For Immediate Release - November 24, 2000

Peace Groups Grade Political Parties

Bloc Québécois: A

NDP: B

Liberals: incomplete

Progressive Conservative: incomplete

Canadian Alliance: F

"The Canadian Peace Alliance has awarded these grades after circulating a 'mini-test' to the five major political parties," said Carolyn Bassett, Acting Coordinator of the Canadian Peace Alliance. Earlier this week, the Canadian Peace Alliance (CPA) distributed the 5 questions on peace issues.

Only 2 of the 5 responded by the deadline - the Bloc and the Alliance. The CPA examined the platforms of the other 3 parties to learn their positions.

The five questions were:

1. Will you, if elected, press the Government of Canada to lift all non-military sanctions against Iraq and to urge other countries to do likewise?

2. Will you, if elected, work to ensure that the Government of Canada is in no way complicit with this or any other proposal for the weaponisation of space and that Canada officially oppose the US National Missile Defense program?

3. Will you, if elected, press the Government of Canada to work urgently with other governments for an international convention that would ban nuclear weapons as biological and chemical weapons are banned?

4. Will you, if elected, advocate that Department of National Defence budget receive no further increases until there is full disclosure and a public review of military spending priorities and the role of the Canadian Armed Forces?

5. Will you, if elected, work to eliminate government funding of Canadian involvement in the arms trade?

The Bloc Québécois received an "A" for their commitment for promoting a peace agenda. The NDP rates a "B" because they have strong positions in their platform on 3 of the 5. The grade for the NDP, the Liberals and the Progressive Conservatives was based on their party's election platform since none of the three responded to the questionnaire. The Canadian Alliance party earned an "F" for their Cold War-style responses.

A complete set of responses is available in English and French at the CPA web site, <www.acp-cpa.ca>. The questions were first circulated to individuals and peace groups across Canada early in November to be asked of candidates at meetings and during canvassing.

The Canadian Peace Alliance is Canada\rquote s largest umbrella peace organization.

For further information, contact Carolyn Bassett, Acting Coordinator, Canadian Peace Alliance, (416) 588-5555.