Alison Bodine Speaks Out!

EVENTS & ACTION!

2007-10-17T18:04:00.000-07:00

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>> Click Here For the Latest Updates!
>> Click Here to See Support Letters!
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UPDATE # 31

LIFT THE 2-YEARS BAN ON ALISON BODINE

Alison Bodine Defence C0mmittee Meeting

Monday, July 21, 2008 7:00pm

Large North Hall

Joe’s Café (Commercial Dr. @ William St.)

UPDATE:

Federal Court of Canada upholds the 2-year ban against anti-war activist, Alison Bodine!

On July 14, 2008, the Federal Court of Canada announced the latest decision in the case of Alison Bodine, an anti-war activist fighting a 2-year ban from Canada. Alison, a US citizen and the co-chair of Vancouver anti-war coalition Mobilization Against War & Occupation (MAWO), was politically targeted and banned from Canada last fall. On June 12, 2008 Alison took her case to the Federal Court of Canada in a judicial review and challenge of the ban.

Unfortunately, the Federal Court decision was to uphold the two-year ban from Canada against Alison. In our opinion, this is a further attempt to deny justice in this case with the legal block of maintaining the original decision to ban Alison from Canada.

During these 8 months of the ban so far, Alison has been in the United States and has met with many anti-war activists and organizers, gathering support for her case - from organizers in International ANSWER antiwar coalition to CODE Pink Women for Peace. In Vancouver, the Alison Bodine Defence Committee (ABDC) has continued to campaign for more public support for her case and political pressure on the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration with the support of dozens of organizations, MPs, and other prominent individuals.

Despite the Federal Court decision, the Alison Bodine Defence Committee will continue to fight to have the 2-year ban lifted. The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Diane Finley, still has the power to lift the ban against Alison at any time and the “Alison Bodine Lift the 2-year Ban 10 000 Petition Drive” will continue in order to put pressure on her. At this point we have already reached more than 3,600 signatures!

In the upcoming ABDC meeting we will discuss and plan our strategies and actions for this next phase in fighting the unjust 2-year ban. ABDC calls on all social justice and anti-war activists committed to defending the human and democratic rights of immigrants, refugees, and non-status people to join in this struggle!

778-881-6156
604-780-4029

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UPDATE #30

Alison Bodine Defence Committee Meeting

Monday June 23 @ 7pm

in the Large North Hall of Joe's Cafe (on Commercial Drive at Williams St)

Case Update # 30: Alison Bodine Defence Committee Fills the Courtroom at Alison’s Judicial Review Hearing!

On Thursday June 12, 2008 at 8:45am, the Alison Bodine Defence Committee (ABDC) and supporters of Alison’s case held a defence rally of over 30 people outside the Federal Court of Canada building in Downtown Vancouver. Why? Because minutes later those same supporters would fill a Federal courtroom upstairs to show their support during the next legal step in this case: the Judicial Review hearing of the unjust 2-year ban against Alison.

Alison Bodine, a US citizen and Co-Chair of Vancouver-based antiwar coalition Mobilization Against War & Occupation (MAWO) is currently fighting a 2-year ban from Canada after she was politically targeted by the Canada Border Services Agency in September 2007. Alison and the ABDC received notice 2 months ago that she was granted a judicial review of her case by the Federal Court of Canada. This was a partial victory for Alison’s case and chance to set a legal and political precedent in the defence of antiwar activists, non-residents and non-status people who are politically targeted by the government of Canada.

With the news of the upcoming hearing, the Alison Bodine Defence Committee pushed to collect more signatures on the petition demanding “Lift the 2 year Ban on Alison Bodine”. This drive resulted in the collection of over 3,600 signatures on the petition and even more people who know about this attack on Alison and all of our human and democratic rights.

On the morning of the hearing, supporters gathered in front of the Federal Court of Canada building, catching the attention of passers-by with bright ABDC signs and banners. As Alison can not even come up to Canada to attend her own hearing, she spoke to the crowd by way of speakerphone. Alison spoke of how attaining this hearing was a result of the organizing and pressure that the ABDC has kept behind the case during these months. Alison’s lawyer also addressed the crowd before everyone filed into the building for the hearing.

During the 2 hour hearing, Alison’s lawyer argued against the charge of “misrepresentation” made against Alison and the unjust decision to ban Alison made by the Immigration & Refugee Board of Canada. The federal judge gave no decision at the end of the hearing and the crowd of supporters gathered again outside the building. The ABDC resolved to continue organizing and mobilizing on the political front to get even more support letters and petition signatures to continue to keep pressure on until the decision is released. If the judge decides in favour of Alison, the 2-year ban would be overturned and the case returns to the Immigration & Refugee Board of Canada for another tribunal and new admissibility hearing.

While pursuing all possible legal avenues to fight for this case, the ABDC will continue to put direct pressure on the Minister of Citizenship & Immigration Diane Finley, who has the power to intervene and lift the unjust ban at any time. The Alison Bodine Defence campaign will continue through petition drives and continuing to get support from MP’s, unions, organizations and individuals in defence of the democratic and human rights of Alison and all social justice activists, non-residents and non-status people in Canada. Join us for the next meeting June 23 to strategize and organize this defence!

Don’t forget!

>>> NEXT ABDC MEETING:

MONDAY June 23rd

North Hall of Joe's Café
1150 Commercial Dr (at William St)
7:00pm

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Alison Bodine Defence Committee
UPDATE #27
May 4th 2008
* * * * * *

PARTIAL VICTORY FOR THE ALISON BODINE DEFENCE COMMITTEE:
THE FEDERAL COURT OF CANADA GRANTS ALISON BODINE A JUDICIAL REVIEW OF HER CASE!

Alison Bodine has been granted a judicial review by the Federal Courtof Canada, the hearing date has been set for June 12, 2008, when her lawyer will present our case to have the 2-year ban against her lifted. This is a partial victory for the Alison Bodine Defence Committee (ABDC) that has been fighting for justice since Alison was arrested in the fall of 2007.

The campaign to have the 2-year ban against Alison lifted has run along two paths. The political side that has been fighting to put pressure on Immigration Minister Diane Finley to lift the ban, and the legal side fighting to have the case heard in front of the Federal Court. This decision is a partial victory for the legal campaign, but also the beginning of a new drive for more signatures. In getting the support of every person in Canada who believes in the human and democratic rights for all people, including people without residence or status, we can win against this injustice!

Following Alison's ban from Canada on November 17, 2007, the Alison Bodine Defence Committee (ABDC) launched a broad campaign for 10,000 signatures on a petition demanding "Lift the 2-year Ban!" This campaign has collected over 2,000 signatures, adding to the letters and signatures collected in the months when ABDC was fighting to have the charges dropped against Alison Bodine.The campaign has received wide-spread support, from Canada-wide organizations such as the Canadian Federation of Students, alongside NDP MP's and MLA's, and groups from the United States like International A.N.S.W.E.R., the Green Party-USA and more.

On Saturday, November 17, 2007, anti-war and social justice activist Alison Bodine was forced to leave Canada under the exclusion order and 2-year ban from Canada issued by the Immigration & Refugee Board ofCanada (IRB). In September 2007, Alison was targeted and harassed as a political activist after Canada Border Services agents found anti-war and social justice materials in her car. The political targeting continued when she attempted to exit Canada on September 13th and was arrested by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Currently Alison Bodine is co-chair, executive committee member and spokesperson of Mobilization Against War and Occupation (MAWO) in Vancouver, BC. Her hearing on the false and unjust charge of 'misrepresentation' took place on October 11th. On October 31st, the decision was released, ordering her to leave Canada by November 17th and imposing the 2-year ban from the country.

With renewed energy to continue this battle for human and democratic rights, the Alison Bodine Defence Committee will continue to take this campaign everywhere possible. Join the 10,000 signatures campaign to lift the 2-year ban and reverse this injustice against antiwar activists and all people in Canada!

All social justice loving people are called to join us for the next organizing and planning meeting of the Alison Bodine Defence Campaign:

Monday May 9th
Joe's Cafe
1150 Commercial Drive (@ William St.)
7:00pm

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NOVEMBER 17th, 2007
The ban from Canada of antiwar activist Alison Bodine begins, over 70 supporters join her to see her across the border in a show of solidarity.

Check out the media coverage of Alison's departure:

CBC NEWS STORY ON THE EXCLUSION ON ALISON BODINE - Nov 17, 2007

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL CBC NEWS INTERVIEW WITH ALISON FROM THE NIGHT OF HER EXCLUSION FROM CANADA - Nov 17 2007

For the CKNW Article Click Here

For the METRO Newspaper Coverage Nov 19 (news in brief) Click here

For the METRO Newspaper Coverage Nov 20 (letters section) Click here

Onward to Victory!
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NOVEMBER 16th, 2007
Alison addressed the opening night of the BC NDP Convention,

Friday November 16th and spoke to hundreds of delegates

about the critical status of her case.Alison Receives a Standing Ovation!

Alison with Federal NDP Leader, Jack Layton

Alison speaks with Don Davies (Candidate for Vancouver Kingsway) and Libby Davies MP for Vancouver-East

Watch the Sept 28 Video on Alison's Case!

2007-10-10T22:21:00.000-07:00

1. UPDATES

2007-10-01T09:15:00.000-07:00

NOTE: Scroll Down for older posts
Most recent at top, initial 'URGENT CALL OUT' at the bottom!
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Alison Bodine Defence Committee
UPDATE #26 - Thursday November 28 2007

LIFT THE 2-YEAR BAN! ALISON BODINE LIFT THE BAN 10,000 PETITION DRIVE!**

ALISON BODINE LIFT THE BAN 10,000 PETITION CAMPAIGN GAINS MOMENTUM AND SUPPORT!

CANADIAN FEDERATION OF STUDENTS PASSES RESOLUTION AT NATIONAL GENERAL MEETING: "LIFT THE 2-YEAR BAN ON ALISON BODINE!"

The new Alison Bodine Defence Committee (ABDC) campaign "Lift the 2-year Ban! Alison Bodine Lift the Ban 10,000 Petition Drive!" is underway and gaining momentum and support daily! Hundreds of letters and petitions have already been signed since the campaign launch 10 days ago. Canada-wide organizations such as the Canadian Federation of
Students have also added their support! This broad political campaign, appealing to Minister of Citizenship & Immigration Diane Finley and the Federal Court of Canada, is reaching out to people in the Lower Mainland, across Canada and the US to collect thousands more letters and petitions demanding that the 2-year ban from Canada against Alison Bodine be lifted immediately. Achieving the demand of "LIFT THE 2-YEAR BAN" will effectively eliminate the original charges against Alison and will ultimately mean a victory against the political frame-up that began more than two months ago.

On Saturday, November 17, anti-war and social justice activist Alison Bodine was forced to leave Canada under the exclusion order and two-year ban from Canada issued by the Immigration & Refugee Board of Canada (IRB). In September 2007, Alison was targeted and harassed as a political activist after Canada Border Services agents found anti-war and social justice materials in her car. The political targeting continued when she attempted to exit Canada on September 13th and was arrested by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Currently Alison Bodine is Co-chair, executive Committee member and spokesperson of Mobilization Against War and Occupation (MAWO) in Vancouver, BC. Her hearing on the false and unjust charge of 'misrepresentation' took place on October 11th. On October 31st, the decision was released, ordering her to leave Canada by November 17th and imposing the 2-year ban from the country.

At the November 22-26 National General Meeting held in Gatineau QC, the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) passed a resolution calling on Minister Diane Finley to lift the 2-year ban against Alison Bodine! The CFS is sending a letter to Minister Finley with this appeal for Alison's case. The resolution also includes that all 80 CFS member locals will do the same. The CFS represents more than one-half million students at 80 colleges and universities across Canada. This resolution and support is another important gain for Alison's campaign. The CFS support is an important show of solidarity in defence of the democratic and human rights to free speech, organizing and protesting for students and all oppressed people speaking out and struggling for a better world. Many CFS National Meeting delegates also signed letters and the petition individually during the course of the meeting.

The campaign for 10,000 petitions and letters is also advancing. Tuesday November 27th ABDC campaign organizers visited UBC, where Alison graduated from last spring, and collected more than 250 petitions and letters from students in just a few hours! Many students knew already about Alison's case and had signed on to the more than 3,000-strong petition campaign to drop the charges against Alison in September and October.

