Statement on Recent Escalation of Tensions in West Asia

Last week’s Israeli forces missile strikes targeting the Iranian Consulate, which also damaged the Canadian Embassy in Syria raised major concern within the Iranian Canadian community. Such breaches of united nations resolutions and violations of international law, which should have been condemned, led to Iran's retaliatory strike against Israeli military installations on April 13th.  

We implore the Canadian government to champion the enforcement of UN Resolutions regarding Palestine and actively promote peace, equity, and stability in the region. 

The following letter has been sent to the Commission Counsel of the Public Inquiry Into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions:

We are writing to express our concerns about certain comments made by Mr. Hamed Esmaeilion during the Public Hearing on March 27, 2024. 

We wish to clarify that our organization holds immense respect for Mr. Esmaeilion’s advocacy for the families affected by the Ukrainian Flight PS752 tragedy, as well as his pursuit of justice and accountability. Since the tragic incident in which the civilian airliner was shot down by the Islamic Republic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), our organization has consistently expressed solidarity with the victims' families. We have also advocated for the federal government to ensure full accountability for the Canadian citizens and all innocent lives lost, in accordance with international law and civil aviation conventions. However, we find the following remarks concerning. 

Mr. Esmaeilion stated: 

“A very small minority of Iranians in Canada are engaged directly or indirectly as either sympathizers or sometimes even overt operatives of the Islamic regime. It’s a small minority, however, leverages financial advantages that mostly originate from inside Iran and political backing advantages that -- political backing from the Islamic regime to create institutions disguised as community advocacy groups, media, social media, or even research institutes, but effectively seek to undermine the majority of the community that opposes the regime, as well as to meddle with the influence Canadians or influence Canadian government and non-government institutions in favour of the regime’s agenda.” 

This claim broadly categorizes diverse organizations and individuals within the Iranian Canadian community as having illicit ties to the Islamic regime, without providing concrete evidence. It is critical to question such allegations, especially when considering Canada’s legal and security frameworks that would address any such 'overt operatives'. 

Further, Mr. Esmaeilion commented: 

“Just recently, a member of the Iranian community in Canada sought to run for as a member of the federal Parliament. The intensity of the smear campaign against him went far beyond the normal fervor of political competition in Canada. We believe that this is indicative of a much  more sophisticated and multi-layered attempt by the regime and its operatives to hinder the participation of Iranians opposed to the regime in the Canadian democratic institutions.” 

In this instance, Mr. Esmaeilion seems to refer to a recent Conservative Party nomination race in Richmond Hill, for which he has not provided any evidence of foreign interference yet. According to publicly available information and reports, the campaign against the mentioned member of the Iranian Canadian community appears to have been a domestic initiative by Canadians, including those of Iranian heritage, rather than a result of foreign meddling. Notably, a Progressive Conservative Member of Provincial Parliament in Ontario emerged as the most vocal opponent of the individual who was referred to by Mr. Esmaeilion. It is essential to recognize that Canadians of all ethnic backgrounds have the right to freely participate in civic activities, supporting or opposing political candidates as they see fit.  

In a democratic society such as Canada, members of political parties should not be intimidated by potential retaliatory accusations of foreign interference by their opponents. We hope that the commission will require Mr. Esmaeilion to provide evidence and will thoroughly investigate the merit of the claim of foreign interference in the internal procedures of the Conservative Party of Canada, through all available channels. 

In addition, Mr. Esmaeilion stated: 

“We have organizations here that they don’t have any relations with the civic organizations in the community, with the cultural organizations in the community like Tirgan civic association, civic organizations like us or even political members of the community like our Parliament member, Mr. Ali Ehsassi, but they are everywhere, and they get funded by -- unfortunately, by our governments.” 

This statement suggests a biased view that legitimate Canadian entities are only those affiliated with certain cultural groups or political figures. By not mentioning other Iranian Canadian members of parliament or the many cultural organizations of the Iranian Canadian community, it fails to recognize the diversity within the Iranian Canadian community and undermines the legitimacy of various organizations that operate independently of the mentioned affiliations. Furthermore, the commission may take note that the Canadian government’s funding of organizations that “don’t have any relations with the civic organizations in the community”, does not, per se, indicate foreign interference. 

