Canadian opposition lawmakers urged the government to freeze deportations of U.S. soldiers who fled to Canada after refusing to go to Iraq, passing a nonbinding resolution to pressure Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
Opposition parties with a majority of seats in Parliament asked the government to allow “conscientious objectors” to wars not sanctioned by the United Nations, such as the Iraq conflict, to apply for permanent resident status.
Fewer than 40 Americans have claimed refugee status in Canada because they object to fighting in Iraq, according to Danielle Norris, a spokeswoman for Canada’s immigration department in Ottawa.
The U.S. Army’s maximum penalty for desertion is five years in confinement, dishonorable discharge and loss of all pay and benefits, said an Army spokesman.