The ABDC next petition drive will be Saturday December 1^st from 11am-3pm. Please contact the committee for location and to participate!

Since Alison's arrest on September 13th this case of political targeting and the broad political and legal campaign in her defence has gained international media attention on MSNBC and the Associated Press News Agency. Thousands of petitions and support letters have also been gathered from individuals, labour unions, students unions MPs and MLAs including Libby Davies, NDP MP for Vancouver East. The campaign in defence of the rights of this one activist and organizer has gone beyond the scope of just one person. The campaign has taken on an international character of a struggle in defence of the human and democratic rights for all working people, students, women, immigrants, refugees and all oppressed people to organize for social justice and against war and occupation. The Alison Bodine Defence Committee will continue this fight legally and politically until we win!

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Alison Bodine Defence Committee
UPDATE #25 - Saturday November 24th, 2007

ALISON BODINE DEFENCE COMMITTEE LAUNCHES BROAD CAMPAIGN TO LIFT THE BAN!

LIFT THE 2-YEAR BAN! ALISON BODINE LIFT THE BAN 10,000 PETITION DRIVE!

A new stage in the struggle to defend Alison Bodine has opened with the launching of the campaign by the Alison Bodine Defence Committee (ABDC) "Lift the 2-year Ban! Alison Bodine Lift the Ban 10,000 Petition Drive!" This broad political campaign will reach out across Canada and the US to collect thousands more petitions and letters of support appealing to Minister of Citizenship & Immigration Canada Diane Finley and the Federal Court of Canada to lift the 2-year ban from Canada against Alison Bodine.

Near midnight on Saturday, November 17, anti-war and social justice activist Alison Bodine was forced to leave Canada under the terms of an exclusion order and two-year ban from Canada issued by the Immigration & Refugee Board of Canada (IRB). Over two months ago, Alison was targeted and harassed as a political activist after Canada
Border Services agents found anti-war and social justice materials in her car. The political targeting continued when she attempted to exit Canada on September 13th and was arrested by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Currently Alison Bodine is Co-chair, executive committee member and spokesperson of Mobilization Against War and Occupation (MAWO) in Vancouver, BC. Her hearing on the false and unjust charge of 'misrepresentation' took place on October 11th. On October 31st, the decision was released, ordering her to leave Canada by November 17th and imposing the 2-year ban from the country.

The November 17th exclusion resulted in more media attention which continued to bring the case to more people in the Lower Mainland and beyond. CBC TV news, CKNW and the Metro Vancouver newspaper all carried the story. In the previous weeks, Alison's case has met millions of people around the globe when the Associated Press newswire, MSNBC news agency and US-wide National Public Radio (NPR) and other international news agencies published her story on the internet, radio, tv and print media. Please visit http://alisonbodine.blogspot.com to watch a video of the CBC interview and read the other articles. Letters have continued to pour in every day from people and organizations supporting the case! The ABDC is also organizing several upcoming days of petitioning including November 27th and December 1st on campuses and other community locations to collect hundreds more petitions demanding "LIFT THE 2-YEAR BAN!" If you are interested to participate you can contact the ABDC for locations and to get involved.

Since September 13th, the Alison Bodine defence campaign has been a
great struggle and a campaign with many successes and indeed important victories for working and oppressed people in Canada. The intensity of the struggle, broad spectrum of the campaign, massive media coverage, support of thousands of people, the ongoing legal and political battles against the government's repressive measures to undermine human and democratic rights - all of this has made this case a working
class case, a case against war and occupation and the right to organize against it.

Achieving the demand of "LIFT THE 2-YEAR BAN" will effectively eliminate the original charges against Alison and will ultimately mean a victory against the political frame-up that began more than two months ago. With the ban is lifted, Alison will finally have her full rights to travel between the US and Canada restored.

The ABDC will continue to fight legally and politically until we win!

*JOIN THE CAMPAIGN!* SEND A LETTER DEMANDING:
"Lift the 2-Year Ban Against Alison Bodine!"

>>>Address your letter to:
The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
Email: finley.d@parl.gc.ca
Fax:(613) 996-9749
Email a copy to: defendalisonbodine@hotmail.com

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Alison Bodine Defence Committee
UPDATE #24 - Sunday November 18th, 2007

ANTIWAR & SOCIAL JUSTICE ACTIVIST ALISON BODINE FORCED TO LEAVE CANADA! ALISON BODINE DEFENCE COMMITTEE LAUNCHES BROAD CAMPAIGN TO LIFT THE BAN!

Near midnight on Saturday, November 17, anti-war and social justice activist Alison Bodine was forced to leave Canada under the terms of an exclusion order and two-year ban from Canada issued by the Immigration & Refugee Board of Canada (IRB). Over two months ago, Alison was targeted and harassed as a political activist after Canada
Border Services agents found anti-war and social justice materials in her car. The political targeting continued when she attempted to exit Canada on September 13th and was arrested by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Currently Alison Bodine is Co-chair, executive committee member and spokesperson of Mobilization Against War and Occupation (MAWO) in Vancouver, BC. Her hearing on the false and unjust charge of 'misrepresentation' took place on October 11th. On October 31st, the decision was released, ordering her to leave Canada by November 17th and imposing the 2-year ban from the country.

On Saturday night, around 70 supporters and organizers with the Alison Bodine Defence Committee (ABDC) gathered in Vancouver and caravanned to the Peace Arch border crossing for an energetic solidarity send-off. Alison spoke, thanking everyone for their support and vowing to continue organizing together to lift the ban, despite being across the border from each other. Alison declared that this was the beginning of the new campaign to lift the 2-year ban from Canada which will include both legal and political means to achieve the goal.

CBC TV covered the border send-off, interviewing Alison and filming as she said goodbye to her friends and supporters. The interview aired on CBC TV news on November 17th. CKNW radio also interviewed Alison
before crossing the border and again once she crossed into the US. She reported to them on her experience at the border crossing and the continuation of the Alison Bodine Defence Campaign while she is in the US.

A new stage of the struggle has been opened. Legally, Alison is appealing to overturn the October 31st decision by taking her case to the Federal Court of Canada. A massive political campaign has begun with the November 18th launch of the ABDC campaign demanding "LIFT THE BAN AGAINST ALISON BODINE!". The defence committee will continue organizing and campaigning along with Alison while she is in the US so she can regain her right to travel freely across the US-Canada border.

The Minister of Citizenship & Immigration Diane Finley can intervene and lift the ban at any time and the ABDC campaign will appeal to her to take action. The ABDC will collect tens of thousands of petition signatures and letters to expand the support for Alison's case broader and wider than ever before! The ABDC will also approach more MPs, MLAs, laywers, prominent individuals, academics, labour unions, student unions and grassroots organizations to add to the many who have already signed on in her defence. The ABDC will organize campus and city-wide forums in the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island, legal defence fundraisers and petition drives to increase awareness and support for the case. The ABDC will fight until the Federal Court or Minister Finley reverses this injustice.

Achieving the demand of "LIFT THE 2 YEAR BAN" will effectively negate the original charges against Alison and will ultimately mean a victory against the political frame-up that began more than two months ago. With the ban is lifted, Alison will finally have her full rights to travel between the US and Canada restored.

We believe that it doesn't matter what side of the 49th parallel Alison is on, this fight for civil liberties will continue until achieving victory. Reversing the exclusion order and the 2 year ban will be a step forward in the struggle to stop the government of Canada from carrying out their agenda to silence and intimidate anti-war and social justice activists. Over the next days, weeks and months the Alison Bodine Defence Committee will keep organizing and fighting in defence of the civil liberties for all people especially those who are fighting for justice, humanity and a better world.

*JOIN THE CAMPAIGN!* SEND A LETTER DEMANDING:

"Lift the Ban Against Peace Activist Alison Bodine!
Stop the Harassment and Targeting of Antiwar Activists!"

>>>Address your letter to:
The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
Email: finley.d@parl. gc.ca
Fax:(613) 996-9749
Email a copy to: defendalisonbodine@ hotmail.com

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Alison Bodine Defence Committee
UPDATE #23 - Saturday November 17th, 2007

URGENT ACTION NEEDED - LIFT THE BAN! STOP THE REMOVAL OF ALISON BODINE FROM CANADA!

The fight in defence of targeted anti-war and social justice activist Alison Bodine has reached a critical point on the eve of her scheduled November 17th exclusion from Canada. It has been over 2 months since Alison was harassed as a political activist after border agents found antiwar materials in her car. The political targeting then continued, when she was arrested by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) as she attempted to exit Canada on September 13th. Currently Alison Bodine is Co-chair, executive committee member and spokesperson of Mobilization Against War and Occupation (MAWO) in Vancouver, BC. Her hearing on the false and unjust charge of "misrepresentation" took place on October 11th. The decision was released on October 31st ordering her to leave Canada by November 17th and imposes a 2 year ban from Canada.

Since the October 31st decision the Alison Bodine Defence Committee (ABDC) has pursued all possible legal avenues to have her stay in Canada extended, while continuing to increase support in a political campaign in defence of democratic and human rights. The government of Canada has denied the applications for Alison to be able to remain in Canada as we fight for a Federal Court review of her case to lift the 2 year ban against her entering Canada. It is now clear that they are attempting to shut down the case and sweep Alison out of the country because they think that it will halt the campaign for human and democratic rights that has gained so much support and momentum over the last two months. They want to shut up and shut down Alison as an activist as an example to others taking part in opposition to war and occupation, and organizing for peace and social justice.

This fight is not over. We have one more legal possibility for Alison to be able to stay in Canada past November 17th and we urgently need your support. There are less than 24 hours before the exclusion order against Alison is enforced in which the Minister of Citizenship & Immigration Diane Finley can intervene and stop this unjust removal and 2 year banning. This will only happen with petitions, letters and the continued support of MP’s and MLA’s, adding to those already received from individuals and organizations including the Hospital Employees Union and NDP MP Libby Davies and others.

Friday November 16th brought positive gains for the defence campaign. At the opening night of the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) convention being held in Vancouver this weekend, Alison was asked to speak from the stage about her urgent case. Hundreds of NDP delegates from across BC listened as she explained this case of political targeting, harassment and unjust banning from Canada. When Alison finished her speech, the room erupted in applause and a standing ovation. More than 100 people then signed support letters including two more MPs, Penny Priddy and Nathan Cullen.

If Minister Finley does not intervene before midnight on November 17th, then Alison will have to cross back into the United States, and a new stage of the battle will open. The ABDC will launch a massive campaign starting November 18th demanding “LIFT THE 2 YEAR BAN!” collecting 5,000 - 10,000 or tens of thousands of petition signatures – to expand the support for Alison’s case broader and wider than ever before! The ABDC will fight until the Federal Court or Minister Finley reverses this injustice.

Achieving the demand of “LIFT THE 2 YEAR BAN” will effectively negate the original charges against Alison and will ultimately mean a victory against the political frame-up that began more than two months ago. With the ban is lifted, Alison will finally have her full rights to travel between the US and Canada restored.

It doesn’t matter what side of the 49th parallel Alison is on, this fight for civil liberties will continue until to achieve victory. Reversing the exclusion order and the 2 year ban will be a step forward in the struggle to stop the government of Canada from executing their agenda of silence and intimidation against anti-war and social justice activists. Over the next days, weeks and months the Alison Bodine Defence Committee vows to keep fighting in defence of the civil liberties for all people especially those who are fighting for justice, humanity and a better world.

SEND A LETTER DEMANDING: “Lift the Ban and Stop the Removal of Alison Bodine from Canada”

>>>Address your letter to: The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
Email: finley.d@parl.gc.ca
Fax:(613) 996-9749
Email a copy to: defendalisonbodine@hotmail.com

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Alison Bodine Defence Committee
UPDATE # 22 - Sunday November 11, 2007

ALISON BODINE DEFENCE COMMITTEE LAUNCHES THE DEMANDS: LIFT THE BAN! STOP THE REMOVAL OF ALISON BODINE!