We trust that the commission will exercise utmost caution in evaluating these claims and will mandate that all witnesses substantiate their statements with evidence and factual data. 

Our apprehension stems from the potential for such claims to perpetuate long-standing internal divisions and conflicts within various diaspora and ethnic communities, including the Iranian Canadian community. Historically, certain factions within the Iranian Canadian community have engaged in discrediting individuals of Iranian origin based on their political beliefs and opinions, often leveling unfounded accusations of association with the Islamic Republic. This has particularly affected young Iranian Canadian activists including second-generation Iranian Canadians and civil society organizations with progressive and left-leaning stances on foreign policy, subjecting them to baseless defamation and smear campaigns, typically without any evidence.  

The primary source of discord in our community stems from differing views on Canada’s foreign policy toward Iran. Iranian Canadian activists who oppose military action or sanctions, citing their detrimental impact on the Iranian populace and regional peace and stability, are frequently discredited by hardline political factions. These factions prioritize regime change in Tehran over all else, disregarding both Canada’s interests and the potential harm that increased instability may inflict on the people of Iran and the broader region. We are concerned about the potential misuse of the commission’s public hearings by some parties, by framing and exclusion, to limit the diversity of expressed opinion by Iranian Canadians. 

We oppose those assertions, by Mr. Esmaeilion, that conflate foreign influence with the legitimate and varied perspectives of Canadians of Iranian descent. We unequivocally support his appeal for the federal government to actively pursue and investigate corrupt Iranian officials who seek refuge in Canada, along with their illicit financial activities. Our organization has been at the forefront, leading the Iranian Canadian community in advocating against the laundering of corruption proceeds within our borders. This advocacy underscores our commitment to uphold justice and integrity, not just within the Iranian Canadian community, but also in safeguarding Canada’s financial system against such abuses. 

In closing, we express our deep concern regarding the potential misapplication of the Commission’s esteemed platform to propagate personal biases and unsubstantiated claims. Such actions could detract from the Commission’s fundamental objective of conducting a fair and fact-based inquiry. We place our trust in the Commission’s commitment to thorough, objective, and unbiased examination of all testimonies and evidence. It is our hope that the Commission will handle these sensitive matters with the high level of diligence and impartiality they demand, ensuring that the inquiry remains a credible and respected instrument of justice and truth-seeking. 

We are pleased to inform you that the ICC has been granted standing at the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes in Canada. This is a crucial opportunity for us to actively participate in ensuring the transparency and fairness of our electoral system.

As an organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and interests of Iranian Canadians, this is a pivotal moment for us to contribute to safeguarding the democratic process in our country. However, we cannot do this alone.

In order to effectively represent our community's concerns and interests at the inquiry, we need your support. We are reaching out to our members, donors, and supporters to ask for your assistance in this matter.

Here's how you can help:

1. Financial Contributions: Your donations will enable us to cover legal expenses, research costs, and other necessary expenditures related to our participation in the inquiry. No amount is too small, and every contribution makes a difference.

2. Spread the Word: Please share this news with your networks and encourage others to support our efforts. The more people we have standing with us, the stronger our voice will be.

3. Volunteer: If you have expertise or skills that could be valuable to our efforts, we welcome your volunteer assistance. Whether it's legal expertise, research skills, or outreach support, your contribution can have a meaningful impact.

4. Stay Informed and Engaged: Keep up to date with developments related to the inquiry and participate in relevant advocacy efforts. Your engagement is vital in ensuring that our community's concerns are heard and addressed.

We are committed to representing the interests of Iranian Canadians and advocating for a fair and transparent electoral process. With your support, we can make a meaningful impact at this critical juncture.

If you would like to contribute or get involved, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected] .

Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to the Iranian Canadian community.

Iranian Canadian Congress expresses disappointment in Canada’s decision to participate in the US-led military operation in the Red Sea. Given the exceptionally heightened tensions, these military interventions pose a significant risk of escalating West Asia into a full-scale war, which would be catastrophic for all parties involved, particularly the civilian population throughout the region.  

