Essay on COMT

Dr. Jerilynn Prior’s War: An Examination of Conscientious Objection to Military Taxation

In June, 2008, a University of Victoria law student, Darren McLeod, sent us a copy of a paper he had written on conscientious objection to military taxation. It covers the history of recognition of conscientious objection in Canada, and argues that it would be reasonable for Government to set up a legal means to allow taxpayers who are conscientious objectors to redirect the military portion of their taxes towards nonviolent programs, and that respecting a person's right to conscientious objection to military taxation (COMT) would not undermine our democracy, but strengthen it. Darren has given Conscience Canada permission to share his paper with anyone who requests it. Thanks Darren!

Booklet

   "Take the Bang Out of Your Tax Buck" (PDF)

Brochures

   Conscience Canada pamphlet (PDF)

   Dépliant Conscience Canada (PDF)

Contacting Your MP

It is through the MPs that legislation will eventually be passed and therefore contacting your MP is an important action that you can take.

Toolkit: Recommended resources

1. Sample letter to MP
2. Conscience Canada brochure (English/en français)
3. Recent copy of the Conscience Canada Newsletter
4. The most recent Conscience Canada Peace Tax Return (English/en français)
5. History of Conscientious Objection in Canada
6. Bill C-390, "An Act respecting conscientious objection to the use of taxes for military purposes"
7. Description of international activities
8. Dialogues report and dialogues summary on non-violent alternatives for security

Many of us have a clear personal preference for one over the other, and we need to respect these preferences. Many MPs have told us that a personal visit has more impact than a letter. Most members of the Conscience Canada board have experience lobbying their MP, and we are happy to talk with you beforehand about our experiences, if you think that would be helpful.

In person

If you are going to visit your MP, you may wish to consider taking a like-minded companion. Be sure to arrange time to coordinate your messages beforehand and to debrief afterwards.

It is a good idea to check with CC beforehand as we know there are some ridings where there is more than one CC member interested in lobbying their MP about conscientious objection to military taxation.

Be clear on what you want; for example, support for the proposed legislation, to educate him/her about the dilemma of conscience for COMTs, or to ask for support for antiwar activities.

Take along materials to provide talking points, and to leave behind. See links above for our current list of relevant material. Hard copy can be provided to you on request.

Building an ongoing relationship is often the most effective kind of lobbying. Try to think of ways to follow up on your visit, perhaps even with another visit later on. For instance, you might want to make a return visit to provide answers to questions the MP may have had, or drop off materials the MP has requested.

Don’t be discouraged if the MP is not sympathetic. Times change, political winds change, and sometimes a reasoned and principled position gains unexpected respect, which is an important first step.

It is useful for CC to know which MPs have been contacted and what their reaction was, so please let us know how your meeting went.

In writing

When you write your MP, put something personal in the letter. Make your position as a COMT real; describe your feelings as well as your views. Clarify the principles for you. Try to avoid taking political sides. Don’t lecture or rant.

Enclose a little suitable material, such as a copy of the CC brochure, which is available in French as well as English. Don’t overload the MP with a pile of literature which they will discard.

Let them know what other materials you have; in your letter ask them to let you know what else they would like to receive. If they do respond, then some time after sending it you may wish to phone and offer to come in to discuss your conscientious objection. If they do not respond, as is likely, be sure to call the office to ask again what material they would like. That provides a stimulus to the MP to recall your letter and become at least a little familiar with CC.

Send a copy of your letter to Conscience Canada. It is good for us to know who has been contacted and in what way.

We recommend that you keep it simple

Leave behind (for those visiting) or mail (for those writing) the brochure, and either an outline of the bill or the history of CO in Canada. You may obtain these by downloading them from the website, or receive them by emailing, phoning, or writing Conscience Canada. It is better not to recommend that the MP downloads them, as it is easy for them to put that off indefinitely.

Who is my MP?

You can use this link or call 1-800-O-Canada (1-800-622-6232).

White Poppies to Remember More About War

The Feb. 1998 issue (#71) of Conscience Canada's newsletter included an article about the white poppy tradition, which originated with the Women's co-operative Guild in Britain in 1933. That article was instrumental in spreading the white poppy tradition to Canada so that now, many people choose to wear this peace symbol along with a red poppy, as part of their Remembrance Day commemorations.

Il existe une tradition de coquelicots blancs, comme symbole de la paix, pour commémorer le Jour du souvenir.

To learn more, click here / pour en savoir davantage cliquez ici

You can also find lots of educational materials on other websites, including resources on Remembrance and white poppies at www.learnpeace.org.uk and www.whitepoppy.org.uk