The campaign to defend Alison Bodine is kicking into high-gear once again with the newest stage of battle for civil liberties, democratic and human rights in

Canada

. Over two months ago Alison Bodine was targeted as a political activist after border agents found antiwar materials in her car. She was harassed by Canada Border Services Agents when she entered

Canada

on Sept 10th, and arrested by them when she attempted to exit

Canada

on Sept 13th. Currently Alison Bodine is Co-chair, executive committee member and spokesperson of Mobilization Against War and Occupation (MAWO) in Vancouver, BC. Her hearing on the false and unjust charge of "misrepresentation" took place on Oct 11th.

The decision was released on Oct 31st ordering her to leave Canada by November 17th and imposing a 2 year ban from Canada. The Alison Bodine Defence Committee (ABDC) has taken on a slate of actions to continue the political battle against this ruling. A new petition has just been released demanding "Lift the Ban, Stop the Removal of Alison Bodine from Canada". The first major collection took place Nov 10th, with a day-long petition drive downtown Vancouver that gathered over 300 signatures!

As the case enters this new stage, the ABDC will also be holding a forum entitled "Why is Canada Banning Antiwar Activists? – The Case of Alison Bodine" on Tuesday Nov 13th, to discuss the legal and political developments with the case. The battle for Alison’s civil liberties is a precedent setting fight, the outcome of which will impact how extensively the government of Canada can further accelerate their immigration law to target and attack political activists, which began a few years ago. On the legal front, the ABDC is continuing to pursue all avenues to have the ruling overturned. This also means a fundraising drive is underway. Saturday November 10th the committee hosted a fundraising event with live musical performances from local progressive artists and musicians, which was a great success, raising money and energy.

Following the Oct 31st ruling, the President of the Hospital Employees Union immediately sent a letter to Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day and Citizenship and Immigration Minister Diane Finley protesting the decision. The ABDC is now carrying out a major drive for more letters of support from other unions, churches, grassroots organizations, student groups and individuals.

We need your support now more than ever!

SEND A LETTER DEMANDING: “Lift the Ban and Stop the Removal of Alison Bodine from Canada”

>>>Address your letter to: The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
Email: finley.d@parl.gc.ca
Fax:(613) 996-9749
Email a copy to: defendalisonbodine@hotmail.com

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Alison Bodine Defence Committee
UPDATE #21 –Friday November 2, 2007

THE CASE OF POLITICALLY TARGETED ANTIWAR ACTIVIST ALISON BODINE GOES INTERNATIONAL!

ALISON BODINE DEFENCE COMMITTEE DEMANDS:
LIFT THE BAN! STOP THE REMOVAL OF ALISON BODINE!

On October 31st, the Immigration & Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) ordered US antiwar activist Alison Bodine banned from Canada for 2 years and news of the unjust and politically motivated ban has already spread around the world. Alison Bodine was targeted as a political activist based on the antiwar materials in her car, harassed and arrested by the Canada Border Services Agency in September 2007. Currently Alison Bodine is Co-chair, executive committee member and spokesperson of Mobilization Against War and Occupation (MAWO) in Vancouver, BC. The October 31st decision orders her to leave Canada by November 17th and the Alison Bodine Defence Committee has vowed to fight it.

By the end of the day on October 31st, the story of the antiwar activist banned from entry for two years by Canada border officials had already been published by the Canadian Press news agency and the West Island Chronicle, a Montreal-based newspaper.

On Thursday November 1st, the story went worldwide and was run by the AP-Associated Press, a newswire serving 121 countries around the world and the MSNBC newswire, one of the largest online news providers in the US. The popular online news source Common Dreams also featured a story about Alison's case as did PR-inside (Pressemitteilung), a news service based in Vienna, Austria. The story was also printed locally by the 24hrs Newspaper in Vancouver, the Province Newspaper, the Globe & Mail. For full details on media coverage of the case, please go to http://alisonbodine.blogspot.com

The political harassment and targeting of Alison Bodine began with intimidation and harassment by CBSA agents when she was searched at the US-Canada border on September 10th and has continued over 7 weeks of legal delays and processes. The IRB decision and ban attempts to keep Alison from traveling to Canada to work with antiwar organizers here in Canada, much like when two CODEPink Women for Peace organizers who were denied entry to Canada two separate times in October 2007. The women were coming to Canada to participate in antiwar speaking events and meetings. The CBSA is partaking in the attempt by the governments of Canada and the US to keep antiwar organizers from both sides of the border from uniting and working together to make the US and Canada antiwar movements stronger.

The Alison Bodine Defence Committee (ABDC) is exploring and pursuing all possible legal avenues while continuing the political campaign against the attack on Alison and against attacks on all antiwar and social justice activists! In the next week, the ABDC is organizing a legal defence fundraiser, a public forum to discuss the developments and future work of the campaign. The ABDC is also launching another appeal for support letters against the removal and a petition campaign to demand "Lift the Ban! Stop the Removal of Alison Bodine!"

Details on events and activities will be at http://alisonbodine.blogspot.com

*NEXT* ALISON BODINE DEFENCE COMMITTEE MEETING
Monday November 5th
7:00pm
Large North Hall of Joe's Café (corner of William St & Commercial Dr)

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Alison Bodine Defence Committee
UPDATE #20 – Thursday November 1, 2007

POLITICALLY TARGETED ANTIWAR ACTIVIST ALISON BODINE ORDERED BANNED FROM CANADA FOR 2 YEARS!

LISON BODINE DEFENCE COMMITTEE CONTINUES CAMPAIGN TO DEFEND ALISON AND ALL ANTIWAR AND SOCIAL JUSTICE ACTIVISTS UNDER ATTACK!

After 7 weeks of campaigning to have all Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) charges against her dropped, US antiwar activist Alison Bodine received the Immigration & Refugee Board decision on her case Wed Oct 31st. Currently Alison Bodine is Co-chair, executive committee member and spokesperson of Mobilization Against War and Occupation (MAWO) in Vancouver. The day started out very strong with more than 100 supporters rallying outside the Citizenship & Immigration Canada building downtown before the decision was released. Major news media, including radio, television stations and newspapers also attended to hear Alison speak at the press conference as she unveiled the more than 3,000 petition signatures demanding that all charges against her be dropped. Dozens of supporters as well as media representatives accompanied Alison upstairs to the hearing room. Once it was filled to capacity, supporters began to fill the overspill room to watch the announcement by video link.

After reviewing the case, the adjudicator from the Immigration & Refugee Board (IRB) announced that he would uphold the CBSA charge of 'misrepresentation' against Alison and issued an 'exclusion order' against her. The 'exclusion order', the order that she must leave Canada, will take effect on Saturday November 17, 2007 and states that she cannot return for two years. This unjust ruling is clearly the CBSA’s next step in escalation of the attack on Alison and the campaign of attacks on the democratic and human rights of antiwar and social justice activists and all non-status people in Canada.

The political harassment and targeting of Alison Bodine began with intimidation and harassment by CBSA agents when she was searched at the US-Canada border on September 10th and has continued over 7 weeks of legal delays and processes up to this point. Now this attack on a representative of all antiwar and social justice organizers has been taken to the next level with the IRB decision. The ruling attempts to keep Alison from traveling to Canada to work with antiwar organizers here in Canada, much like when two CODEPINK Women for Peace organizers were denied entry in to Canada several weeks ago. They were on their way to attend a meeting with the Toronto Coalition to Stop the War. The CBSA is partaking in the attempt by the governments of Canada and the US to keep antiwar organizers from both sides of the border from uniting and working together.

Supporters of Alison’s case rallied, chanted and cheered after hearing the news of the decision, vowing to organize against the unjust decision and not to take this setback as a defeat. The Alison Bodine Defence Committee (ABDC) will explore all possible legal avenues while continuing the political campaign against the attack on Alison and against attacks on all antiwar and social justice activists. The ABDC will hold a meeting Thursday November 1st and invites all those interested in the defence of human and democratic rights to join us!

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Alison Bodine Defence Committee
UPDATE #19 – Saturday October 27, 2007

ALISON BODINE DEFENCE CAMPAIGN GROWS!
BC CIVIL LIBERTIES ASSOCIATION ADDS THEIR SUPPORT!
DROP ALL CHARGES AGAINST ALISON NOW!

There are only five days left until the scheduled legal decision on
the case of targeted and arrested antiwar activist Alison Bodine.
After six weeks of this battle, the "Canada Border Services Agency:
Drop All Charges Against Alison Bodine!" campaign is still gaining
momentum and support. Alison has been living in legal limbo since
September 13th, when she was targeted as an anti-war activist and
arrested by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

After monitoring Alison's case since her first scheduled (and
cancelled) Admissibility hearing on September 17th, the British
Columbia Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA) has decided to support
Alison in her fight. They will be continuing to investigate the case
through the Access to Information Act and encouraging publicity for
Alison's case. The BCCLA is also linking Alison's case with the case
of the CODEPINK Women for Peace activists who were denied entry into
Canada at the US/Canada border a few weeks ago. The BCCLA, as the
oldest and most active civil liberties groups in Canada, is
reinforcing this campaign in defence of democratic rights and civil
liberties.

To add to the letters of support for Alison's case from 3 Federal MPs
and a BC MLA, this week the Alison Bodine Defence Committee (ABDC)
received a letter of support from MLA Raj Chouhan. In addition to the
letter of support the ABDC received from the Canadian Voice of Women
for Peace (VOW) in early October, a second letter was also received
from VOW. This letter was sent to Prime Minister Stephen Harper,
Minister of Public Safety Stockwell Day and as well as to many federal
MPs and federal opposition critics connecting the case of Alison
Bodine and the case of CODEPINK Women for Peace activists, Medea
Benjamin and Ann Wright.

As part of continuing the broad campaign to win public support for the
demand that the CBSA drop all charges against Alison Bodine, Alison
toured Lower Mainland campuses this week speaking to students as part
of Mobilization Against War & Occupation's "Student Week Against War &
Occupation".

The ABDC is continuing to work toward the goal of 3,000 signatures on
the "Drop All Charges Against Alison Bodine!" petition campaign by
Tuesday October 30th, the day before Alison's hearing reconvenes for
the legal decision. In the two days before the October 31st legal
decision, the ABDC will be carrying out a petition drive at several
locations to collect more signatures. Alison will also be in
attendance at the International weekend of Action rally against war
October 27th Vancouver rally at the ABDC tent to speak and answer
questions. Alison will be giving a workshop the following day at the
"Anti-war Conference for Activists, Organizers AND everyone",
organized by Mobilization Against War and Occupation (MAWO).

The Alison Bodine Defence Committee is continuing the appeal for
letters in defence of the human and democratic rights of Alison, and
by extension, of all immigrants, refugees, non-residents and
social-justice activists! Please send your letter of support to the
Canada Border Services Agency and defendalisonbodine@ hotmail.com

Please send a letter of support, sign the petition, and get involved
in the campaign to demand
"DROP ALL CHARGES AGAINST ALISON BODINE!"

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Alison Bodine Defence Committee
UPDATE #18 – Thursday October 11, 2007

ALISON BODINE DEFENCE COMMITTEE CONTINUES CAMPAIGN:
"DROP ALL CHARGES AGAINST ALISON BODINE!"
The Struggle for Human & Democratic Rights Grows!

After winning a partial victory in her case Thursday October 11, the struggle to have all charges dropped against anti-war and social justice activist Alison Bodine continues. Alison has been living in legal limbo since September 13th, when she was targeted as an anti-war activist and arrested by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). This recent victory in Alison's case is the latest in a series of legal victories that have come as the Canada Border Services Agency has come under pressure from the political campaign organized by the Alison Bodine Defence Committee (ABDC).

Alison's case has brought thousands of people together in defence of human and democratic rights. Over 2,000 people have signed the petition demanding that all charges against Alison be dropped. Hundreds of support letters have poured in as well, with support from organizations such as the 55,000-member strong Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America, the Green Party of the USA, the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization, and many more.

As we wait to hear the verdict in this case, the Alison Bodine Defence Committee is continuing to raise awareness about Alison's case and to demand that all charges against her be dropped. The importance of this work in defence of democratic rights is highlighted with the recent case of the CBSA denying entry to two prominent CODEPINK Women for Peace Activists from the US and the arrest of outspoken Muslim community organizer Imam Jaziri in Montreal.

