Canadian Department of Peace Initiative 2008
Annual Conference and AGM

The Canadian Department of Peace Initiative (CDPI) achieved a major leap forward when it held its first full-fledged Conference and AGM in Toronto on April 4 – 6, hosted by the Toronto chapter.

FRIDAY EVENING, APRIL 6

An enthusiastic crowd of 250 was in attendance for a PowerPoint presentation by the Hon. Doug Roche, entitled: The Human Right to Peace: Full-Time Work, held at the historic Holy Trinity Church in downtown Toronto.

In his eloquent speech, Senator Roche pointed out that it is critical to move humanity forward and transition from the culture of war that surrounds us to a culture of peace. He also pointed out the need to change our attitudes, forms and political structures. He denounced nuclear weapons as incompatible with human rights. Calling nuclear weapons and climate change “the two biggest problems of the 21st century”, he stressed the need for an integrated agenda, which took into account disarmament, development and human rights. His 21st century agenda for peace consists of: abolition of nuclear weapons, mitigating climate change, poverty alleviation, global health and an alliance of civilizations. He passionately underlined the need for a change in attitudes. “Peace will come when a demand is made for it especially from those in civil society who understand its merit…” he said.

Roche was then joined by Elizabeth May (National Leader, Green Party of Canada), Olivia Chow (MP, New Democratic Party of Canada) and Borys Wrzesnewskyj (MP, Liberal Party of Canada) in a lively roundtable discussion, with questions from the floor, on how Canada could renew itself in its historic role as a peacebuilder in the world and, specifically, how Canadians could play a positive role in Afghanistan in peacebuilding and development efforts.

The MPs of the three parties emphasized that the creation of a department of peace must be a non-partisan effort. As noted in Andrew Cash’s account of the evening in Toronto’s “NOW MAGAZINE” of April 14th, “…the non-partisan collegiality of the event underscores the idea that, if peace-building is ever mainstreamed, humanity will make an evolutionary jump”.

The evening began and ended with a stirring musical performance by Emilio Zarris, original cast member of the long-running stage production “Miss Saigon”.

SATURDAY, APRIL 5

The Conference continued on Saturday with the theme: Building a Culture of Peace, featuring a full day of plenary sessions and workshops on the topics of: Nuclear Disarmament, Women in Peacebuilding, Civilian Peace Service, Peace Education, Involving Youth in Peace, Cities of Peace, and Legislative Action & Advocacy. We were privileged to have three Liberal Members of Parliament speak to us during the plenary on Legislative Action and Advocacy. It was an informative and lively session between the three MPs and audience members.

Borys Wrzesnewskyj, MP for Etobicoke Centre, spoke of the difficulties in bringing about change, particularly within the established parties. Borys has already made a call, in his response to the Throne Speech in April 2006, for a Department of Peace, and indicated a willingness to assist us, personally and through his office, in whatever way he can. His personal and political identification with the CDPI is significant and we thank him for his support.

Dr. Ruby Dhalla, MP for Brampton-Springdale, gave us a personal touch as she recounted her own childhood experience writing to the then PM of India, Indira Ghandi, of her concern about escalating violence in India, being invited to visit with her only to have Ghandi assassinated on the eve of that visit. It was inspiring to hear Ruby speak and her interest in building a culture of peace and the CDPI is a great encouragement.

Jim Karygiannis, MP Scarborough-Agincourt, spoke very personally as someone born in a refugee camp, and one who has visited, as a private citizen, many of the world’s conflict zones. He offered a deeply personal perspective and passion for peace that fuelled his support for the CDPI. His participation in this event and his comments are deeply appreciated.

A highlight of the day came when Doug Roche addressed the assembly and said words to the effect that the CDPI was the right action at the right time and that we were on our way.

SUNDAY, APRIL 6

Sunday’s theme of Building Momentum featured the AGM Business Meeting, rounding out the weekend. Milestones reported over the past year included the creation of four new chapters (Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton and Brampton), bringing the total to 10 chapters across Canada; endorsement of the Initiative by the New Democratic Party’s Federal Caucus, the Green Party of Canada, endorsement by some and significant interest by other Liberal MPs including a meeting with the Liberal caucus Committee on Canada in the World; Canada chairing the Global Alliance for Ministries and Departments of Peace Steering Committee and Japan Summit Planning Committee, and; co-hosting, with the Canadian Civilian Peace Service, on Parliament Hill, the release of a White Paper on the creation of a Civilian Peace Service within the federal government.

At the end of the day, it was agreed that the CDPI had made significant strides in the past twelve months with a much higher visibility at both the grassroots level and within the political parties. As the word spreads and as more politicians, supporting organizations and individuals indicate support, we are standing on the cusp of a breakthrough toward our goal in the coming year.

Thanks to Sandi Smith, Pamela Stewart, Ramya Ramanathan, Richard Preston and others for assistance in compiling this report.