December2012
Congolese forced to flee yet again
as rebels take control of city

"These are very vulnerable people who were already displaced multiple times. People are pushed further and further away from their homes and are increasingly vulnerable," reported MCCer Michael J. Sharp, who twittered to the world the rebel takeover.

 

A poignant reminder as this month we mark Human Rights Day on the 10th, International Migrants Day on the 18th, and International Human Solidarity Day on the 20th.

 

Read Michael's first person account, and MCC's report and response.

Parliamentary Business

Bill C-398 defeated: Is this the way to usher in World AIDS Day?

 

Much to the chagrin of medical and legal experts, humanitarian activists, development organizations, faith communities, and other concerned Canadians, Bill C-398 -- legislation intended to strengthen Canada's capacity to send low cost drugs to developing countries -- has been voted down. 

 

Read our response.

Getting Involved 

"Ordinary People, Extraordinary Impact" -- from Mines Action Canada on 15 Years of the Ottawa Treaty

 
 
On December 3, 1997, the world came to Ottawa to sign a landmark treaty banning landmines. And it's still considered ground breaking. 

 
Ordinary people have been the foundation of the Treaty. 
  • Ordinary people suffer the most from landmines.
  • Ordinary people including landmine survivors started the campaign to ban landmines.
  • Ordinary people from civil society and from government departments created the Treaty.
  • Ordinary people have implemented it. 
This publication, commemorating the Ottawa Treaty's 15th anniversary, is a collection of perspectives from just a few of these ordinary people and the extraordinary impact of their efforts.
 
Download here.
Resources 

"Remember the Land"

KAIROS video on Mining

 

Canada is home to 75% of the world's mining and exploration companies. Canadian stock exchanges raise 40% of all mineral exploration capital worldwide.

 

In May 2011, 150 church leaders and grassroots activists from around the world gathered in Toronto to consider the impact of Canadian mining in their communities.

"Remember the Land" is the story of that gathering, of peoples from the Global South who are engaged in struggles to protect the land that they know and love; the land that sustains them materially, culturally and spiritually; the land that has its own deep, inherent worth.

 

You can view the video online and download the Study Guide.

Ottawa Office Newsletter archives
Read previous editions of our newsletter here
In This Issue
Feature
Parliamentary Business
Getting Involved
Resources
Staff Update
 
Quotation 
of the Month

  

"Cluster munitions were recently used in Syria.... A dozen children died from the effects of the cluster munitions and about 15 people were wounded. All of these victims were civilians.... 

 

How many other people will have to die before we understand that these weapons must never be used again? I repeat: they must never be used again
by anyone....

 

We can set an example in the fight against these weapons."  

 

Canadian Senator Romeo Dallaire on December 4, 2012, in a speech to the Senate, opposing Bill S-10 in its current form. 

Staff Update

Jennifer Wiebe

Policy Analyst

Throughout October, Jenn attended many Senate Committee hearings on Bill S-10 (An Act to Implement the Convention on Cluster Munitions). 

 

These meetings provided the Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade with the opportunity to hear witness perspectives on the legislation, including personnel from Department of National Defence (DND), as well as various civil society actors, including MCC

 

On December 5th, Jenn was also present in the Senate Chamber when Bill S-10 passed Third Reading Vote.  

Peacebuilding 
in a dangerous time

 

For college and university students.

Thursday - Saturday, February 14-16 in Ottawa.

Register here.

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