Alison will be speaking at many important actions over the next few weeks - please see the list below for details. The committee will also be petitioning on the streets of Vancouver and at college and university campuses to meet the goal of collecting 3,000 PETITION SIGNATURES demanding "Drop All Charges Against Alison Bodine!" by October 30th.

Alison will also be in attendance at the October 27th International Day of Action Against War, organized in Vancouver by StopWar.ca. The Alison Bodine Defence Committee endorses this action. Alison will be available to speak at the ABDC tent - come by to learn more about Alison's case! Alison will be speaking the following day at the "Anti-war Conference for Activists, Organizers AND everyone", organized by Mobilization Against War and Occupation (MAWO).

The Alison Bodine Defence Committee is continuing the appeal for letters in defence of the human and democratic rights of Alison, and by extension, of all immigrants, refugees, non-residents and social-justice activists!

Please send your letter of support to the Canada Border Services Agency and defendalisonbodine@hotmail.com Please send a letter of support, sign the petition, and get involved in the campaign to demand "DROP ALL CHARGES AGAINST ALISON BODINE!"

Click here to see a sample support letter that you can send!

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Alison Bodine Defence Committee
UPDATE #17 – Thursday October 11, 2007

IMPORTANT VICTORY FOR ARRESTED U.S. ANTI-WAR ACTIVIST AT ADMISSIBILITY HEARING TODAY!
THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES "DROP ALL CHARGES AGAINST ALISON BODINE!"

After a month of living in legal limbo, U.S. anti-war and social justice activist Alison Bodine faced Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) charges at her admissibility hearing today and won a big partial victory in her case. On September 13th, Bodine was targeted as an anti-war activist and arrested by the CBSA when she was crossing the border from Canada to the United States. The CBSA charged her with "misrepresentation" and she faces up to a two-year ban from Canada.

The hearing began with over 80 people gathered for the press conference and support rally. Both hearing rooms were once again packed with supporters while more people waited outside the building with signs and banners and collecting petition signatures.

At the hearing the prosecution tried to introduce new evidence, not included in the full disclosure of the case given to Alison and her lawyer. This attempt to sneak in secret evidence against Alison was denied by the judge. During the hearing the prosecution's witness, a CBSA border guard, also tried to deny that Alison carried antiwar and political materials in her car the day she crossed the Canada-US border. This was quickly exposed in the cross examination by Alison's lawyer, showing examples of the antiwar newspapers Alison was questioned about at the border.

It was clear throughout the hearing that the adjudicator was not convinced by the prosecution's arguments. In admissibility hearings such as these, often if the adjudicator is not convinced by the defence an immediate removal order will be issued and defendant will have only a few hours to leave the country. The weakness of the prosecutions case was further exposed when the adjudicator announced that the final decision will not be released until October 31st at 1pm.

After today's victory in this stage of the legal battle Alison will remain in Canada to participate in the political campaign right up until the final legal decision!

Up until the hearing, support letters for Alison's case continued to come in. The latest including the 55,000-member-strong Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) and the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America, based in North Carolina!

Until the judgment comes down WE STILL NEED YOUR SUPPORT! The Alison Bodine Defence Committee is continuing the appeal for letters in defence of the human and democratic rights Alison, and by extension, of all immigrants, refugees, non-residents and social-justice activists.

Send your letter of support to the Canada Border Services Agency and defendalisonbodine@hotmail.com

The campaign for civil liberties, demanding that all charges against Alison be dropped, will also continue through the more than 2000-signature strong petition campaign.

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Alison Bodine Defence Committee
UPDATE #16 – Thursday October 11, 2007

U.S. ANTI-WAR ACTIVIST FACES ADMISSIBILITY HEARING TODAY!
DROP ALL CHARGES AGAINST ALISON BODINE!

Today, US anti-war and social justice activist Alison Bodine will face an immigration admissibility hearing. Almost one month ago, Alison was targeted as a political activist and arrested by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). She now faces charges that could result in up to a two-year ban from Canada. Since her arrest, Alison and the Alison Bodine Defence Committee (ABDC) have been fighting to have the CBSA drop all charges against her. Already, they have collected hundreds of support letters and over 2,000 petition signatures demanding that all charges against her are dropped.

Alison’s hearing today is a crucial battle. The outcome of the trial will set a precedent for how the Government of Canada treats all social justice activists, immigrants, refugees, and people without status in Canada who dare to stand up for our democratic and human rights. Please join the Alison Bodine Defence Committee today for this important rally demanding that the CBSA drop all charges against Alison Bodine!

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Alison Bodine Defence Committee
UPDATE #15 – Wednesday October 10, 2007

Over 2,000 Signatures Collected Demanding: Drop All Charges Against Alison Now!

The campaign demanding that the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) drop all charges against Alison Bodine is gaining momentum during the fourth straight week of actions. The campaign has been ongoing since September 13th, when Alison was targeted and arrested by the CBSA as an anti-war and social justice activist.

On Tuesday, October 9, the Alison Bodine Defence Committee held a successful petition drive and forum at the University of Victoria, collecting over 500 signatures. In just two weeks of the "Drop All Charges Against Alison Bodine!" petition campaign, the ABDC has collected over 2,000 signatures. The campaign has received support letters from MPs Libby Davies, Bill Siksay, and Alex Atamanenko, the Hospital Employees’ Union of BC, the Federation of Post-Secondary Educators, MLA David Chudnovsky and the US-based Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization/ Pastors for Peace in a strong show of support for this case of democratic and human rights.

The campaign has made many gains within the last month. One week ago, the campaign achieved the victory of receiving the full disclosure of evidence from the CBSA. Thursday’s hearing will finally give Alison the chance to fully defend not only herself but the human and democratic rights of social justice activists, immigrants, refugees and all people without residency or status in Canada.

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT. It has been clear from the beginning that Alison was singled out for harassment, arrest, detention and this extended period of uncertainty and legal limbo because of her involvement in the anti-war movement and social justice organizing. The campaign is in its fourth week of fighting for democratic and human rights of all people. Now, Alison’s hearing is just one day away. The ABDC is repeating the call for all peace-loving and humanist people, all allies of oppressed people fighting for their rights to get involved and support this important campaign. The ABDC is collecting letters of support and petition signatures from grassroots organizations, labour and student unions, politicians, professors and academics and people from all walks of life to unite in defence of civil liberties. Please send a letter, sign a petition, and come out to one of the many rallies in defence of Alison!

Send your letter of support to the Canada Border Services Agency and defendalisonbodine@hotmail.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS IN DEFENCE OF ALISON BODINE:
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WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 10
Press Conference & Defence Rally
12:00pm
Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC) Building
(300 W. Georgia St – corner of Georgia & Hamilton, downtown Vancouver)
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THURSDAY OCTOBER 11
All Out For The:
**ADMISSIBILITY HEARING, PRESS CONFERENCE & DEFENCE RALLY!**
10:30am
Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC) Building
(300 W. Georgia St – corner of Georgia & Hamilton, downtown Vancouver)

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Alison Bodine Defence Committee
UPDATE #14 - Monday October 1, 2007

October 1st: Alison Bodine Defence Committee Launches Third Straight Week of Actions Demanding "Canada Border Services Agency: Drop all Charges Against Alison Now!"

The Alison Bodine Defence Committee (ABDC) is beginning the third week of an intense defence campaign with actions and events throughout Vancouver and in Victoria on Vancouver Island. Alison will also speak again on university and college campuses as part of the campaign to pressure the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to drop all charges against her. Alison is a well-known social justice activist in Vancouver and an Executive Committee Member and spokesperson with Mobilization Against War & Occupation (MAWO). She was recently targeted as a political activist and arrested by the Canada Border Services Agency when trying to legally cross the border back into the United States where she is a citizen.

Monday morning began with Alison speaking to students for the second time at Simon Fraser University as part of the "International Week of Solidarity with the Cuban 5 Heroes Held in US Jails – 1st Ever Student Week in Solidarity with the Cuban 5" Campus tour of events. Alison will speak each of these forums this week at Capilano College, Langara College and the University of British Columbia. The ABDC is also organizing a program of ongoing petition drives, rallies and forums.

In the first week of the "Drop All Charges Against Alison Bodine!" petition campaign, the ABDC beat the goal of collecting 1,000 signatures on the petition. The committee has set a new goal to exceed 2,000 signatures on the petition to the CBSA by Tuesday October 9th. The campaign has received support letters from MPs Libby Davies and Bill Siksay, the Hospital Employees Union of BC, the Federation of Post-Secondary Educators, MLA David Chudnovsky and the US-based Pastors for Peace/Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization in a strong show of support for this case of democratic and human rights.

Last Friday Alison won important victories in her case at her scheduled Admissibility hearing when her lawyer Gabriel Chand was finally granted the full disclosure of the case against her. This was an important step forward, as the CBSA prosecuting lawyer tried to argue with Chand's request, but ultimately failed to prevent the right to access this evidence. Due to the introduction of new evidence, the hearing was then adjourned until October 11, 2007 at 11am. For the Alison Bodine Defence Committee, the campaign will continue with mobilization and education in defence of the democratic and human rights of immigrants, refugees, non-residents and social-justice activists.

WE NEED YOUR HELP. It was clear from the beginning that this case was not so simple – that Alison has been singled out for harassment, arrest, detention and this extended period of uncertainty and legal limbo for purely political reasons. Now this battle is entering its third week of fighting for the democratic and human rights of all activists and organizers. The ABDC is repeating the call for all peace-loving and humanist people, all allies of oppressed people fighting for their rights to get involved and support this important campaign. The ABDC is continuing collecting letters of support and petition signatures from grassroots organizations, labour and student unions, politicians, professors and academics and people from all walks of life to unite in defense of civil liberties.

Send your letter of support to the Canada Border Services Agency and defendalisonbodine@hotmail.com or free_alison_bodine@yahoo.ca

Contact us to get involved!
778.891.1470
778.882.5223
604.339.7103
604.780.4029

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Alison Bodine Defence Committee
UPDATE #13 - Friday September 28, 2007

Sept 28th: The First Day of Tribunal Brings Important Victories for the Alison Bodine Defence Campaign!

Early Friday morning, September 28, 2007, Alison Bodine arrived at the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) office in downtown Vancouver for her Admissibility Hearing. Alison is a well-known social justice activist in Vancouver and a central organizer and spokesperson with Mobilization Against War & Occupation (MAWO). She was recently targeted as a political activist and arrested by the Canada Border Services Agency when trying to legally cross the border back into the United States where she is a citizen.

On Friday morning, Alison was greeted by over 80 supporters when she arrived at the CIC offices, as well as newspaper, radio and television reporters, from CBC news, Radio-Canada, and 24 Hours newspaper among others. Alison spoke to the media briefly before heading upstairs. In her statement she emphasized that she, her lawyer, and the hundreds of people who have joined her defence campaign are all very confident that they will win the legal battle against her illegal, unjust and politically-motivated arrest. Before walking through the entrance of the building, Alison held up a thick stack of papers and announced that she was holding more than 1,200 petition signatures of people demanding "Drop All Charges Against Alison Bodine!" all of which were collected in less than one week!

Nearly 40 supporters packed the hearing room, spilling over into a second room with video link of the proceeding. Dozens more stayed outside holding signs with the unrelenting demand to "Drop All Charges Against Alison Bodine!"

The fight on Sept 28th in the courtroom was brief, but it brought important advances for the Alison Bodine Defence Campaign. After a week of battling for access to more evidence, Alison's lawyer Gabriel Chand, was finally granted the right to get access to any existing initial notes written by the border guards that questioned Alison. In addition, he was finally given the full disclosure. This was an important step forward, as the CBSA prosecuting lawyer tried to argue with Chand's request, but ultimately failed to prevent the right to access this evidence. Due to the introduction of new evidence, the hearing was then adjourned until October 11, 2007 at 11am.

For the Alison Bodine Defence Committee, the campaign will continue with mobilization and education in defence of the democratic and human rights of immigrants, refugees, non-residents and social-justice activists. The morning of the hearing brought with it support letters from the MLA David Chudnovsky and the US-based Pastors for Peace/Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization in addition to those from MPs Libby Davies and Bill Siksay, the Hospital Employees Union of BC and the Federation of Post-Secondary Educators.

