Protesters urge end to Afghan mission

Last Updated: Saturday, October 28, 2006 | 8:57 PM ET

CBC News

Demonstrators calling for Canadian troops to be withdrawn from Afghanistan braved inclement weather in cities across the country to take part in rallies called by labour groups, peace activists and Muslim organizations.

Turnout was mixed, depending on weather conditions. In driving snow in Edmonton, fewer than 100 people marched, while several hundred braved the rain in Montreal. 

Francisco Juarez, who was fined by the Canadian forces and released from the reserves for refusing to train for Afghanistan, took part in the rally in Toronto.
CBC

The crowds included a few people with military experience.

Francisco Juarez, a demonstrator in Toronto, was fined by the Canadian army reserves and released earlier this year after he refused to train for the Afghan campaign.

"Today I'm here at the protest because I feel that in whatever way I can, I need to assist in engaging Canadians in a broader debate: the issues of why we're in Afghanistan and what the priorities are in Afghanistan for our Canadian Forces."

At rallies in Toronto and Hamilton, Ont., participants carried placards that read, "War resisters are welcome."

Protesters in Halifax carried a large banner that said, "You can't plant war and expect to harvest peace." Demonstrations also took place in St. John's, Quebec City and Vancouver.

The modest crowds turned out as a poll suggested a majority of Canadians continue to support Canada's military role in Afghanistan.

The first major deployment of Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan was in February 2002. Canada's military contingent there now numbers more than 2,000; 43 soldiers have been killed and more than 200 injured in the campaign.