Open for justice -- not just for business
In the Ottawa Office, we continue to hear concerns expressed by MCC partners and friends about Canadian mining activity around the world.
In Haiti, for example, people are concerned they are not being informed or consulted about the sudden expansion of Canadian mining interests. They are worried about the potential for human rights abuse and harm to the environment, as has occurred elsewhere.
At a December consultation on Canada's corporate social responsibility framework, the Canadian Network on Corporate Accountability insisted that Canada must do better.
 CNCA, KAIROS and other civil society organizations have launched a campaign called
- an independent Ombudsman to investigate complaints about Canadian companies, and
- access to Canadian courts for people who have been seriously harmed by the international operations of Canadian companies.
Please add your voice.
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Bill C-6 (one more time) Bill C-6, An Act to Implement the Convention on Cluster Munitions, continues its long journey through the Parliamentary system.
On December 10, the bill was amended slightly by the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development to address the loopholes and exemptions that would allow Canadian soldiers to use cluster munitions when in joint combat with states not party to the convention, for example, the US.
 The amended bill will return to the House of Commons for third and final reading and to the Senate, but no further changes are expected.
Read Jenn Wiebe's blog to learn about how the amendment -- a single word! -- is reason for both sadness and celebration.
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New resource:
Pornography: Lies, Truth and Hope is a new 65-page booklet produced by MCC to build understanding of the dangers of pornography and to encourage loving and effective action to prevent and overcome the harm pornography causes. - View a promotional video,
- Download a copy of the booklet, or
- Obtain a free copy of the booklet at your nearest MCC office.
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Ottawa Office Newsletter archives
Read previous editions of our newsletter here. |
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Quotation
of the month
"Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal."~~ Martin Luther King Jr.
January 20 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
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Opportunities
Canadian Foodgrains Bank is hosting a learning tour to Nicaragua in May for young adults aged 18-30. Participants will learn about food security, develop solidarity with Nicaraguan young adults, and learn about CFGB projects. Click here for more info and an application form.
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Staff update
Julia Tallmeister
Advocacy research intern
Julia joined the Ottawa Office for a four-month internship. Originally from Markham, ON, Julia completed a BA in History at Queen's University, and an MSc in International Relations from the University of Edinburgh.
 Julia has a strong interest in immigration policy as well as issues surrounding military intervention in the Middle East and North Africa. Welcome, Julia!
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