March 2013

Mining Justice Update   


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. 

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.  

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.                  
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.
In This Issue
Feature Article
Parliamentary Business
Resources
Staff Update
Newsletter archives
 
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."
Student Seminar #1 Comment by participant in Peacebuilding in a Dangerous Time, the Ottawa Office's seminar for students, held Feb 14-16. Stay tuned for more reflections. 
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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