I want to be a Canadian Peace Initiative member, and support initiatives for developing a culture of peace and a department of peace in Canada

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Which local chapter will you join?_______ See Canadian Chapters for locations. We will send you the contact information for the chapter nearest to you.

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I am particularly interested in learning about the following issues such as women & peace, foreign policy, peace education, creating a Chapter, nuclear disarmament, etc.

Please PRINT the completed form & mail your donation to the Canadian Peace Initiative at the address below.

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Memberships are not considered charitable contributions.

Thank you for your generous support.

Mail to : CPI, c/o Saul Arbess,

45 Cambridge St.,

Victoria, BC V8V 4A7

January 2012 Canadian Peace Initiative

Inspiring News and Views www.departmentofpeace.ca

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Canadian-Department-of-Peace-Initiative/116559845067605

Mere praise of peace is easy, but ineffective. What is needed is active participation in

the fight against war and everything that leads to it.

Albert Einstein

READ THE FULL TEXT

News Release: MP Alex Atamanenko Tables Department of Peace Bill

November 30, 2011 – Ottawa, ON

Alex Atamanenko, MP (BC Southern Interior), was joined at a press conference by fellow peace advocates, along with Elizabeth May of the Green Party and Liberal Jim Karygiannis to herald the introduction of his Private Members Bill to create a federal Department of Peace. May and Karygiannis are co-seconding the Bill.

Atamanenko’s bill is a slightly amended version of retired NDP MP, Bill Siksay’s bill from the last parliament, notable for the non-partisan support it had gathered.

Karygiannis says this is one issue where party politics should not get in the way. “It is time for Canada to serve the global constituency by committing to the creation of a Department of Peace.”

Elizabeth May stressed her party’s continued support of this initiative. “Peace is more than the absence of war. Non-violent solutions, ‘waging peace,’ requires a focused investment and shift in consciousness. Even talking about a Department of Peace helps in that shift,” she said.

Representatives for Canadian Department of Peace Initiative (CDPI) at the press conference described the bill as exemplifying a global movement in 30 countries promoting infrastructures of non-violent peace within governments, with Peace Ministries and Departments in three countries, most recently Costa Rica. “The bill illustrates the need to prepare for peace in the same way as we prepare for war – with adequate resources and expertise,” stated CDPI Co-Founder, Bill Bhaneja.

“This is an opportunity to unify the millions of voices expressing a will to follow a new path where our road markers are not fear, anger and vengeful killing but rather prevention, empathy and justice for all of humanity,” declared Theresa Dunn, co-Chair for CDPI.

Doukhobor writer and historian Koozma J. Tarasoff said the need for the architecture for peace is urgent at a time when nuclear and robotic weapons are posing a threat to the world community. “As Canadians, let’s regain our status not only as a peacekeeping nation, but also as a non-killing one.”

“The notion that there can be peace in the world may be a utopian ideal but each generation owes it to the next to make a dedicated attempt to get as close to it as humanly possible.” concluded Atamanenko.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS

Bill C-373 is to be presented for second reading during the 41st Parliament. In preparation, a series of public consultations will be held across Canada during the next few months. They will serve to raise awareness of the bill and also allow for discussion and review of it various components. Comments from participants will be reflected in a report to be given to all Members of Parliament prior to second reading.

Bill C-373 is a comprehensive piece of legislation that will enable Canada to develop a new architecture for peacebuilding both domestically and internationally. It will significantly affect government’s approach to conflict issues and shape a new paradigm for waging peace in our world. It is important that it is understood by Canadian citizens and thoroughly debated in the House of Commons before it is voted on.

Bill C-373 is a visionary document. It is about deliberately building a Culture of Peace. It is about developing and funding nonviolent methods of dealing with conflict. It has the potential to alter how our world is managed. Your perspective and insights are valued. Plan to attend and contribute at these important events. Times, locations and commissioners will be announced when finalized.

Rebranding – Canadian Peace Initiative

The Canadian Department of Peace Initiative has been in existence since 2004. The focus of CDPI has been to bring attention and support to individuals and groups building on the principles of a Culture of Peace as outlined by the UN Manifest in 2000 and to campaign for a Department of Peace in Canada and abroad. The Canadian Department of Peace Initiative brings peace to the forefront, giving voice to the thousands of individuals and organizations seeking for leaders to guide them to a path of peace and social justice.

