An attentive group of approximately 36 people of all ages gathered on February 21st, 2008 at the regular meeting of Project Ploughshares Calgary, to hear the feature speaker, Dr. Saul Arbess, introduce the Canada Department of Peace and Non-Violence Initiative to the Calgary and surrounding area audience.  He was joined by Sandi Smith, Coordinator for the Calgary & Area Chapter of the initiative, who recently returned from the 2007 US Department of Peace Conference in Washington, DC where she served as the Canadian Initiative’s delegate to the conference.
Dr. Arbess outlined the concept of the Department of Peace in terms of a New Architecture for Peace in Canada. Following his remarks, the group gathered in a circle to ask questions about the initiative and discuss further how a Department of Peace could address issues of conflict transformation, both domestically and internationally.

Several of the attendees indicated an interest in becoming involved with the Calgary and Area Chapter and regular meetings are in the process of being scheduled.  Plans are also underway for special events such as a Festival of Peace in celebration of International Peace Day in September.  Information concerning future events is available by calling 403-603-8013 or by email at sandi4smith@shaw.ca.

Sandi Smith, Coordinator
Calgary & Area Chapter
Canada Department of Peace Initiative