Information on Conscientious Objection in Canada

Canada has indicated that it would support the United States in its "war against terrorism." At this point, it is still very unclear whether Canada's contribution will be a military one. In the event that the Canadian defense forces are engaged, conscription is highly unlikely. Nevertheless, the crisis resulting from the September 11 attacks on the U.S. have prompted concerns among those who, because of matters of faith or conscience, cannot participate in war.

In the current National Defense Act there is no reference to conscientious objection. This is because the Act has no reference to conscription. When Canada has imposed conscription, as it did in the two world wars, it has included provisions for conscientious objectors (COs). Moreover, Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms recognizes the right of freedom of conscience. Sec. 2 of the Charter notes that "Everyone has the following freedoms: (a) freedom of conscience and religion."

There is thus good reason to believe that the rights of conscientious objectors would be honoured in the event that Canada would decide to participate in a military offensive against terrorism and would invoke conscription to do so. However, the onus would be on individuals to demonstrate that they truly believed they could not participate in war on the grounds of conscience or religious conviction. Something that could assist in establishing a CO claim is a written record of a person's convictions.

Mennonite Central Committee and Mennonite Church Canada thus encourage their congregations to participate in a Conscientious Objectors' Registry. The primary purpose of the Conscientious Objectors' Registry is to strengthen our commitment to be peacemakers in the name of Christ, in time of war and time of peace. It also provides a means for recording one's convictions and filing them with a recognized body. It is especially pertinent for young people 16 years of age and older - they would be the first ones to be "called up" in the case of conscription - but is also an activity in which adults should consider participating.

We urge congregations to use the Conscientious Objectors' Registry Process as an inter-generational activity. It is important to communicate that Christ's peace is a life-long journey.

• Arrange for several adults to share current experiences which demonstrate their commitment to Christ's way of peace.
• Invite others to share their conscientious objector stories.
• Invite youth to fill out the "Record of Conscientious Objection to War."
• Create a service of support and sharing where youth who wish may read their statements, share their journeys, and be affirmed by the congregation.
• Use this time as a time of reaffirmation of and commitment to Christ's way of peace and reconciliation - of aligning ourselves with God's purposes in the world.

Conscientious Objectors' Registry Resources

Two specific resources created around the Conscientious Objectors' Registry are available to assist individuals in reflecting on their commitments to peacemaking and to write those down.

"Conscientious Objectors' Registry Information Kit" is a packet that was prepared jointly by MCC and the Canadian Friends Service Committee in 1991. It can be ordered from MCC Canada.

"Decide for Peace" is a packet specifically for young people registering their convictions about war, peace, and conscientious objection to military service. It can be ordered from Mennonite Church Canada.