October, 2009, Mondial, Journal of the World Federalists (Canada)

By Patricia Philip

Campaigning for a Department of Peace

Little media attention has been

given to the Harper government’s

massive rebuilding of the Canadian

military, outlined in its

Canada First Defence Strategy,

which will allocate $490 billion to

military spending over the next

20 years.

That’s the message delivered

by well-known author and journalist

Linda McQuaig to the

national annual general meeting

of the Canadian Department of

Peace Initiative (CDPI), April

17–19 in Hamilton, Ontario. (more…)

By: Mike De Souza

Published in the National Post, October 1, 2009

OTTAWA — A federal New Democrat has teamed up with a Liberal to propose the creation of an army of peace professionals within a new federal department to resolve violent conflicts within Canada and around the world.

The idea was introduced through new legislation tabled Thursday by NDP MP Bill Siksay, seconded by Liberal MP Jim Karygiannis. Siksay said the proposed department of peace could change the role of the Canadian military, but not necessarily replace it. (more…)

UPDATE:
AS OF DEC. 3, 2009, THE ALLOWABLE 20 SECONDERS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PEACE BILL HAS BEEN REACHED, MADE UP OF MEMBERS OF THE NPD AND LIBERAL PARTIES. THE MOVER, BILL SIKSAY, NDP, HAS INDICATED THAT THIS IS A VERY RARE ACHIEVEMENT.

THERE IS NOW AN OPPORTUNITY FOR MPS TO SIGN ON TO MOTION M-463 TO ENDORSE THE PRINCIPLE OF THE BILL. THE MOTION READS:

M-463 — November 2, 2009 — Mr. Siksay (Burnaby—Douglas) — That the House endorse the principle of the establishment of a Department of Peace as part of the structure of the federal government and cabinet with a mandate to advocate for the non-violent resolution of conflict at home and abroad, the professionalization of peace work by Canadians, and the development of a culture of peace in Canada and internationally.

M-463 — 2 novembre 2009 — M. Siksay (Burnaby—Douglas) — Que la Chambre appuie le principe de la création d’un ministère de la Paix au sein du gouvernement fédéral et du Cabinet avec pour mandat de promouvoir la résolution non violente des conflits au Canada et à l’étranger, la professionnalisation du travail de paix accompli par les Canadiens et le développement d’une culture de la paix au Canada et à l’échelle internationale.

To read in full Bill in English or French, please go to:

<http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?DocId=4116951&Language=e&Mode=1>

CDPI -CPSC MEDIA RELEASE: 30th Sept. 2009

For an interview with the proponents of the Bill, for the English version, please go to:

http://cid-9ed012460ecdafc3.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/Public/DEPARTMENT OF PEACE – RCI – THE LINK – OCT 15 2009.mp3

Pour la version française, voir:

http://cid-9ed012460ecdafc3.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/Public/MINISTÈRE DE LA PAIX – RCI – TAM TAM CANADA – 19 OCT 2009 .mp3

Private Members Bill for Department of Peace by Hon Bill Siksay , MP (Douglas-Burnaby)

The first ever legislative Bill for a Department of Peace in the Canadian Parliament, BILL C-447,  was tabled on Sept. 30 in the Parliament as a Private Members Bill by the NDP MP Bill Siksay (Douglas-Burnaby), and seconded by the Liberal MP Jim Karygiannis (Scarborough-Agincourt). The Bill calls for a Federal Department of Peace, headed by a Cabinet level Minister.

The proposed Department in the Bill is along the lines of a Model legislative Bill proposed by the Canadian Department of Peace Initiative(CDPI) . Since 2004, CDPI has been promoting a strategic focus for sustainable peace within the Federal Government, working towards a Culture of Peace at home and abroad and through its Minister provide the Prime Minister with advise and recommendations on effective conflict transformation through nonviolent means. (more…)

 For additional information on the Summit, please go to: <www.gasummit.org>.

 COMMUNIQUÉ

September 21, 2009

 4th Global Alliance Summit for Ministries and Departments of Peace

San Jose, Costa Rica, Sept. 17-21, 2009

 The 4th Global Alliance (GA) Summit was a resounding success with 200 participants attending from more than 40 countries, enhanced by a live streaming video link to the world. The Summit was inspired by Costa Rica’s declaration, earlier this month, of a Minister of Justice and Peace, making it the third country in the world to have such a Ministry. The President of Costa Rica, Dr. Oscar Arias, addressed the opening of the Summit, and told us that:

 “The task is only just starting; the creation of a Ministry for Peace…is not the final achievement, merely the making of a road to achieve sustainable order that would allow resolution of human conflicts without violence.”

(more…)