GC32 Nuclear-Powered Submarines (1988N765.01)

WHEREAS we affirm Jesus Christ as the life-giver of the world; and

WHEREAS submarines may usually bear arms and arms bring death, not life; and

WHEREAS the government of Canada has decided to buy a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines at an estimated cost of $8 billion dollars; and

WHEREAS the Canadian Centre for Arms Control and Disarmament released a study on February 24, 1988, which concludes that building, staffing, hand operating these submarines could drive the total costs to between 12.5 billion dollars and 14.8 billion dollars; and

WHEREAS a wide spectrum of organizations and individual analysts have spoken against Canada’s acquisition of these vessels; and

WHEREAS in February 1987 the Soviet government proposed a treaty with Canada which would turn the Arctic into a zone of peace and ecological balance:

THEREFORE be it resolved that the 32nd General Council urge the government of Canada to:

1. Reconsider the purchase of nuclear-powered submarines;
2. Enter into discussion with NATO and our allies to explore the possibility of an Arctic treaty with the Soviet Union.

GC32 1988 ROP, pp. 183-184