For over three months, Canadians have been fervently urging their elected representatives to advocate for an immediate and lasting ceasefire to bring an end to the ongoing genocide in Gaza. It is imperative for the Canadian government to demand a ceasefire alongside South Africa in the International Court of Justice against the genocide in Gaza and call for the immediate removal of the blockade affecting the fundamental livelihood of the Gaza population, including access to clean water, food and medication.   

We urge Canada to assume a constructive role in the region, fostering implementation of UN Resolutions, peace, justice and stability rather than contributing to war and destruction. Canadians seek a sustainable ceasefire between Israel and Palestine, fearing the potential expansion of the conflict into neighboring countries such as Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Iraq and Iran.  

Participating in military actions that jeopardize Canadian lives and perpetuate the loss of innocent men, women, and children in West Asia offers no benefit to Canadians and is instead a stain on Canada’s global reputation. It is crucial for Canada to prioritize diplomatic solutions and actively work towards a peaceful resolution in the region.  

As we are approaching the fourth anniversary of the downing of Flight PS752 by IRGC missiles, we commemorate the victims of this tragedy as well as those killed this week in the terrorist attack for which ISIS has claimed responsibility in Kerman, Iran. 

As Prime Minister Trudeau rightfully noted in 2020, “If there were no tensions, if there was no escalation recently in the region, those Canadians would be right now home with their families." 

It is crucial to acknowledge that the first victims of war and conflict are innocent civilians. Furthermore, as the tragic incident of Flight PS752 has shown, any threat to innocent lives in Iran is also a threat to Canadian lives. 

Tensions are extraordinarily high, with the United States, Iran, and Israel going on the brink of a regional war that would be disastrous for all involved, including civilian populations across the region. 

We urge the government of Canada to condemn this attack and express solidarity with the people of Iran. Acts of terrorism anywhere in the world inherently oppose humanity, morality, and global unity, and are to be strongly condemned. 

The ties between Canadians and Iranians run deep, necessitating that Canada plays a positive role in the region to foster peace and stability. This includes pursuing a lasting ceasefire between Israel and Palestine, drawing on Canada's longstanding tradition of mediation and diplomacy. 

In the face of this tragic and devastating event, it is imperative to stand together as a community—united and strong. Let us share our compassion, empathy, and connectedness while sympathizing with the grief-stricken families who have lost their loved ones. 

We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wish recovery for those injured in the terrorist attack. 

Iranian Canadian Congress  

In January 2022, the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs used a fake term for the Persian Gulf during a series of tweets.
The Iranian Canadian Congress protested this issue in various ways and shared this protest with the members of the Canadian Parliament.
Last week, Mr. Francis Scarpaleggia,MP, sent the official response of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Canada to Mr. Mohammad Vahidi Rad, a member of the Board of Directors of the Iranian Congress of Canada.
In an official letter, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, Ms. Melanie Jolly, while acknowledging the permanent name of the Persian Gulf in her official letter, in a way explained the tweet of the Foreign Affairs  to a physical border and emphasized that the federal government also uses and will use the term Persian Gulf in their communications regarding the body of water. 

در ماه ژانویه 2022 وزارت امور خارجه کانادا در طی یک رشته توئیت از عبارت جعلی برای خلیج فارس استفاده کرد.
کنگره ایرانیان کانادا از طرق مختلف به این موضوع اعتراض کرد و این اعتراض را با نمایندگان پارلمان کانادا نیز در میان گذاشت.
هفته گذشته، آقای فرانسیس اسکارپالجیا، یکی از نمایندگان کهنه کار پارلمان کانادا، پاسخ رسمی وزارت خارجه کانادا به اعتراض آقای محمد وحیدی راد، عضو هیات مدیره کنگره ایرانیان کانادا را به ایشان ارسال کرد.
وزیر امور خارجه کانادا خانم ملانی جولی طی یک نامه رسمی ضمن اذعان به نام همیشگی خلیج فارس در نامه رسمی خود، به نوعی عمل سال گذشته وزارت امور خارجه را به مرز سیاسی تشبیه کرد و تاکید داشت که دولت فدرال نیز از عبارت خلیج فارس استفاده می‌کند و خواهد کرد.

