Vancouver City Council

MOTION ON NOTICE

4. Ballistic Missiles (File 3120)

On March 15, 2005, the following Motion was submitted by Councillor Cadman. Councillor Sullivan called Notice under Section 5.4(c) of the Procedure By-law and the Motion was placed on the agenda of the Regular Council meeting held March 17, 2005 immediately following the Standing Committee on Planning and Environment meeting. On March 17, 2005, Council postponed consideration of the Motion to the Regular Council meeting on March 29, 2005.

WHEREAS:

1. Attempts to militarize space will inevitably lead to another international arms race; and

2. The resources involved placing weapons in space could better be used to eliminate world poverty, protect the natural world, and to provide for basic human needs such as housing, urban infrastructure, clean environment, among others; and

3. The majority of Canadians, including the people of Vancouver, are opposed to a new arms race, the waste of resources, and the social, political, and economic distortions that would inevitably result from these actions; and

4. The Canadian Government was under intense pressure from both domestic corporate lobbies and from the United States; and

5. The Canadian Government listened to the democratic will of its citizens and refused to sign on to the so-called "Ballistic Missile Defence" program as well as stating its opposition to any militarization of space.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED

1. The City of Vancouver in the Province of British Columbia congratulate Prime Minister Paul Martin and the Government of Canada on the wise and courageous decision to proceed no further to increase cooperation with the Bush Administration's so-called "Ballistic Missile Defence" program and

2. The City of Vancouver in the Province of British Columbia urge the Government of Canada to do all within its power to work for arms reduction, the redirection of resources to promote peace, fund human needs, and protect our environment.

Postponed

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