STOP WAR! STOP THE INDUSTRY OF DEATH!
SHUT DOWN THE ABBOTSFORD AIRSHOW! (Aug. 5-7, 2022)
As peace loving citizens and residents of Canada who want an end to war, we oppose the arms trade, aggressive military policies, growing military budgets and aggressive military engagements. In this spirit, we are demanding the end to arms trade shows and displays.
It is especially troubling that the Abbotsford Airshow, which runs at the Abbotsford Airport from August 5 to 6, is taking place on the anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, August 6. Rather than committing to such a display and promotion of weaponry and war, public administrations and businesspeople should be organizing mass commemorations of the victims of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki nuclear explosions and denouncing war and all weapons of mass destruction. Instead, Canadian and US military air forces are celebrating the technology of war and military action at this show.
The Abbotsford Show is advertised as a family-friendly event where young children are to admire the machinery of death by air. It teaches them to overlook the destruction of life that is escalating around the world as tensions between the biggest powers grow and militarization is being ramped up. There should be mass events to express the desire for world peace, demilitarization, cease-fires in Palestine, Yemen, Ukraine, and all conflicts and negotiations to end them.
In addition to the Canadian Snowbirds and the USAF Thunderbirds, the show is featuring the Canadian Skyhawks (parachutists) and demonstrating the RCAF CF-18 Hornet jet fighter. The website boasts 300,000 sq. Ft. of a range of sitting military and other aircraft from around the world. With the Aviation S.T.E.M. Zone, technology and science for war is promoted. Disturbingly, McDonald’s is hosting a Kid Zone at the show’s site.
We oppose the arms trade and policies and actions of military aggression. We are campaigning to stop the Canadian government’s acquisition of 88 fighter jets and the sale of light armoured vehicles to Saudi Arabia, which is waging war with its partners against Yemen. We stand against the purchase of armed drones, too.
Just as we staunchly protested the CANSEC arms trade fair, we adamantly protest the Abbotsford Airshow, as it is characteristically a military exhibition intended to promote Canada’s military materials and engagement. No more blood and tax dollars for war!
Signed: Members of the Canada-Wide Peace and Justice Network
JUST PEAce COMMITTEE 