As of January 1, 2012 the Canadian Department of Peace Initiative is incorporated under the new name of Canadian Peace Initiative. Our mandate remains the same but we believe the new name better reflects the diverse ways peace can be achieved.

It is with your support that we have achieved our many milestones. Thank you for the response we have had from those who have participated in peace events, written articles or letters to editors, written or spoken to their Member of Parliament and provided many other forms of support. These actions have brought us to the successes that we are currently experiencing.

As CDPI evolves so do our needs. Understanding that these efforts to encourage a cultural shift in the Canadian society are only a beginning, we have pondered how we all could build on these efforts and engage more members in the public voice for change. We recognize a need to build a more comprehensive professional communication system to reach out to the public and the need to become a more prominent and integral part of the national discourse to succeed in our lobbying for the goals of peace.

If we are to enlarge our presence on the Canadian political scene it will require more resources both in the number of supporters we engage and in financial resources. Please support your local chapter by volunteering at special events and by renewing your membership with them. Memberships are only $ 10.00 per year and every penny is spent working for peace. Thank you for consideration.

Canadian Voice of Women for Peace Lobby in Ottawa

The Canadian Voice of Women for Peace (VOW) held their 51st AGM in Ottawa this past November. One focus of the AGM was to become effective lobbyists. With the knowledge that military weapons lobbyists have hundreds of legal based representatives well positioned to influence government VOW questioned how does anyone or any group influence for peace? MP Libby Davies provided a workshop on lobbying and emphasized that individual and small group lobbying is effective and outlined some strategies to increase effectiveness.

1. Outline the background of the issue for the MP who is dealing with multiple issues on any given day

2. Keep information brief and focused

3. Bring at least two people. One to ask questions and one to take notes. There should not be more than three people and do not present multiple agendas

4. Be sure to have doable requests and listen if the MP has other ideas how they can support your goals

5. Follow up shortly after your meeting with a thank you and a summary of what you understood would be done and when.

On Monday November 28th more than 20 MP’s were visited and asked to support at least one of 4 specific issues.

1. Climate Change

2. Demilitarization of the budget

3. Department of Peace

4. Furthering the Nuclear Weapons Convention

The results are still to be determined but one of the visited MPs, Irene Mathyssen (London-Fanshaw), was the third seconder on the newly submitted Bill C-373 to establish a Department of Peace.

Submission by Theresa Dunn Pan Canadian Co-chair of the Canadian Department of Peace Initiative

Special Report From Civilian Peace Service Canada (CPSC)

Civilian Peace Service Canada (CPSC) Mission

Our goal is to build a sustainable peace, at home and abroad, in partnership with local communities, through establishment in a phased manner of the Civilian Peace Service Canada which facilitates the training and accreditation of qualified civilians to promote and facilitate the non-violent resolution of conflict.

Civilian Peace Service Canada has been very active on several fronts over the last year. In summary:

· Assessment and accreditation of peace professionals continues. We are now out of pilot mode and into full implementation, although modifications to our methodology continue to be made. We celebrated our first two accredited Peace Professionals, have since accredited two more and are currently assessing another two. One of our current “graduates” is located in Nepal.

· We are very proud of a significant upgrade/enhancement of our web-site. Check us out at www.civilianpeaceservice.ca. Have a look at the profiles of our Peace Professionals.

· We held a very successful workshop titled “Developing a Path for Young Peace Professionals”. The full report is on our web-site.

· One concrete result of the above workshop is a partnership that has been formed consisting of the Brian Bronfman Family Foundation, the Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance (CATA), i-Canada and CPSC. Together we have formed the Canadian Peace Service whose vision is “to ensure that by the year 2020 Canada is a world leader in the creation of ‘pragmatic peace’ because of two unique programs: Civilian Peace Service Canada, aimed at creating peace professionals, and Communities@Peace, aimed at establishing community based peace practices”.

We are very excited by what has been accomplished in the past year and exhilarated by the potential for positive and sustainable change that lies ahead. The Canadian Peace Service partnership presents incredible opportunity, and challenges, in the years ahead.

