Atamanenko seeks to give Conscientious Objectors the right to stop paying for war
By Contributor
Alex Atamanenko, MP (BC Southern Interior), introduced a Private Members Bill in the House of Commons today that would give conscientious objectors an official sanction to spend their taxes on nonviolent alternatives to war.
Bill C-363, would allow Canadians, who object to paying taxes for military purposes on conscientious or religious grounds, to divert an amount equal to the military portion of their income tax to a special account that could only be allocated to non-military peace-building purposes.
“Having the ability to register with Canada Revenue as a conscientious objector to war and direct some of your tax money directly towards promoting peace in the world lies at the very heart of what democracy is all about,” stated the BC MP.
“For those who believe we are all responsible for our nation’s military actions and role in the world, this right is fundamental.”
A particular tenet of the bill is that regulations would be developed in consultation with Conscience Canada Inc., Mennonite Church Canada, Mennonite Central Committee of Canada and the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Canada.
I am honoured to have the opportunity to continue the work begun by my retired NDP colleague Bill Siksay, who authored the original bill. Thanks to Anna Kirkpatrick and Conscience Canada for the valuable input they provided to strengthen Bill C-363.
Submitted.
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