The Government of Canada has continued to make it clear in recent months that resource extraction is one of its highest policy priorities. Unfortunately, there does not yet seem to be a willingness to support promising initiatives that consider the perspectives of all stakeholders.
The good news is that non-governmental organizations are continuing to work hard on mining issues. For example, in a recent statement, 24 Canadian investor institutions--including Meritas SRI Funds--with $362 billion in assets under management, voiced their support of the
Resource Revenue Transparency Working Group.
This group is promoting the mandatory disclosure by Canadian oil and mining companies of payments to host governments.
Additionally, MP John McKay has introduced a private member's bill which also promotes disclosure of payments by the extractive industry to foreign entities.
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Parliamentary Business
As media reports continue to swirl around the conflict unfolding in Mali, the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development has been meeting to assess what role Canada might best be positioned to play in mitigating the violence.
On Thursday, February 14, MCC coalition partner Project Ploughshares testified before the Committee. Drawing on a more detailed written submission that proposed five principles for guiding Canada's response, Executive Director John Siebert highlighted the importance of non-combat military contributions, including the protection of vulnerable civilians.
Read the full testimony here.
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Resources
Lenten Water Resource
Are you looking for innovative Lenten resources with a justice twist? An MCC partner, the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, has just released a worship, reflection, and action resource that invites people to think about the connections between water and hunger, and to pray, give and advocate for clean water for all people.
This year, World Water Day occurs on March 22. This Lenten Water Resource is also an excellent tool to use in connection with World Water Day.
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Events
2013 Ottawa Seminar for Students
Some thirty college and university students from Quebec to BC joined Ottawa Office staff for "Peacebuilding in a Dangerous Time," February 14-16 in Ottawa. This bi-annual seminar exposes students to MCC's witness of political advocacy on a wide range of issues. Click here for a photo gallery.
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Quotation
of the Month
"The wide variety of views and professional backgrounds offered a chance to challenge and critically analyze my own opinions about peace and peacebuilding, and my place in them."
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Staff Update
Esther Epp-Tiessen
Public Engagement Coordinator
Esther has recently returned to MCC Canada after a two-year leave to write a history of the organization, to be published in fall 2013. She previously served with MCC Canada as Peace Program Coordinator, and and also completed MCC assignments in Ontario and the Philippines.
Esther is passionate about engaging people in peace and justice witness. She also loves camping, hiking, reading and knitting.
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Ottawa Office Newsletter archives
Read previous editions of our newsletter here. |
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