George Galloway. (Photograph: Cate Gillon/Getty)

From Toronto Coalition to Stop The War

November 2, 2009 (Toronto) – British MP George Galloway scored an important legal victory on October 30 when the Federal Court of Canada agreed to hear a judicial review of the government decision to ban his entry from Canada. On March 20, 2009, the office of Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Jason Kenney announced that Galloway would not be allowed to enter Canada, just days before his arrival for a four-city speaking tour.

Galloway had been invited by the Toronto Coalition to Stop the War and other Canadian peace organizations to speak in Toronto, Mississauga, Montreal and Ottawa in March and April 2009 about his humanitarian aid convoy to Gaza and his opposition to the war in Afghanistan. The government ban kept Galloway out of Canada.

“I am delighted by the decision of the Federal Court of Canada,” said Mr. Galloway. ”

Jason Kenney may oppose my views, but he has no right to prevent Canadians themselves from hearing what I have to say. I look forward to challenging in court Mr. Kenney’s attack on free speech.”

The case is expected to be heard in Federal Court in January 2010.

George Galloway has been a Member of Parliament in the British House of Commons since 1987, and currently represents Bethnal Green and Bow in London for the Respect Party.

The Toronto Coalition to Stop the War is Toronto’s leading peace coalition; represents over 70 labour, student, faith and community groups; and is a member of the Canadian Peace Alliance.

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Tags: Afghanistan, Canada, Canadian Peace Alliance, Federal Court, Gaza, George Galloway, Jason Kenn, Jason Kenney, TCSW

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