Foreign media outlets are widely publicizing articles in Persian regarding cases of suicide, without following proper guidelines for responsible reporting. Irresponsible media coverage of suicide can potentially lead to what is known as "suicide contagion" or the "Werther effect," where the reporting of suicide incidents can increase the risk of copycat suicides. 

رسانه های فارسی زبان خارج از ایران اخبار خودکشی را به طور گسترده وبدون رعایت پروتکل های خبری منتشر می کنند. انتشار غیرمسؤلانه اخبار خودکشی دررسانه های پرمخاطب، عواقب خطرناکی برای جامعه به همراه دارد که یکی از آنها به عنوان «خودکشی تقلیدی» یا «اثر ورتر» شناخته می شود. پرداختن به جزییات خودکشی وبزرگنمایی وقهرمان سازی، موضوعاتی است که ممکن است افراد مستعد را ترغیب به خودکشی کند. در مواردی دیده شده که افراد از نحوه خودکشی افراد مشهور کپی برداری کرده اند.  

Les médias étrangers diffusent largement des articles en persan concernant des cas de suicide, sans suivre les directives appropriées pour un reportage responsable. Une couverture médiatique irresponsable du suicide peut potentiellement conduire à ce que l'on appelle le "contagion suicidaire" ou l'"effet Werther", où le reportage sur les incidents de suicide peut augmenter le risque de suicides imitatifs. 

Since 2008, the Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) has worked tirelessly with the interests of the Iranian Canadian community in mind, and with the core values of peace, solidarity, freedom, justice and transparency. It is unfortunate that the ICC and its board members have frequently been the target of cyberbullying by individuals who oppose our core values, who choose aggression over peace, bullying over freedom of speech, and trolling while cowardly hiding behind their -sometimes unknown- online identity. 

The ICC board members, and the members of the public alike, have been targeted by such bullies on many social media platforms, who aim to create a toxic atmosphere or hoping to interfere with or to discourage the board members from their peaceful activities. 

The ICC board members are and have been aware and prepared to face the trolls and the toxic environment that they wish to create, finding encouragement instead of being discouraged, and determination instead of distraction. After all, the harder the trolls try, the more we have reason to believe in the positive impacts of ICC’s overall strategies, giving us more reason and determination to continue working toward our peaceful ambitions. 

Despite the above, we condemn the acts of cyberbullying, and encourage our members and the public to stay sensitive about such activities. Cyberbullying, especially when it involves physical threats, is a criminal activity and the ICC will assess such activities going forward and may choose to report them to the respective social media platform, or in more serious cases to the police. For further information about cyberbullying please consult the following resources. 

https://www.unicef.org/end-violence/how-to-stop-cyberbullying 

https://ssd.eff.org/module/your-security-plan 

https://womensmediacenter.com/speech-project/tools-resources 

https://www.datasociety.net/pubs/oh/Online_Harassment_2016.pdf 

http://cdeacf.ca/boite-outils-cyberintimidation 

https://onlineharassmentfieldmanual.pen.org/protecting-information-from-doxing/ 

Iranian Canadian Congress is proud to join with a broad and representative group of pan-Canadian organizations that is raising our voices together for an immediate ceasefire to the escalating violence in Israel-Palestine and for the urgent restoration of humanitarian aid to Gaza and access to the basic necessities of life. We are among the leading pan-Canadian labour, faith, community, civil society, peace and justice organizations in Canada and Quebec. 

You can read our joint statement here.

Le texte en français suit.

Ceasefire now, end the siege, for a just and lasting peace

Issued on Saturday, October 21, 2023

People in Canada are watching in horror as the violence in Israel-Palestine has escalated towards an all-out war.

On Tuesday, the bombing of the Anglican Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City killed hundreds of people, most of them children. Over 5,000 people had been sheltering inside. This is an atrocity.

Since October 7, thousands have been killed following Hamas’ attack and the Israeli government’s response.

We unequivocally condemn the targeting of innocent Palestinian and Israeli civilians.

As representatives of leading pan-Canadian labour, faith, Arab, Jewish, and civil society organizations, we are calling on the Government of Canada to take these steps: 

• Call for an immediate ceasefire in Israel-Palestine

• Call for an end to the blockade of Gaza and for the restoration of humanitarian aid and access to the basic necessities of life

We endorse the Canadian government’s call for humanitarian aid to Gaza and the safe return of hostages. These demands cannot be meaningfully addressed without an immediate ceasefire and while Israel's blockade of Gaza continues.