The next event in the campaign to have all charges against Alison dropped will be:

"Drop All Charges Against Alison Bodine! What is Next in this Case?"
Post-Hearing PUBLIC FORUM
Saturday, Sept 29
7:30PM
SFU Harbour Center (515 W Hastings @Seymour)

Co-sponsored by: SFU MAWO Club and the Alison Bodine Defence Committee

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Alison Bodine Defence Committee
UPDATE #12 - Friday September 28th, 2007

--NEWS ITEM --
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RELEASED BY:
Alison Bodine Defence Committee (ABDC)
defendalisonbodine@hotmail.com
http://alisonbodine.blogspot.com

Media Contacts:
Tamara Hansen 778 882 5223
Shannon Bundock 778 891 1470
Aaron Mercredi 604 339 7103

*********************************
EVENT DATE: Friday, September 28th

DEFENCE RALLY & PRESS CONFERENCE:
8:30AM
Citizenship & Immigration Canada Offices
300 W. Georgia St.

ADMISSIBILITY HEARING:
9:00AM
Citizenship & Immigration Canada Offices
300 W. Georgia St
*********************************

U.S. ANTI-WAR ACTIVIST ALISON BODINE FACES ADMISSIBILITY HEARING ON FRIDAY

After two weeks of hanging in legal limbo, US anti-war activist Alison Bodine will finally receive her immigration admissibility hearing this Friday.

Bodine is a well-known social justice activist and organizer with Vancouver anti-war coalition Mobilization Against War & Occupation (MAWO). She was targeted as political activist and arrested by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) on Thursday, September 13th. This Friday's hearing will determine whether Bodine will be allowed to stay in Canada.

Bodine's case has become prominent throughout Canada and internationally. "Many people have taken an interest in my case because it is such a clear assault on the democratic and human rights that the Government of Canada tells us are guaranteed," said Bodine.

The campaign to have all charges against Bodine dropped has received support from such prominent individuals and organizations as NDP MPs Libby Davies and Bill Siksay, the Hospital Employees' Union, and the Federation of Post-Secondary Educators. The committee has also collected more than 1,100 signatures on a petition demanding that charges against Bodine be dropped. The petitions will be unveiled at the press conference before they are taken to be presented at the hearing.

Her hearing this Friday is decisive because it sets a precedent in the Government of Canada's approach to anti-war and social justice activists, said Bodine. "Especially as opposition is rising to the Government of Canada's mission in Afghanistan, the democratic and human rights of people who oppose the war are increasingly coming into question. My case is a prime example of the government not respecting these basic rights or even their own laws regarding these matters."

Bodine's hearing will be held Friday at the Citizenship & Immigration Canada Offices at 9:00AM. A press conference and rally will begin at 8:30AM. Media are invited and encouraged to attend the hearing as well as the press conference.

-30-

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Alison Bodine Defence Committee
UPDATE #11 – Thursday September 27, 2007

ALL OUT TO DEMAND:
DROP ALL CHARGES AGAINST ALISON BODINE!
Rallies Thursday and Friday at Citizenship & Immigration Canada Offices

On Friday, September 28th, the immigration admissibility hearing for US anti-war and social justice activist Alison Bodine will be held. Alison is a well-known social justice activist in Vancouver and a central organizer with Mobilization Against War & Occupation (MAWO). She was recently targeted as a political activist and arrested by the Canada Border Services Agency when trying to legally cross the border back into the United States.

Hundreds of support letters have been sent in support of Alison’s case. These include letters from NDP MPs Libby Davies and Bill Siksay, the Federation of Post-Secondary Educators, and Iglesia San Romero de las Americas Church in New York City. As well, in just one week of petitioning, the ABDC collected over 1,100 signatures on a petition demanding that all charges against Alison be dropped!

Alison faces a critical hearing Friday, where it will be determined whether or not she is able to stay in Canada as anti-war and social justice activist. More than ever, support for her case today and tomorrow will be a critical factor in ensuring that all charges against her are dropped.

The Alison Bodine Defence Committee is calling on every peace-loving and humanist person to come out to support Alison’s case. Alison’s arrest is not just the arrest of one person. It is an attack on the democratic and human rights of all, particularly social justice activists, immigrants and refugees and all people without status in Canada.

Alison’s case will set a precedent for how we respond to this attack on our democratic and human rights. We must show the Government of Canada that people in Canada will not tolerate this harassment. Join us today and tomorrow in our rallies and forum to demand:

DROP ALL CHARGES AGAINST ALISON NOW!

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Alison Bodine Defence Committee
UPDATE #10 – Monday September 24, 2007

After a very successful forum, Saturday September 22 with more than 60 people in attendance and a packed house at the Alison Bodine Legal Defence Fundraiser for Alison on Sunday night, the campaign to have all charges against Alison Bodine dropped is in full swing (for full case info and background http://alisonbodine.blogspot.com ) The "Drop All Charges Against Alison Bodine!" petition campaign is well on its way to the goal to collect at least 1000 signatures by Wednesday September 26th, which will be unveiled at a press conference and defence rally at the CIC offices that morning.

This week the campaign will expand onto college and university campuses in the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island (in Victoria). Alison will speak and discuss with hundreds of students the fight for the democratic and human rights of immigrants, refugees, people without status and non-residents in Canada as well as attacks on the antiwar movement. The campus events, defence rally and press conference Wednesday will all lead up to Alison's Admissibility hearing scheduled for Friday morning, where she will take on the CBSA charges head on. Until then, the campaign to have the charges dropped completely and immediately and to end the targeting and harassment of antiwar and social justice activists continues!

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Alison Bodine Defence Committee
UPDATE #9 – Saturday September 22, 2007

Demand of "Canada Border Services Agency, Drop all Charges Against Alison Bodine Now!" grows stronger as Alison Bodine Defence Committee begins a new week of events!

Alison Bodine Defence Committee launches campus speaking tour next week!

Saturday September 22nd – As the campaign to have all charges by the Canada Border Services Agency(CBSA) against anti-war and social justice activist Alison Bodine dropped enters its second week, the campaign is growing stronger than ever.

Alison Bodine is a US citizen and central organizer with Mobilization Against War & Occupation (MAWO), a long-time executive with the UBC AMS Social Justice Center, President for 3 years of the UBC AMS Coalition Against War on the People of Iraq & Internationally and a well-known Cuba solidarity activist with the Pastors for Peace Caravan to Cuba. After this unjust arrest and detention at the US/Canada border Alison was released from RCMP detention one week ago Friday, after less than 24 hours due to huge public pressure and mobilization.

Within just one week, the campaign has seen support from Vancouver, across Canada, and internationally. Dozens of organizations and individuals have sent letters demanding that the CBSA drop all the charges against Alison Bodine. The committee has received letters of support from US anti-war coalition International ANSWER (Seattle Branch), Iglesia San Romero de las Americas church in New York City, and NDP MPs Bill Siksay and Libby Davies. Hundreds of people also rallied at the six protests that have been held in front of the
Citizenship and Immigration Canada Offices in downtown Vancouver.

The ABDC has also won some important victories in this case: Alison's release on Friday as a result of a rally of 80 people in front of the CIC offices, followed by coverage of the story on CBC radio; the return of Alison's political materials and personal items that had been detained by CBSA; and the CBSA finally giving full disclosure of the charges against her to Alison and her lawyer.

The struggle is by no means over, though, and the ABDC has planned a number of important actions within the coming days leading up to Alison's hearing on September 28th. A cross-campus speaking tour will
be launched next week, with events happening at the University of British Columbia, the University of Victoria, Capilano College, and Langara College. (See times and dates below.)

On Saturday 22, the ABDC is organizing a forum titled "From Washington, DC to Vancouver, BC: Anti-war and Social Justice Activists Under Attack! Drop All Charges Against Alison Bodine!" and will feature a broad range of speakers from a number of community organizations who are fighting for social justice and immigrant and
refugee rights. The forum will be held at the Chilean Housing Co-op at 3390 School Ave.

On Sunday 23, the ABDC is organizing a legal defence fundraiser for Alison's case. It will feature a broad range of great local musicians supporting Alison's case. It begins at 8PM at El Rancho Restaurant (Kingsway & Broadway in Vancouver).

The Alison Bodine Defense Committee continues to call on all progressive, humanity loving people to come out to these actions and defend not only Alison's basic human and democratic rights, but the rights of us all. You can also send a letter in defense of Alison (either to the Alison Bodine Defense Committee (ABDC) or to Canada Border Services Agency and CC it to ABDC). We must pressure the CBSA with a show of the massive numbers of people calling on them to drop all charges against Alison.

Unity in action is the only way that we can show the government of Canada and its agencies that we will not be pushed around or intimidated by their undemocratic measures, repressive actions and fear mongering tactics.

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Alison Bodine Defence Committee
UPDATE #8 – Friday September 21, 2007

Friday September 21– One Week of the Defense Struggle Against the Political and Illegal Attack of Canada Border Services on the Democratic & Human Rights of Alison Bodine!

Demand of "Drop the Charges Against Alison Now!" grows louder and stronger!

Seventh Defense Rally Today @ 12noon!

Friday September 21st will be the one week mark of the ongoing struggle against the Government of Canada & Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) political targeting, illegal arrest and detention of Alison Bodine. Alison Bodine is a US citizen and antiwar and social justice activist with Mobilization Against War & Occupation (MAWO), a long-time executive with the UBC AMS Social Justice Center, President for 3 years of the UBC AMS Coalition Against War on the People of Iraq & Internationally and a well-known Cuba solidarity activist with the Pastors for Peace Caravan to Cuba. After this unjust arrest and detention at the US/Canada border Alison was released from RCMP detention one week ago this Friday, after less than 24 hours due to huge public pressure and mobilization.

This one week mark has meant six defense rallies at the downtown Vancouver office building of Citizenship & Immigration Canada, two press conferences and massive coverage of the case in print media such as the 24hrs, Metro Vancouver, the Province, the Ubyssey, and on CBC TV, CBC Radio, CKNW Newsradio, Co-op Radio and hundreds of independent media in print and on the internet. In this one week, the Alison Bodine Defence Committee has held two large community meetings and has won important victories in the case; first, having Alison released from detention, and also the return of her political materials and items seized at the US/Canada border on Thursday September 20th. The return of those items did not come without struggle though, as Alison and her supporters again faced CBSA border guards who delayed and harassed them when they went to the border to retrieve the items and materials – which is Alison's legal right. Though the CBSA has tried to delay the entire legal process, keeping Alison in the dark as long as possible, only Wednesday did the CBSA finally give full disclosure of the case charges against Alison to her and her lawyer.

The Alison Bodine Defence Committee (ABDC) has received dozens upon dozens of support letters from individuals and organizations across Vancouver, BC, Canada, the US and Internationally – all in just one week! The list of support letters that have been sent now includes; No One Is Illegal – Toronto, Bill Siksay, NDP MP – Burnaby Douglas, Libby Davies, NDP MP – Vancouver East, Federation of Post Secondary Educators, Hospital Employees Union of BC, Iglesia San Romero de Las Américas Church - UCC in New York City, International ANSWER (Act Now to Stop War & End Racism) – Seattle.

The campaign will continue taking this case to the public for their support with a free public forum held this Saturday September 22nd at the Chilean Housing Co-op in East Vancouver. The forum is titled "FROM WASHINGTON, DC TO VANCOUVER, BC: ANTI-WAR AND SOCIAL JUSTICE ACTIVISTS UNDER ATTACK! DROP ALL CHARGES AGAINST ALISON BODINE!". The forum will reflect the widespread support for the campaign with a panel of more than 10 Vancouver and US guest-speakers, all activists and organizers from different organizations and groups fighting for social justice, immigrant and refugee rights and organizers against war.

Coming around the corner to the 2nd full week of the campaign the Alison Bodine Defence Committee will be holding activities, in support of Alison, like forums and petition drives at Lower Mainland college and university campuses in order to collect hundreds more petition signatures and letters to defend Alison's human and democratic rights.

