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8- The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday November 17, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com Why are our soldiers in Afghanistan? Linda McQuaig says it's not for the reasons the Canadian government wants us to believe By David Lea OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF On-line Parent Survey Please visit the site below to complete an on-line survey for families that use our Centre. Once at this site proceed to "Participant Survey" and select "Oakville Parent-Child Centre, Oakville, Ontario." This site provides us with important information that can help us deliver quality programs for you and your child. Your time is appreciated in completing this survey. Thank you for your help. http://e-valuation.frp.ca Canada is only in Afghanistan to please the Americans. This was one in a series of eyebrow raising conclusions arrived at by journalist and former Oakville resident Linda McQuaig during a presentation at St. John's United Church, which marked the release of her new book, Holding the Bully's Coat: Canada and the U.S. Empire. Before an audience of about 40 people, McQuaig spoke of some of her book's themes, which included a warning that Canada is on a slippery slope to losing its identity because of its involvement in the American-led war on terror. "We're being transformed from a country that has traditionally focused on peacekeeping, internationalism and the rule of law into a country that is more focused on being a combative nation in the world," she said. "We're becoming a junior partner in George Bush's so-called war on terror, which we've seen with our role in Afghanistan." McQuaig says this transformation can be seen in Canada's departure from one of the things it is best known for, peacekeeping. In recent years, McQuaig notes, Canada has gone from being a major participant in United Nations peacekeeping missions to being 49th, in terms of contributions, ranking behind Togo, Fiji and Burkina Faso. McQuaig also pointed out that when the 50th anniversary of Lester B. Pearson's actions during the Suez Crisis of 1956, where he averted war by introducing peacekeepers, arrived last year, it was not recognized by the Harper government. "A few months later was the 90th anniversary of Vimy Ridge, also a very important event, and of course this was enormously celebrated by the Harper government because they want to celebrate war," said McQuaig. With the extinguishing of the country's peacekeeping identity, an increase Gifts from the Heart - 3 weeks The best gifts are handmade and from the heart. Bring along your child and work together to create those very special Christmas gifts for friends and family. We'll bring the materials and ideas... you bring the kids and the love! Location: North Service Rd Start Dates: December 4th / December 5th Time: Tuesdays or Wednesdays, 1:15 ­ 3:15 p.m. Age Group: 2½ to 5 years Cost: $40.00 with childcare (includes materials for one child) $30.00 without childcare Registration required SALE ON NOW Dining Suites For Christmas And Baby Makes 4 (or more?) Come and visit our new drop-in program for parents of multiples (twins or triplets) and their children, newborn to 5 years. A fun time with your family in our playroom, with songs and a story: · Saturday mornings from 9:30 ­ 11:00 am at our North Service Rd. location · $5.00 per family per visit Check out our website for up coming Parenting Programs in January or call for more information. Linda McQuaig in military spending, from an annual $13 billion in 2005 to a projected $19.4 billion by 2010, is another symptom of the transformation Canada is going through, said McQuaig. She believes the major opposition parties have remained largely silent on this issue. "Think about that. At the very best all those armaments go unused and all that money is a wash and at worst they're used," said McQuaig. "So this is an industry that is completely negative." Another problem McQuaig has with increased military spending is that it creates a support system for war where, because so many people are employed in the armaments industry and the military, cutting it back is taken off the political agenda and it becomes almost impossible to move away from war making. "There was a big military procurement that went through for a number of tanks and Gordon O'Connor (then Defense Minister) was asked at the House of Commons, `Should we really be investing in these tanks when we don't know how long we're going to be in Afghanistan for?' O'Connor said, `Afghanistan and these types of engagements are the future for 10 or 15 years,'" said McQuaig. "So they're thinking long term that if it's not Afghanistan it will be somewhere else." As for the war in Afghanistan itself, McQuaig said it is the greatest proof that Canada's identity is at risk as Canada has allowed itself to become involved in a war with no real justification. "We're there to please the Americans," said McQuaig. "This is about our trade partner. We're killing over there and we're allowing Canadians to be killed to help out our trade partner, and if that's the case I think we should identify that that is what this is about and we should stop glorifying the war and start actually focusing on what we're doing." McQuaig acknowledges that the treatment of women in Afghanistan is at times barbaric, however, when it comes to fixing this problem, she feels, solutions can best be found within Afghanistan. "It is none of our business to go over there and remake their world. In fact, I think we do nothing but harm by doing so because what we do is strengthen those who are the most oppressive," said McQuaig. "They are strengthened because they can rouse people against the foreign infidel." While McQuaig blames the government and Canada's version of the military industrial complex for See Author page 9 Join Us! ERIN MILLS UNITED CHURCH 3010 The Collegeway (at Winston Churchill) Mississauga The Centre is a registered charitable organization, that has provided programs and services for families since 1980. Our services are designed to support all families in their parenting role. We also offer early learning opportunities for children 0-6 years. Beautifully Crafted Solid Wood Furniture www.acaciafurniture.com 1020 Islington Ave. Etobicoke · (416) 233-5127 NORSEMAN TITAN RD. THE QUEENSWAY 3800760A featuring For more information on programs, parenting and services offered by the Centre please contact us at 905-849-6366 or visit our website at ISLINGTON BLOOR ST. W. 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