Gaza is facing a “complete siege” as food, water, electricity, and fuel have been cut off. Gaza’s last functioning seawater desalination plant shut down on Sunday after running out of fuel. Water and sanitation services have collapsed in the wake of widespread bombing.

UN shelters have also run out of water and hospital workers are warning that thousands more civilians could die if access to water, fuel, and medicine is not restored.

The already dire humanitarian crisis is rapidly deteriorating.

The Israeli government’s order to a million Gazans to evacuate to the south–an impossible feat in 24 hours–suggests that a ground war and intensifying bombing are imminent.

Our most urgent task is preventing the further loss of life and an even greater humanitarian disaster than what we have already witnessed in Gaza. An all-out war would bring catastrophe to the entire region.

As hostilities escalate, they are fuelling a rise of Anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian racism, Islamophobia, and antisemitism in Canada–which we also unequivocally condemn.

Beyond these immediate steps, the world must support efforts for a just and lasting peace in Israel-Palestine and address the root cause of the violence: Israel’s decades-long occupation of Palestinian territory.

Palestinians, Israelis, and all people in the region deserve to live in peace and security and with justice for all.

Signatories: 

1. 350 Canada

2. Academic Foundation for Peace-Conflict Studies (AFPCS)

3. Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies of British Columbia (AMSSA)

4. Alter Acadie, New Brunswick

5. Alternatives

6. Arab Canadian Lawyers Association

7. ArtHouseTO

8. Asian Canadian Labour Alliance - British Columbia

9. Asian Canadian Labour Alliance - Ontario

10. Asian Canadian Women Alliance

11. Association of Palestinian Arab Canadians

12. Association of United Ukrainian Canadians

13. Association québécoise des organismes de coopération internationale (AQOCI)

14. Atlantic Regional Solidarity Network

15. Aura Freedom International

16. Black Lives Matter - Canada

17. Bridges Not Borders / Créons des ponts

18. Canada Social Work Students Collective for Palestine

19. Canada Stand Up for Palestinian Children’s Rights

20. Canadian Association for the Study of International Development (CASID) / L’association canadienne d’études du développement international (ACÉDI)

21. Canadian Boat to Gaza

22. Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives

23. Canadian Council for Refugees / Conseil canadien pour les réfugiés

24. Canadian Freelance Union / Le Syndicat canadien des pigistes (CLU)

25. Canadian Friends of Sabeel

26. Canadian Friends Service Committee (Quakers)

27. Canadian Lawyers for International Human Rights (CLAIHR)

28. Canadian Palestinian Professional Foundation

29. Canadian Palestinian Social Association of London

30. Canadian Union of Postal Workers / Syndicat des travailleurs et travailleuses des postes

31. Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) / Syndicat canadien de la fonction publique (SCFP)

32. Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Ontario / Syndicat canadien de la fonction publique (SCFP) Ontario

