Big plans for big march

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by Patrick Lejtenyi

As the war in Afghanistan takes another twist for the uncertain, the latest peace march will be gearing up for what organizers are hoping will be the biggest yet. And they may be right: this Saturday's "March for global peace and justice," which will also call for the defence of civil liberties, the repealing of Bill C-36 (the so-called 'Anti-Terrorism Bill') and an end to racism, will be a Canada-wide affair, with demos planned in 20 cities coast to coast.

And, unlike other marches, this one will also propose solutions, rather than simply ranting against the war machine. "We have a multi-point declaration that presents peaceful ways to fight terrorism," says Daniel Breton, a member of the Green Party of Quebec and demo organizer. The declaration includes among its demands: an increase in humanitarian aid to Afghanistan (and Palestine); the promotion of alternative sources of fuel that will decrease our dependence on foreign oil, long the source of conflict; and increasing the rights of Muslim women, especially in the post-Taliban nation-building of Afghanistan.

"This is a wake-up call to the people of Canada," Breton says. "The government of Canada said we need to make sacrifices for the war on terrorism, but sacrificing our liberty, and using our taxes to increase military spending and sending our soldiers overseas isn't one we want to make." Breton is hoping between 5,000 and 10,000 people show up.

The march takes place on Saturday at Parc Lafontaine at 12:30. :