Today, BC Southern Interior MP Alex Atamanenko called on Federal Immigration Minister Jason Kenney and Federal Public Safety Minister Peter Van Loan to allow U.S. war resister Chris Teske, of South Slocan, to remain in Canada, following a negative Pre-removal Risk Assessment.
Atamanenko stated Friday: “With a negative ruling on Mr. Teske’s Pre-removal Risk Assessment (PRAA) there is an even greater need for the Harper minority government to act now on the will of the majority of Parliament and the Canadian people to let Mr. Teske and other U.S. Iraq War Resisters stay in Canada.”
Mr. Teske’s lawyer, Sheppard Moss, filed court papers Wednesday seeking a court ruling for an immediate stay of his client’s removal order from Canada, and an application for a judicial review of the PRRA decision. These appeals are being heard on Monday January 19th. Another war resister, Cliff Cornell, had his deportation delayed just before Christmas, for a month, giving his lawyer time to prepare a court challenge.
“Mr. Harper’s government does not have the confidence of the House of Commons. As well, an administration change is imminent in the U.S. that could well have different policies around the Iraq war. It is a grave concern for our government to be acting in such a manner now, to put a young man’s future in jeopardy,” stated Atamanenko.
“Mr. Teske should be allowed to stay in the country.” Teske has stated in the past that he fears he would not receive a fair trial in the States.
Chris Teske volunteered for combat duty in Afghanistan after 9\11. He served two tours in Afghanistan, where he saw combat he still finds difficult to discuss. He was honourably discharged, but when back in the States started suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Two years after his return he was called up to return to duty and was surprised to learn his contract actually held him for eight years. In Germany, he was informed he was being sent to Iraq. At that time he decided to return to the US with his wife and drive to Canada. Mr. Teske has been working at a truss construction company since his arrival in the West Kootenays.
Tags: Afghanistan, Iraq war, Teske, War Resisters