October 8, 2001
Prime Minister Chretien
Office of the Prime Minister
80 Wellington St.
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A2
Dear Prime Minister Chretien,
Please recognize the compassion and intelligence of the Canadian people to find solutions to terrorism that does not involve violent military actions. Call a Royal Commission to collect the democratic, wisdom of the people to such a complex and multi-faceted problem. The insights of the Council of Churches, Peace Groups such as Project Plowshares, university students, multi-cultural groups and concerned citizens will provide a plan for peace that has depth and a future.
The massive military bombings of Afghanistan and Iraq will only create more despair, suffering and anger that fuels terrorism.
Only justice, respect of human rights and food for the hungry can bring peace.
17% of the Afghan population has already been maimed by landmines. Canada showed real leadership in spearheading the landmines treaty. Now is the time once again to forge out a road of wisdom, compassion and human values that call us to our very best.
An appropriate and creative response to the tragedy in New York and the tragedy of the Afghan bombings is to begin a treaty to stop the sales of arms around the world which is profit made off of the conflict and blood of others. A second and creative step would be to start a satellite University of Peace (as in Costa Rica) which is based on the principles of non-violence here in Canada. Thirdly, the government should begin consulting more actively with its' citizens and begin a Commission on Peace and Future Generations.
Yours sincerely
Denise Lagassé