The Alison Bodine Defense Committee continues to call on all progressive, humanity loving people to come out to these actions and defend not only Alison's basic human and democratic rights, but the rights of us all, by participating in the daily rallies and by sending a letter in defense of Alison (either to the Alison Bodine Defense Committee (ABDC) or to Canada Border Services Agency and CC it to ABDC). Continuing to build the campaign, and pressure the CBSA with an overwhelming show of support for Alison's case, is our most important task and through collecting hundreds more support letters, from individuals and organizations, we can do it!

Unity in action is the only way that we can show the government of Canada and its agencies that we will not be pushed around or intimidated by their undemocratic measures, repressive actions and fear mongering tactics. United We Will Win!

-----------------------------------
Alison Bodine Defence Committee
UPDATE #7 – Wed, September 19, 2007

RALLY IN DEFENSE OF ALISON BODINE
5th Defense Rally, 2nd Press Conference!
"Canada Border Services Agency:
DROP THE CHARGES AGAINST ALISON BODINE NOW!"

**RALLY & PRESS CONFERENCE **
~~Thursday September 20th
~~2pm
~~Citizenship & Immigration Office Building, Downtown Vancouver
(address: 300 W Georgia, on the corner of Hamilton & Georgia St)

Press Conference Speakers:
>>>Gabriel Chand, BA, LL.B Chand & Company, Barristers & Solicitors
(Alison Bodine's Legal Counsel)
>>>Alison Bodine

On Wednesday, Alison learned that the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has given her lawyer, Gabriel Chand, BC LL.B, of Chand & Company, Barristors & Solicitors full disclosure of the case against her. At the press conference on Thursday September 20th, 2pm at the CIC both Alison and her lawyer will answer questions and comment on this with full confidence that the case will be won in Alison's favour.

The Alison Bodine Defense Committee has also called to continue the daily rallies held at the Citizenship & Immigration Canada Building downtown Vancouver, keeping the pressure on the CBSA and continuing the united actions demanding "DROP ALL CHARGES AGAINST ALISON NOW!"

-----------------------------------
Alison Bodine Defence Committee
Update #6 – Wednesday September 19, 2007

DROP ALL CHARGES AGAINST ALISON BODINE NOW!

--> Canada Border Services Agency Continues it's Wall of Silence.
-->Anti-war Activist left in Legal Limbo for 10 Days.
-->Alison Bodine Defense Committee Calls for Daily Rallies to demand that
the charges be dropped!

On Tuesday, September 18th, Alison Bodine was scheduled to present herself to Canada border Services Agency at 10am, as stated in the conditions of release, which she signed on Friday, September 14th. This requirement to appear before the BSA is only one in a long series of psychological maneuvers the government is using against Alison, and activists all across Canada; keeping Alison, her family, friends and her support network completely in the dark.

In order to show the BSA and the government of Canada that Alison is not alone, more than 50 people rallied in front of the Citizenship and Immigration Offices at 300 W. Georgia St. in downtown Vancouver yesterday demanding that all charges against Alison be dropped immediately. With reporters from more than 5 major TV and radio agencies in attendance, and Alison's picture and case already saturating the news wires and pages of the major newspapers across Canada, Alison confidently entered the building and presented herself to the Canada Border Services Agency. Not knowing whether she would be arrested again, and having been given no information, she was told to go to a small room off of the main hall, and that no one was allowed to go with her.

After a few tense moments, Alison emerged from the room with only a few papers, stating nothing more than that she would have to return on Friday, September 28th at 9am for an Admissibility Hearing. Alison still has not been told what she is charged with, has been given no information on when her identification, vehicle or personal belongings will be returned to her, and has been left in a state of darkness regarding her case.

While it is clear that the government and its agencies are trying to kill any momentum that Alison's case has built among progressives in Canada, we remain resolute in our defence of Alison Bodine, continuing to demand that all charges against her be dropped immediately, and that she be allowed to freely travel between the US and Canada. And the pressure is mounting.

Over the last several days, support letters have come in from all across Canada and the United States, as word of this case has spread and people register their outrage at such a blatant attack on the rights of Free Speech and of individuals to organize, and registering this case as a further attack on all non-status people in Canada who live with the daily threat of arrest.

Following Tuesday morning's successful demonstration in defense of Alison, more than 45 people participated in a second open organizing meeting of the Alison Bodine Defense Committee (ABDC) at Joe's Café to continue organizing the defence of Alison and all anti-war and social justice activists in Canada and around the world. As well, there will be daily rallies in front of the Citizenship and Immigration Canada building (where the CBSA office is downtown) at 300 W. Georgia (Georgia & Hamilton) demanding that all charges against Alison be dropped immediately.

Daily Rallies:
• Wednesday, Sept. 19th at Noon
• Thursday, Sept. 20th at 2pm
• Friday, Sept. 21st at Noon.

The Alison Bodine Defense Committee calls on all progressive, humanity loving people to come out to these actions and defend not only Alison's rights, but the rights of us all, by participating in the daily rallies and by sending a letter in defense of Alison to Canada Border Services Agency. Unity in action is the only way that we can show the government of Canada and its agencies that we will not be pushed around or intimidated by their fear mongering tactics.

United We Will Win!

Canada Border Services Agency, Drop All Charges Against Alison Bodine NOW!

-----------------------------------
Alison Bodine Defence Committee
Update #5 – Monday September 17, 2007

DROP ALL CHARGES AGAINST ALISON BODINE NOW!

Canada Border Services Agency Cancels Admissibility Hearing for Antiwar Activist Alison Bodine!

SUPPORT RALLY AT CITIZENSHIP & IMMIGRATION CANADA OFFICES
***Alison must present herself to Canada Border Services Agency at 10AM!***
~~ TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2007
~~ 9:30AM
~~ 300 W GEORGIA ST

On Monday, September 17, 2007 at approximately 11:45am Alison Bodine learned from a CBC reporter that the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) had canceled her Admissibility hearing that was scheduled for 2pm that day. This was confirmed by calling the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) about the status of the hearing though Alison herself was never officially notified by CBSA.

Alison, a political organizer, social justice activist and US citizen, was arrested by the Canadian Border Agency at the Peace Arch border crossing when voluntarily leaving Canada for the US Thursday September 13th. She was released in less than 24 hours due to a huge outpouring of support and public pressure and widespread media coverage. However, she is still being charged by the CBSA and they are still in possession of her identification documents, passport, many different political materials, car and other possessions.

At 1:30pm Monday September 17th, more than 50 supporters rallied outside the downtown Citizenship & Immigration Canada offices, especially because of the cancelled hearing, to demand that all charges against Alison Bodine be dropped immediately. Alison herself was present at the rally and spoke about the status of her case and the uncertain limbo in which she now stands. Being without status in Canada she can still be arrested at any time, she still does not know the charges against her nor when, or if, CBSA will re-schedule the Admissibility hearing. Many media outlets were present to cover the rally including the Metro Vancouver Newspaper, 24hrs Newspaper, CBC Television, CBC Radio, The Peak SFU Student Newspaper and BCIT Student Radio in addition to the article published in the major Vancouver newspaper, The Province just this morning.

As part of the conditions of her release, Alison must present herself at the Canada Border Services Agency offices downtown at 10am Tuesday September 18th. The Committee to Free Alison Bodine is calling for supporters to rally again at the 300 W Georgia St offices at 9:30am as Alison presents herself to the CBSA and to continue the call that all charges against Alison must be dropped immediately.

The CBSA cancellation of Alison's hearing is a manoeuvre to delay because they knew they won't be able to prove the charges they have made up so far. It also shows they have decided to escalate this case to a more political level by finding some different charges to bring because they know right now their case cannot win in a hearing.

All progressive, humanity loving people must understand that this is not just an attack on Alison, this is an attack on all of us. This is an attack on the democratic rights of all progressive people, social justice activists, immigrants, refugees, all non-status people and non-residents in Canada. The unjust arrest and detention of Alison Bodine means the Government of Canada and its agencies would like to continue and escalate the silencing of free speech, freedom of political expression and terrorizing people who oppose their policies at home and abroad and the new era of war and occupation.

All of us in the progressive community need to realise that the ruling class, in attacking Alison, a US citizen, is testing our ability to defend our rights, our capacity to defend ourselves and if we can organize and mobilize a legitimate and effective opposition. As the US and Canada occupations in Iraq and Afghanistan sink deeper and deeper into crisis, opposition at home is rising. The ruling classes of the US and Canada are testing ways that they can silence this and get on with their dirty work of war and occupation, plunder and exploitation.

We cannot allow this to continue! The successful defence of Alison Bodine will be a precedent-setting case for all antiwar organizers and social justice activists in Canada. We must unite in action for the best defence for Alison, for the best defence for all of us!

The CBSA might think that by cancelling or delaying the Admissibility hearing this campaign will lose steam and the pressure against them will lessen. On the contrary, this campaign is only just beginning.

People all across Canada and the world know about this case of political harassment and this will only gain momentum from here. This is a political case; Alison has done nothing wrong or illegal. Alison, along with supporters in Vancouver and across the country will keep up the demand that the CBSA must drop all charges against Alison and restore her full rights to travel between the US and Canada.

WE APPEAL TO ALL PROGRESSIVE ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS TO ENDORSE THIS IMPORTANT CAMPAIGN AND SEND A LETTER OF SUPPORT TO:
free_alison_bodine@yahoo.ca!

Our Fight is not over! Canadian Border Agency, drop all charges against Alison Bodine NOW!

WE WILL WIN!

-----------------------------------
Alison Bodine Defence Committee
Update #4 – Sunday September 16, 2007

MAJOR NEWS COVERAGE OF ANTI-WAR ACTIVIST ARRESTED BY BORDER AGENCY

>>>CANADA.COM (The Province Newspaper)
"American anti-war activist faces immigration hearing today"
Read the Story on CANADA.COM (The Province Newspaper)
http://www.canada.com/theprovince/news/story.html?id=b8f2c0d6-25ce-444f-ba2b-532fab32d7f7&k=32871

>>>CBC NEWS
"B.C. detention was bid to silence anti-war activists, American says"
Read the Story from CBC NEWS:
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2007/09/16/bc-arrest.html

-----------------------------------
Alison Bodine Defence Committee
UPDATE #3 – Saturday September 15, 2007

IMPORTANT VICTORY IN THE FIGHT TO FREE ALISON BODINE!

On Friday September 14, 2007, at approximately 8:30pm, Alison Bodine was released from an immigration detention centre in Vancouver, following a massive outpouring of support demanding her release, and Canada-wide media coverage of her case.

Alison, a political organizer, social justice activist and US citizen, was arrested by the Canadian Border Agency at the Peace Arch border crossing when leaving Canada for the US Thursday September 13th.

The arrest of Alison is a further attack on immigrants, refugees and all non-residents. Even according to their own laws, the RCMP and Immigration Canada have no legal basis for preventing her entry into Canada. They only began the harassment and legal process once they had identified her as a political organizer.

This unjust imprisonment was met with a huge protest and organizing drive by the newly-formed Committee to Free Alison Bodine. This afternoon on only 5 hours notice, 80 people came together at the Citizenship and Immigrations Offices, in Vancouver demanding the immediate release of Alison Bodine. Media was also quick to pick up this important case, throughout the afternoon the committee did interviews with CKNW radio, CBC radio, CBC TV, Coop Radio, the Ubyssey newspaper, the Capilano Courier and Indymedia. CBC aired nation-wide coverage of the case.

Following all of this, Alison’s status took a major turn. Alison was told all day that there was no way to release her from detention until at least Monday. However, at 8:00pm this evening Alison was given notice by Immigration officials that she would be released from custody immediately until her Admissibility Hearing on Monday Sept 17th at 2:00pm. At 6:30pm more than 65 activists came together in Vancouver for an emergency meeting, called by the Committee to Free Alison Bodine, to organize for Alison’s release and further defense.

It is no coincidence that this major retreat by the Immigration authorities came at the end of a whirlwind day of action, mobilization and media attention. Alison’s release from detention is a major victory for the progressive movement. However, this is not only a victory for Alison, but for the democratic rights of all political activists and organizers.

Important to note is that this is not a final victory, Alison is still facing her Admissibility Hearing on Monday. Because of this we must continue to defend her right to stay in Canada.

Our Fight is not over! Canadian Border Agency, drop all charges against Alison Bodine!
WE WILL WIN!

