July-August 2013 
An Important Step toward Transparency   

It should come as no surprise that resource extraction continues to loom large on the Government of Canada's list of policy priorities. The welcome news is that the issue of revenue transparency has finally gained traction. As an issue that MCC has been monitoring for some time, we are encouraged by the government's decision to move this agenda forward.

On June 27, MCC Canada sent a letter
to the Prime Minister, expressing support for his announcement just prior to the G8 Summit that Canada will establish mandatory reporting requirements for Canadian mining, oil, and gas companies. Such rules will require companies to disclose how much money they pay to all levels of government in the countires where they operate (including taxes, royalties, license fees, etc.). 
 
Given MCC's experience with mining-affected communities around the world, we are convinced that enhancing revenue transparency is one important step towards ensuring that local communities are better informed about revenue flows and can benefit from the extraction of natural resources.

In efforts to establish the most effective reporting regime, the Government of Canada is currently in the process of hosting a series of consultations with industry, civil society, and First Nations and aboriginal communities.

MCC has been invited to participate in the civil society consultation in late July in Ottawa, and Jenn Wiebe will attend on behalf of the Ottawa Office. We look forward for the opportunity to contribute to this important policy discussion.  

Parliamentary business:    
A cabinet shuffle

On July 15, the Prime Minister announced a long-awaited cabinet shuffle.  Eight members were dropped from cabinet, 10 new members were added, and 16 traded portfolio responsibilities. Only 14 cabinet ministers continued in their roles.

MCC Canada sent letters to several of the new cabinet ministers, congratulating them on their appointments, and introducing them to the work of MCC.

Read Paul Heidebrecht's blog on how the cabinet shuffle announcement reflects the increasingly competitive nature of contemporary politics.



New Resources
 






"Violence against women is most commonly an exertion of dominance and power on the part of the perpetrator." 

The summer issue of Intersections, MCC's quarterly publication on theory and practice, explores the reality of gender-based violence around the world.  It also describes innovative approaches to confronting the violence, while bringing healing to survivors, offenders, and their communities.

Cambodian youth participate in a workshop on domestic violence.


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


"We don't only need your money... We need your prayers. And we need you to raise your voice, asking your government and the international community to put pressure on all parties to sit down and start talking. Without dialogue, we cannot solve the problem."  

 

-- Archbishop Jean Kawak of the Syrian Orthodox Church in Damascus (an MCC partner).

 

Watch this  brief video to hear more from the Archbishop on the civil war in Syria.   

 
Opportunities

 

If you are in Ottawa in the next few months, make sure to visit the Canadian War Museum to see Peace: The Exhibition. This new exhibit highlights many ways Canadians have been building peace over the centuries.

Read Esther Epp-Tiessen's blog about the exhibit and share a comment to let us know what you think!



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Elements of Justice

is a 3-day training for social justice activists -- both experienced ones and "newbies."  Planned by KAIROS, it will be held at the North Vancouver Outdoor School, October 24-27. Learn more here  


Staff Update

 

Esther Epp-Tiessen 

Public Engagement Coordinator 

 

 

 

In June Esther received  the Joan Melanson award from Project Peacemakers of Winnipeg. The award is presented annually by the local affiliate of Project Ploughshares to an individual who has demonstrated  a longstanding commitment to building peace. 
 
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