
Crossing Into Canada
Stories from Two Generations of US War Resisters
Alison Mountz(Editor)
University of Alberta Press
Published on 18. December 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
232 pages
978-1-77212-828-4 (ISBN)
Description
These powerful first-hand accounts of two generations of US war resisters track their search for safe haven in Canada and the assistance of the activists who supported them. During the war in Vietnam, Canada offered refuge to over 100,000 people fleeing conscription. More recently, approximately 300 US military personnel sought refuge as resisters against wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. These two generations of refugee claimants travelled parallel routes, but met very different outcomes. Capturing a fascinating and unique set of cross-border histories-Canadian and American, collective and distinct-this volume reveals that the courageous decision to flee militarism and war never follows the same path. Editor Alison Mountz, also an immigrant to Canada, introduces and documents these compelling and intimate journeys, offering an inside look at how people resist war, cross borders, access asylum, survive detention, and build community. Crossing Into Canada is essential reading for those interested in war resister movements, Canada's identity as a safe haven for those seeking asylum, migration across borders, and the importance of activism and social justice.
Reviews / Votes
"By archiving the direct but complex experiences and motivations of the war resisters who migrated from the United States to Canada during US war-making overseas, Crossing Into Canada troubles simplistic narratives of Canada as a refuge. It shows the courage of war resisters and the importance of collective resistance and organizing and also raises profound questions about how we might collectively respond to violence and war in the future." Jennifer Ridgley, Carleton University "Crossing Into Canada conscientiously brings into focus previously unknown stories about war resistance, and helpfully juxtaposes stories from the 1960s and 1970s with those from much more recent conflicts. I definitely want this book in my personal library." Jessica Squires, Building Sanctuary: The Movement to Support Vietnam War Resisters in Canada, 1965-73More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Edmonton
Canada
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Weight
400 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-77212-828-4 (9781772128284)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Alison Mountz is Professor of Geography at University of Toronto Scarborough and an award-winning author.
Content
Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Robin
Chapter 3 Esther and Dave
Chapter 4 Leah
Chapter 5 Linjamin
Chapter 6 Neil
Chapter 7 John
Chapter 8 Lee
Chapter 9 Michelle
Chapter 10 Corey
Chapter 11 John
Chapter 12 Dean
Chapter 13 Joe
Chapter 14 Reflections: The courage to resist
References and selected readings
Chapter 2 Robin
Chapter 3 Esther and Dave
Chapter 4 Leah
Chapter 5 Linjamin
Chapter 6 Neil
Chapter 7 John
Chapter 8 Lee
Chapter 9 Michelle
Chapter 10 Corey
Chapter 11 John
Chapter 12 Dean
Chapter 13 Joe
Chapter 14 Reflections: The courage to resist
References and selected readings