-----------------------------------
Alison Bodine Defence Committee
UPDATE #2 – September 14, 2007

Outpouring of Support at Rally Demanding the Immediate Release of Alison Bodine

This afternoon on only 5 hours notice, 80 people came together at the Citizenship and Immigrations Offices demanding the immediate release of Alison Bodine. Alison a political organizer, social justice activist and US citizen, was arrested by the Canadian Border Agency at the Peace Arch border crossing when leaving Canada for the US last night, Thursday September 13th. People who attended the rally came from many different social justice groups, political parties, colleges and universities to voice their opposition to Alison's unjust imprisonment.

Media has also been quick to pick up this important case, today the committee did interviews with CKNW radio, CBC radio, CBC TV, Coop Radio, the Ubyssey newspaper, the Capilano Courier and Indymedia.The arrest of Alison Bodine is a further attack on immigrants, refugees and all non-residents. Even according to their own laws, the RCMP and Immigration Canada have no legal basis for preventing her entry into Canada. They only began the harassment and legal process once they had identified her as a political organizer.

Today Alison was moved out of the Surrey RCMP jail where she was held last night, however they are refusing to release Alison claiming that she is a 'flight risk'. The Committee to Free Alison Bodine that organized the rally is now inviting any individuals of organizations interested in organizing this crucial campaign to come together this evening at Joe's Cafe to get a full update on the case and plan how to move forward to achieve our goal to release Alison Bodine! This is a clear example of Canada's 'War at Home' and their escalation of attacks against immigrants, refugees and 'undocumented' people, in particular those who are progressive activists.

For Alison's freedom to be won, it is crucial that we continue to organize and show the government of Canada, their police and repressive institutions, that we will not be frozen by fear, intimidation and attacks.

DEMAND: FREE ALISON BODINE NOW!

-----------------------------------
Alison Bodine Defence Committee
URGENT APPEAL – SEPTEMBER 14, 2007

ALISON BODINE
Political Organizer and Social Justice Activist
ARRESTED BY RCMP AND CANADA BORDER SERVICES AGENCY!

Near midnight on Thursday September 13, 2007 Alison Bodine, political organizer and social justice activist was arrested by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Alison, a US-citizen, was arrested when she attempted to legally cross the border at Peace-Arch border crossing, traveling from Canada into the United States.

Three days prior Alison was harassed by Canadian Border Guards while traveling from the US into Canada. The ordeal began after border officials searched her vehicle, identifying her as a political organizer upon finding various political materials and progressive newspapers.

Just after this finding, Alison was told by border guards that the CBSA did not believe she would return to the US. She was asked to voluntarily return to the US and complied.

Alison has traveled between the US and Canada on dozens of occasions, she had never been denied or asked to return to US.

When she returned the next day without most of her belongings, she was legally allowed into Canada. To minimize harassment by border guards, she asked a close friend from Vancouver to come pick up most of her belongings. He legally returned to Canada, but the belongings were seized and a receipt issued stating Alison would be allowed to pick them up within 40 days.

Alison returned to claim her belongings Thursday Sept 13th as she was returning to the US. Upon presenting her receipt to claim her materials, she was handcuffed and told she was under arrest, and that a warrant had been issued for her arrest in Canada. She was then taken into detention.

Since her arrest Alison has been informed that she will face an Immigration Admissibility Hearing, likely Friday Sept 14th, which is expected to take place at Citizenship & Immigration Canada Offices (300 W. Georgia St) in downtown Vancouver, no specific time has been given.

The arrest of Alison Bodine is a further attack on immigrants, refugees and all non-residents. Even according to their own laws, the RCMP and Immigration Canada have no legal basis for preventing her entry into Canada. They only began the harassment and legal process once they had identified her as a political organizer. Alison is a prominent activist in Vancouver, having written numerous articles, spoken at dozens of anti-war and social justice demonstrations and forums. She is a US-citizen who has spoken out publicly against the US occupation of Iraq, and even more so against Canada's occupation of Afghanistan.

The Committee to Free Alison Bodine is appealing to all people, groups and organizations in struggle, to unite in defense of Alison Bodine and against this unjust attack. This is a clear example of Canada's 'War at Home' and their escalation of attacks against immigrants, refugees and 'undocumented' people, in particular those who are progressive activists.

For Alison's freedom to be won, it is crucial that we mobilize immediately, and show the government of Canada, their police and repressive institutions, that we will not be frozen by fear, intimidation and attacks.

DEMAND: FREE ALISON BODINE NOW!

EMERGENCY RALLY
2:00 P.M.
Friday September 14
Citizenship & Immigration Canada Offices
300 W Georgia St (@ Hamilton St) Downtown Vancouver

OPEN ORGANIZING MEETING
(all activists and groups are welcomed)
6:30 P.M.
Friday September 14
Joes Cafe (the large north hall)
1150 Commercial Dr. (@William St)

For further information please contact: free_alison_bodine@yahoo.ca

Shannon Bundock 778-891-1470
Tamara Hansen 778-882-5223
Aaron Mercredi 604-339-7103

2. SUPPORT LETTERS

2007-10-01T07:03:00.000-07:00

The Alison Bodine Defence Committee (ABDC) has received dozens upon dozens of support letters from individuals and organizations across Vancouver, BC, Canada, the US and Internationally. Below is a sample of some of those letters from Labour unions, politicians, students unions, grassroots organizations and more. Feel free to use them as examples for writing your own letter in support of Alison, and the rights of all immigrants, refugees, people without status and non-residents!!

View the Letter from the Canadian Federation of Students - Representing over half-a-million students across Canada!

View the Letter from the Green Party USA!

View the Letter from the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) - 55,000 members-strong!

Click Here to View the Letter from Seattle Act Now to Stop War and End Racism (ANSWER)

Click He re to View the Letter from Peggy Askin, President of the Calgary and District Labour Council

Click Here to View the Letter from the Education and Training Employees’ Association

Click Here to View the Letter f rom President, Ottawa Local, Canadian Union of Postal Workers CUPW

Click Here to View the Letter from the Edmonton Coalition Against War and Racism

Click Here to View Letter from Sudbury Against War & Occupation

Click Here to View the Letter from the Capilano College Students Union

Cli ck Here to View the Letter from Industrial Workers of the World (Vancouver)

Click Here to View the Letter from Filipino Canadian Youth Alliance

Click Here to View the Letter from former Vancouver City Councilor, Tim Louis

Click Here to View the Letter from Battered Women's Support Services

Click Here to View the Letter from Jews For a Just Peace

Click Here to View the Letter from Socialist Viewpoint

3. SEND A SUPPORT LETTER!

2007-10-01T06:57:00.000-07:00

You can help by sending a Support Letter to
Minister of Citizenship & Immigration Diane Finley
from you or your organization!

Email: FINLEY.D@parl.gc.ca
Fax: 1 (613) 996 9749
---------------------------------------
Email a copy to:
defendalisonbodine@hotmail.com
---------------------------------------
Print, Sign and Fax Your Copy:
Download the Sample Letter Here!
--------------------------------------

(Sample Support Letter)

LIFT THE BAN!
Alison Bodine Lift the Ban 10,000 Petition Drive

Date:__________

To the Honorable Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship & Immigration:

Alison Bodine is a US citizen, is co-chair and spokesperson of Vancouver antiwar coalition Mobilization Against War and Occupation (MAWO), for three years was the president of the University of British Columbia’s Coalition Against War on the People of Iraq and Internationally (CAWOPI) and was a long-time executive committee member of the UBC Social Justice Center. She is also a prominent activist in solidarity with Cuba, and is a supporter of immigrant and refugee rights in Canada and in the US.

Near midnight, Thursday September 13, 2007 Alison Bodine was unjustly arrested by the Canada Border Services Agency and detained by the RCMP when she went voluntarily to the US-Canada border to pick up previously detained political materials and other items. Alison has not done anything illegal, and has crossed the border many times with no incident. In her four years as a student at the University of British Columbia Alison Bodine has never been stopped or searched when entering Canada. She has no criminal record or, for that matter, any record of wrongdoing whatsoever in Canada or the US.

On October 31st, the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada upheld the Canada Border Services Agency’s charge of misrepresentation against Alison Bodine. This resulted in the issuing of an exclusion order against her, which orders her banned from Canada for 2 years. The Federal Court of Canada denied her application for a stay in Canada while a Federal Court reviews the decision on her case. On November 17th 2007 the exclusion order and 2 year ban took effect and Alison was forced to leave Canada.

The harassment of Alison, her arrest, the charges against her, and her removal from Canada is a violation of the democratic and human rights of individuals to organize and express their political views peacefully. This is a violation of the right to free speech, and denial of the rights of immigrants, refugees, people without status and non-residents in Canada. The targeting of Alison Bodine by the Canada Border Services Agency was politically motivated and unjust.

I am appealing to you, as Federal Minister of Citizenship & Immigration, to lift the 2 year ban against Alison Bodine and restore her right to freely travel between the US and Canada.

Sincerely,

(signature)__________

(name) _____________

(affiliations, for identification purposes only)

4. MEDIA COVERAGE

2007-10-01T04:06:00.000-07:00

Below is a sampling of some of the media coverage Alison's case... Check back for more!

SEPT 17:
>>>CBC NEWS
"B.C. detention was bid to silence anti-war activists, American says"
Read the Story from CBC NEWS:
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2007/0 9/16/bc-arrest.html
-------------------------------

SEPT 17:
>>>CANADA.COM (The Province Newspaper)
"American anti-war activist faces immigration hearing today"
Read the Story on CANADA.COM (The Province Newspaper)
http://www.canada.com/the province/news/story.html?id=b8f2c0d6-25ce-444f-ba2b-532fab32d7f7&k=32871

-------------------------------

SEPT 18:
>>>24 Hours
"Political Target? Antiwar Stance Behind Border Hassle, claims Bodine"
Read the Story online:
http://www.mawovancouver.org/070918_24hrs_page3.pdf

-------------------------------

SEPT 18:
>>>Ubyssey (UBC Student Newspaper)
"Activist, former UBC student arrested at border" http://www.ubyssey.bc.ca/2007/0 9/15/activist-former-ubc-stud ent-arreste d-at-border/
-------------------------------

SEPT 18:
>>>Metro News
"American Activist Stuck in Canada"
http://www.mawovancouver.org/20070918_vancouver_metro.pdf

-------------------------------

SEPT 18:
>>>CANADA.COM (The Province Newspaper)
"US Activist Persecuted: Supporter"
Read the Story on CANADA.COM (The Province Newspaper)
http://www.canada.com/theprovince/news/story.html?id=26200a7b-b04c-4670-8c0a-8fe5cab0cfeb

-------------------------------

SEPT 19:
>>>24 Hours
"Bodine left dangling in limbo"
(click image to read article)

-------------------------------

SEPT 21:
>>>SHAHRVAND-BC Newspaper
"Drop all Charges Against Alison Bodine"
Read the Story here:
http://www.mawovancouver.org/shahrvandbcabdcfinal.pdf

-------------------------------

SEPT 21:
>>>The Gleaner (Langara College Newspaper)
"Drop all charges against antiwar activist-letter"
Read the Story here:
http://www.mawovancouver.org/gleanerletterabdc.pdf

-------------------------------

SEPT 24:
>>>The Capilano Courier
"Student Protestor Arrested"
Read the Story here: http://www.mawovancouver.org/CapCourierABDCCoverageSept_24.pdf

-------------------------------

SEPT 24:
>>>The Peak (SFU Newspaper)
"Activist Continues Battle"
Read the Story here: http://www.mawovancouver.org/peaknewspaperabdc.pdf

-------------------------------

SEPT 29:
>>>Radio Canada
"Alison Bodine : La déclaration, la défense et la réponse"
Lire l'article ici:
http://www.mawovancouver.org/radiocanadaabdc.pdf

-------------------------------
Oct 19:
>>>GREEN PARTY USA PRESS RELEASE
"Green Party urges Canada to drop border-crossing charges against US peace activist Alison Bodine"

Read the Press Release Here:
http://www.mawovancouver.org/071019_GPUSA_pressrelease.pdf
-------------------------------
Oct 31:
>>>THE MONTREAL CHONICLE
"U.S. anti-war protester barred from Canada for two years for entry lie"