33. Canadian Voice of Women for Peace

34. Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East

35. Center for Human Rights Research, University of Manitoba

36. Centre international de solidarité ouvrière (CISO)

37. Centre justice et foi

38. Child Care Now / Un enfant Une place

39. Citizen Rights Movement (CRM)

40. Climate Emergency Unit

41. Climate Justice Edmonton

42. Coalition of Canadian Palestinian Organizations

43. Coalition of Child Care Advocates of British Columbia

44. Conscience Canada

45. Conseil central du Montréal métropolitain CSN

46. Conseil régional Montréal métropolitain FTQ

47. Council of Canadians - Campbell River

48. Council of Canadians - Edmonton

49. Council of Canadians - Fredericton

50. Council of Canadians - Hamilton

51. Council of Canadians - Kitchener-Waterloo

52. Council of Canadians - London

53. Council of Canadians - Mid-Island - Nanaimo

54. Council of Canadians - Powell River

55. Council of Canadians - Saskatoon

56. Council of Canadians - Victoria

57. Dogwood

58. Egyptian Canadian Collation for Democracy (ECCD)

59. Equality Fund / Fonds égalité

60. Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada

61. Fédération autonome de l’enseignement (FAE)

62. Femmes de diverses origines / Women of diverse origins

63. Femmes en Mouvement du Québec

64. Filipinas of HamOnt

65. Fondation Béati / Béati Foundation

66. Fondation Oscar Romero

67. Force of Nature

68. Foyer du Monde / Home of the World

69. Fredericton Palestine Solidarity

70. Fridays for Future Manitoba

71. Front d’action populaire en réaménagement urbain (FRAPRU)

72. Good To Be Good

73. Health Providers Against Poverty

74. Hearing Palestine

75. House of PainT

76. Human Concern International

77. Humanité & Inclusion Canada

78. Independent Jewish Voices Canada

79. Inspirit Foundation

80. International Coalition For Human Rights in the Philippines Canada

81. Iranian Canadian Congress

82. Jesuit Refugee Service Canada

83. Jewish Faculty Network

84. Justice for All Canada

85. Kairos Halifax

86. Kairos SWO

87. Kamloops Islamic Association

88. L’Alliance des radios communautaires du Canada

89. La Maison Turquoise

90. Law Union of Ontario

91. Le Centre de réfugiés / The Refugee Centre

92. Le CIBLES - Carrefour international bas-laurentien pour l'engagement social

93. Le Mouvement d'éducation populaire et d'action communautaire du Québec (MÉPACQ)

94. Living Skies Regional Council, The United Church of Canada

95. Maquila Solidarity Network

96. Mayworks Kjipuktuk/Halifax

97. Médecins du Monde Canada / Doctors of the World Canada

98. Middle Eastern Society of the University of New Brunswick

99. Migrant Workers Centre of British Columbia

100. Montréal pour la paix

101. Montréal pour un monde sans guerre

102. Mothers for World Peace

103. Mouvement québécois pour la paix

104. National Council of Canadian Muslims

105. National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE)

106. New Brunswick Common Front for Social Justice / Front commun pour la justice sociale du Nouveau-Brunswick

107. Oblates Franciscaines de Saint-Joseph

108. On Canada Project Inc.

109. Ontario Association of Interval & Transition Houses (OAITH)

110. Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI)

111. Ottawa Forum Israel Palestine

112. Oxfam Canada

113. Oxfam Québec

114. PalNet Pacific Mountain

115. PalNet Shining Waters

116. Pastorale sociale de Côte-des-Neiges

117. Pastorale sociale de Rosemont

118. People for Peace, London

119. Photographers Without Borders

120. Point Blank

121. Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) / L'institut professionnel de la fonction publique du Canada (IPFPC)

122. Progress Belleville

123. Progress Toronto

124. Public Service Alliance of Canada / L’Alliance de la Fonction publique du Canada

125. Rainbow Refugee Society

126. Refugee Health YYC

127. Regina Peace Council

128. Regroupement intersectoriel des organismes communautaires de Montréal

129. Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Montreal, Social Action Office

130. Run for Palestine

131. Save the Children Canada

132. Science for Peace

133. Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) Toronto

134. Soeurs Auxiliatrices, Québec

135. Sojourn House

136. South Asian Legal Clinic of British Columbia

137. South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario

138. Sustainable Human Empowerment (SHE) Associates Inc.

139. Syndicat des enseignantes et enseignants du cégep Montmorency

140. Syndicats des travailleuses et des travailleurs de la CSN

141. Table de concertation des organismes au service des personnes réfugiées et immigrantes (TCRI)

142. Table ronde des organismes volontaires d’éducation populaire de l’Outaouais

143. The United Church of Canada

144. Toronto Artists for Palestine

145. Toronto Quakers Peace and Social Action Committee

146. Unifor

147. United Jewish People’s Order

148. United Network for Justice and Peace in Palestine and Israel

149. Urban Alliance on Race Relations

150. Vancouver Island Counselling Centre for Immigrants and Refugees

151. Victoria Peace Coalition

152. Victoria Raging Grannies

153. Wilderness Committee

154. Wildseed Centre for Art & Activism

155. Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom

156. Women’s Shelters Canada / Hébergement femmes Canada

157. World Beyond War