Quebec-city: Call for an anti-militarist demonstration

north america / mexico | imperialism / war | press release Monday February 25, 2008 03:50 by NEFAC - NEFAC

Resistance to war, past and present

90 years ago, Canada was engaged in an imperialist war in Europe. With the flow of volunteers drying up, authorities turned to conscription to continue to provide their share of cannon fodder. It was January 1, 1918. Opposition to conscription was virulent in Quebec and the army was reduced to chasing draft-dodgers in the cities, resulting in numerous incidents.

Quebec city was at the time witnessing a genuine popular revolt against conscription. From 28 March to 1 April 1918, crowds of several thousand people confronted the military, bare-handed, in the streets of the city core. Five days of riots ensued, during which a police station was put under siege, militarist newspapers were attacked, and an army office burned down. Five days that ended in a bloodbath in the working class neigborhood of Saint-Sauveur when the army charged the crowd, causing 35 injuries and 4 deaths.

Today, 90 years later, Canada is once again at war. The reasons are no different, it is once again an imperialist war waged in the name of democracy and freedom. But, then as now, people are not fooled. There may be no conscription but it is in our name, and with our money, that Canada is at war. Despite the incessant propaganda, a majority of Quebec's population opposes the war.

This popular opposition needs to have a voice! That is why we will march on March 28th, to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the riots against conscription and to express our opposition to the war in Afghanistan.

Anti-militarist demonstration in Quebec city
Friday, March 28th
Rally at 5PM
In front of the Gabrielle-Roy Library


An initiative of NEFAC http://www.nefac.net


This call is supported by:
Collectif Piranhas (piranha[at]resist.ca)
Gauche socialiste http://www.lagauche.com
Quebec Solidaire Taschereau riding association http://www.quebecsolidaire.net

To endorse this call and participate in the mobilization, send an email to
nefacquebec[at]yahoo.ca