Read the Story from The Montreal Chonicle:
http://www.mawovancouver.org/071031_MontrealChonicle.pdf
-------------------------------
Oct 31:
>>>CANADIAN PRESS
"U.S. anti-war protester barred from Canada for two years for entry lie"

Read the Story from Canadian Press:
http://www.mawovancouver.org/071031CanadianPress.pdf
-------------------------------
Nov 1:
>>>24 HOURS NEWSPAPER
"Anti-war activist told to get out of Canada"

Read the Story from 24 Hours Newspaper:
http://www.mawovancouver.org/071101_24hrs.pdf
-------------------------------
Nov 1:
>>>THE PROVINCE NEWSPAPER / CANADA.COM
"U.S. anti-war activist vows to fight ouster"

Read the Story from The Province:
http://www.mawovancouver.org/071101_province.pdf
-------------------------------
Nov 1:
>>>GLOBE AND MAIL
"Activist ordered out of country"

Read the Story from The Globe and Mail:
http://www.mawovancouver.org/071101_globeandmail.pdf
-------------------------------
Nov 1:
>>>INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE
"US anti-war activist barred from Canada says she is targeted for political views"

Read the Story from The International Herald Tribune
http://www.mawovancouver.org/071101_IHT_AP.pdf
-------------------------------
Nov 1:
>>>MSNBC
"US anti-war activist barred from Canada says she is targeted for political views"

Read the Story from MSNBC:
http://www.mawovancouver.org/071101_MSNBC_AP.pdf
-------------------------------
Dec 4:
>>>PSLWeb
"Anti-war activist banned from Canada vows to continue the struggle"

Read the Story from PSL Web:
http://www.pslweb.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=7701&news_iv_ctrl=1361
-------------------------------

5. PAST EVENTS

2007-10-01T02:04:00.000-07:00

-----------------------------------
Collecting Signatures for the 'Lift the Ban' Petition Drive
Sat Dec 8
Vancouver Public Library

-----------------------------------
Collecting Signatures for the 'Lift the Ban' Petition Drive
Sat Dec 1
Vancouver Art Gallery

-----------------------------------
Collecting Signatures for the 'Lift the Ban' Petition Drive
Tues Nov 27
UBC

-----------------------------------
Forum
Sat Nov 13
SFU Harbour Centre

-----------------------------------
Alison Bodine Defence Committee Fundraiser
Sat Nov 10
El Rancho Restaurant

-----------------------------------
Collecting Signatures for the 'Lift the Ban' Petition Drive
Sat Nov 10
Vancouver Public Library

-----------------------------------
Decision Release Hearing & Defence Rally
Wed Oct 31
Citizenship and Immigration Offices - Vancouver

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STUDENT WEEK AGAINST WAR & OCCUPATION (SWAWO) EVENTS
Wed Oct 24
Capilano
North Vancouver

Tues Oct 23
Langara College
Vancouver

Mon Oct 22
Douglas College
New Westminster

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DEFENCE RALLY
Fri Oct 19
CIC Offices
300 W Georgia

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AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
Sat Oct 13
Richmond BC

Alison was an invited speaker to give a presentation on human rights, democratic rights, and her case...

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DEFENCE RALLY & ADMISSIBILITY HEARING
Thur Oct 11
CIC Offices
300 W Georgia

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DEFENCE RALLY
Wed Oct 10
CIC Offices
300 W Georgia

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Gathering Petition Signatures
Public Forum "The Case of Alison Bodine & the Case of the Cuban 5 Political Prisoners Held in US Jails"
Tues Oct 9
University of Victoria

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FORUM:
"Why I Have Been Targeted: CBSA Violates Civil Liberties"
Sat Oct 6
SFU Harbour Centre

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DEFENCE RALLY
Fri Oct 5
CIC Offices
300 W Georgia

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GATHERING SIGNATURES FOR THE
"DROP ALL CHARGES AGAINST ALISON BODINE" PETITION
Fri Oct 5
Vancouver Art Gallery

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POST-HEARING PUBLIC FORUM
Sat Sept 29
SFU Harbour Center
515 W Hastings

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DEFENCE RALLY & ADMISSIBILITY HEARING
Fri Sept 28
CIC Offices
300 W Georgia

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ALISON BODINE SPEAKS OUT!
Mon Sept 24-Thur Sept 27
UBC
UVIC (Victoria)
Capilano College
Langara College

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LEGAL DEFENCE FUNDRAISER
Sun Sept 23
El Rancho Restaurant

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PUBLIC FORUM
Sat Sept 22
Chilean Housing Co-op

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MEXICO FORUM (Solidarity Coalition for a United Latin America)
Fri Sept 21
Chilean Housing Co-op

ALISON SPEAKS AT THE SCULA FORUM!

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DEFENCE RALLY
Fri Sept 21
CIC Offices
300 W Georgia

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DEFENCE RALLY

Thurs Sept 20
CIC Offices
300 W Georgia

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FREE THE CUBAN 5 PICKET
Thurs Sept 20
US Consulate

Alison Speaking at the Free the Cuban 5 Picket Action

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DEFENCE RALLY
Wed Sept 19
CIC Offices
300 W Georgia

<-- Ken Robinson, 1st VP of Hospital Employees Union (HEU) Speaks at Sept 19 Rally CLICK HERE TO READ HEU LETTER IN DEFENCE OF ALISON
Wednesday September 19th was marked by the fourth support rally for Alison Bodine and an increase of support as the campaign to drop all charges against Alison by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) goes into its sixth day.

The campaign has been busy gathering more support with 200 support letters and petition signaturescollected in the last 24 hours alone. The Alison Bodine Defense Committee has also set a goal to collect 1000 petition signatures by Wednesday September 26th, two days before Alison's scheduled Admissibility hearing.

The increased support for the campaign was visible at the rally on Wednesday afternoon. Among the speakers was Ken Robinson, First Vice President of the Hospital Employees Union. He stated he represents 45,000 hospital workers in BC and that all members of their union stood behind Alison in this fight for democratic rights. The HEU has also sent a letter of support for Alison, echoing the demand that all charges against her be dropped. The rally at the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) Building downtown was strengthened with the reading of the support letter from NDP MPs Libby Davies and Bill Siksay that was also sent on Wednesday to Stockwell Day, Minister for Public Safety (the ministry responsible for the Canada Border Services Agency).

Vancouver student unions are also getting on board to demand "Drop the Charges Against Alison Now!". The Douglas College Students Union representing 12,000 students has also decided to support the campaign.
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DEFENCE RALLY & Canada Border Services Agency APPEARANCE
Tues Sept 18
CIC Offices
300 W Georgia

On Tuesday, September 18th, Alison Bodine was scheduled to present herself to Canada border Services Agency at 10am, as stated in the conditions of release, which she signed on Friday, September 14th.
This requirement to appear before the BSA is only one in a long series of psychological maneuvers the government is using against Alison, and activists all across Canada; keeping Alison, her family, friends and her support network completely in the dark. In order to show the BSA and the government of Canada that Alison is not alone, more than 50 people rallied in front of the Citizenship and Immigration Offices at 300 W. Georgia St. in downtown Vancouver yesterday demanding that all charges against Alison be dropped immediately. With reporters from more than 5 major TV and radio agencies in attendance, and Alison's picture and case already saturating the news wires and pages of the major newspapers across Canada, Alison confidently entered the building and presented herself to the Canada Border Services Agency. Not knowing whether she would be arrested again, and having been given no information, she was told to go to a small room off of the main hall, and that no one was allowed to go with her. After a few tense moments, Alison emerged from the room with only a few papers, stating nothing more than that she would have to return on Friday, September 28th at 9am for an Admissibility Hearing. Alison still has not been told what she is charged with, has been given no information on when her identification, vehicle or personal belongings will be returned to her, and has been left in a state of darkness regarding her case. While it is clear that the government and its agencies are trying to kill any momentum that Alison's case has built among progressives in Canada, we remain resolute in our defence of Alison Bodine, continuing to demand that all charges against her be dropped immediately, and that she be allowed to freely travel between the US and Canada. And the pressure is mounting. Over the last several days, support letters have come in from all across Canada and the United States, as word of this case has spread and people register their outrage at such a blatant attack on the rights of Free Speech and of individuals to organize, and registering this case as a further attack on all non-status people in Canada who live with the daily threat of arrest. Following Tuesday morning's successful demonstration in defense ofAlison, more than 45 people participated in a second open organizing meeting of the Alison Bodine Defense Committee (ABDC) at Joe's Café to continue organizing the defence of Alison and all anti-war and social justice activists in Canada and around the world. As well, there will be daily rallies in front of the Citizenship and Immigration Canada building (where the CBSA office is downtown) at 300 W. Georgia (Georgia & Hamilton) demanding that all charges against Alison be dropped immediately. The Alison Bodine Defense Committee calls on all progressive, humanity loving people to come out to these actions and defend not only Alison's rights, but the rights of us all, by participating in the daily rallies and by sending a letter in defense of Alison to Canada Border Services Agency. Unity in action is the only way that we can show the government of Canada and its agencies that we will not be pushed around or intimidated by their fear mongering tactics. United We Will Win!

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CANCELED ADMISSIBILITY HEARING & DEFENCE RALLY
Mon Sept 17
CIC Offices
300 W Georgia

On Monday, September 17, 2007 at approximately 11:45am Alison Bodine learned from a CBC reporter that the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) had canceled her Admissibility hearing that was scheduled for 2pm that day. This was confirmed by calling the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) about the status of the hearing though Alison herself was never officially notified by CBSA.

Alison, a political organizer, social justice activist and US citizen, was arrested by the Canadian Border Agency at the Peace Arch border crossing when voluntarily leaving Canada for the US Thursday September 13th. She was released in less than 24 hours due to a huge outpouring of support and public pressure and widespread media coverage. However, she is still being charged by the CBSA and they are still in possession of her identification documents, passport, many different political materials, car and other possessions.

At 1:30pm Monday September 17th, more than 50 supporters rallied outside the downtown Citizenship & Immigration Canada offices, especially because of the canceled hearing, to demand that all charges against Alison Bodine be dropped immediately. Alison herself was present at the rally and spoke about the status of her case and the uncertain limbo in which she now stands. Being without status in Canada she can still be arrested at any time, she still does not know the charges against her nor when, or if, CBSA will re-schedule the Admissibility hearing. Many media outlets wereNewspaper, CBC Television, CBC Radio, The Peak SFU Student Newspaper and BCIT Student Radio in addition to the article published in the major Vancouver newspaper, The Province just this morning.

As part of the conditions of her release, Alison must present herself at the Canada Border Services Agency offices downtown at 10am Tuesday September 18th. The Committee to Free Alison Bodine is calling for supporters to rally again at the 300 W Georgia St offices at 9:30am as Alison presents herself to the CBSA and to continue the call that all charges against Alison must be dropped immediately. present to cover the rally including the Metro Vancouver Newspaper, 24hrs

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MOBILIZATION AGAINST WAR & OCCUPATION CONFERENCE
Sun Sept 16
Vancouver Community College

ALISON SPEAKS AT THE MAWO CONFERENCE!

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MOBILIZATION AGAINST WAR & OCCUPATION ANTIWAR RALLY
Sat Sept 15
Vancouver Art Gallery

(click photo for larger version!)

ALISON SPEAKS AT THE MAWO RALLY!

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DEFENCE RALLY
Fri Sept 14
CIC Offices
300 W Georgia

(click photo for larger version!)
EVENING OF SEPT 14: This afternoon on only 5 hours notice, 80 people came together at the Citizenship and Immigrations Offices demanding the immediate release of Alison Bodine. Alison a political organizer, social justice activist and US citizen, was arrested by the Canadian Border Agency at the Peace Arch border crossing when leaving Canada for the US last night, Thursday September 13th. People who attended the rally came from many different social justice groups, political parties, colleges and universities to voice their opposition to Alison's unjust imprisonment. Media has also been quick to pick up this important case, today the committee did interviews with CKNW radio, CBC radio, CBC TV, Coop Radio, the Ubyssey newspaper, the Capilano Courier and Indymedia.

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