials to make the best decisions for the security and the well being of all Canadians. If we believe in this process, then we must abide by the decisions that come from it. Our politicians think through each involvement in global disagreements, and if they feel the cause is justified, then our armed forces will join the cause willingly and with passion. The wars in Vietnam and Iraq are two wars which our government felt were not justified. As a true Canadian, and a believer in the democratic process, I therefore support their decision, now and then.