NDP launches petition against missile defence

SIKU CIRCUMPOLAR NEWS SERVICE

Canada’s New Democratic Party launched a national petition against the U.S.-led National Missile Defence plan last week.

Jack Layton, leader of the NDP, said Canadians should have a say on whether Canada participates in the missile shield system.

“Canadians have always taken a view that a gradual reduction in nuclear weaponry worldwide is what we want,” Layton said.

Layton said Canadians already rejected the “Star Wars” defence plan in the 1980s. He said the NMD is another attempt by military industrialists who want to build more systems.

The NMD issue is still under discussion by the Canadian cabinet, although a decision announcing Canada’s participation is expected to occur in the very near future.