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Local peace groups participate in Global Day of Action on Military Spending
by Nova Scotia Voice of Women for Peace
Halifax) – April 17th is the Global Day of Action on Military Spending and local peace groups want the Canadian government to cancel the stealth fighters and the warships. The Nova Scotia Voice of Women for Peace, the Halifax Peace Coalition, and the Raging Grannies are having an information picket at the Halifax Public Library at noon on Tuesday to call on the federal government to reconsider $29 billion F-35s and the $25 billion warship contract to Irving Shipyards.
“The federal government should redirect our tax dollars to social and environmental programs such as affordable housing, health care, education, and environmental protection to achieve true human security and strengthen our economy,” explains Sarah Morgan, organizer and member of the Nova Scotia Voice of Women for Peace. Morgan noted that the federal government has doubled the military budget over the past decade to over $20 billion and that the recent defence cuts are minimal of only $1 billion over three years. She also explained that there are still new planned investments in submarines and tanks along with F-35s and warships.
The second annual Global Day of Action on Military Spending was founded by the Institute for Policy Studies and the International Peace Bureau. It is timed to coincide with the public release of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute’s Yearbook on world military expenditure data. There are over 132 actions that will be held in 39 countries around the world. In Canada, events are taking place in Vancouver, Hamilton, Toronto, and Halifax. Last year, the Global Day of Action condemned the $1.6 trillion spent on militaries by countries around the world and the inadequate funding to meet the Millennium Development Goals. More information can be found here:
http://www.demilitarize.org/
WHAT: GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION ON MILITARY SPENDING Information Picket
WHEN: Tuesday, April 17, 12:00-1:00 P.M.
WHERE: SPRING GARDEN LIBRARY, HALIFAX
WHO: Nova Scotia Voice of Women for Peace, the Halifax Peace Coalition, and the Raging Grannies
For additional information or interviews, please contact:
- Sarah Morgan, Member of the Nova Scotia Voice of Women for Peace, 422-2118, semorgan@cs.dal.ca
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