Submission by Gord Breedyk, Co-Chair, CPS Coordinating Committee

Report on The Global Alliance for Ministries and Infrastructures for Peace

The Fifth Summit of the Global Alliance for Ministries and Departments of Peace: Ubuntu in Action, Cape Town, South Africa, Oct. 2-6, 2011, was a resounding success, from the opening ceremony to dynamic panel discussions led by expert peace practitioners. The South African Peace Alliance was chosen to host this year’s Summit as a reflection of South Africa’s ability to overcome adversity and civil conflict, an achievement we celebrate as an organization, by which South Africa inspires other nations. The Global Alliance Summit was endorsed by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and US Congressman Dennis Kucinich, whose powerful words for peace resounded among those gathered at the Auditorium of the University of the Western Cape. Nineteen countries from all five continents, representing civil society, academia and government working toward peace, met for five historic days and agreed upon two major developments for the GA:

1. We became incorporated in Switzerland which gives us more credibility as a global organization, allows us to receive funding from various sources and to apply to the UN for consultative status.

2. We expanded our mission to support the establishment of infrastructures for peace (I4Ps) at all levels – national, regional and local – and changed our name to reflect this. We are now the Global Alliance for Ministries and Infrastructures for Peace (GAMIP), recognizing that any infrastructure for peace should have national, regional and local components.

The Global Alliance was proud to support the Peace Abbey Courage of Conscience Award presented at the Summit Closing Ceremony to honour Nelson Mandela for his contributions to peace in South Africa, recognizing him as a leader in international peacebuilding.

For more information visit the website at: www.mfp-dop.org

Submission by Saul Arbess, Canadian delegate and former Chair, Global Alliance Leadership Council.

Recommended reading:

The End of War: How Waging Peace Can Save Humanity, Our Planet and Our Future

By Captain Paul K. Chappell, U.S. Army

Captain Paul K. Chappell is a soldier, warrior, and peacemaker. He’s also a writer who can put his thoughts on paper in logical, easy to understand, and moving words. His topic is one that goes back centuries to the ancient masters, but is an ever-increasing challenge for modern man, as our weapons have become so indescribably deadly. Open your heart and mind to this book, and learn what an endless and hopeless path war is, and how peace truly can be achieved.

Captain Chappell has walked that path of war, from West Point to Baghdad, and has insight and knowledge. He’s also made the inner quest, and shows us how violence can be transformed, its connection to greed, and the dangers of blind obedience. He also examines the question of torture, and why the rules of the Geneva Convention are so important for our very own safety.

This powerful book is not only relevant to the major conflicts that arise throughout the world, but its ideas can be a guideline for living peacefully with one’s neighbour, in our community, and throughout the country.

“Captain Paul K. Chappell has given us a crucial look at war and peace from the unique perspective of a soldier, and his new ideas show us why world peace is both necessary and possible in the 21st century. The End of War can help people everywhere understand why war must end, and how together we can end it.” – Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate

http://www.parl.gc.ca/LEGISInfo/BillDetails.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&billId=5280365

Alex Atamanenko was joined at a press conference on Nov. 30 by fellow peace advocates, along with Elizabeth May of the Green Party and Liberal Jim Karygiannis to herald the introduction later in the day of his Private Member’s Bill. Atamenko’s bill is a slightly amended version of retired NDP MP Bill Siksay’s bill from the last parliament, notable for the non-partisan support it had gathered.

“Advocate for a Department of Peace that puts peace, the environment, and disarmament priorities into foreign policy and seeks to train thousands of youth and others in conflict resolution, in Canada or elsewhere.”

CDPI has  launched a petition to promote awareness and to indicate support of the CDPI campaign for the federal government to establish a Canadian Department of Peace. Please download the petition, circulate and return to a local chapter or by mail to the addresses below the petition. It is only the petition with the original signatures that is official and can be presented in Parliament by MPs.

NOTE: Each petition page must show the entire preamble to be valid.

PETITION TO ESTABLISH A DEPARTMENT OF PEACE

TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED

We the undersigned residents of Canada draw the attention of the House to the following:

That non-violent peace has been sought by people since time immemorial;

That there exist proven methodologies for the non-violent resolution of conflict;

That the Military-Industrial Complex be constrained from perpetuating armed conflict;

That the promotion of a culture of nonviolent peace be placed firmly in decision making structure of the government;

That Canada’s foreign and military policy return to UN peacekeeping, peacebuilding and peace diplomacy;

That, to redirect this policy consistent with Canada’s interests for peace and human security, there is an urgent need for a Federal Department of Peace to establish a sustainable culture of peace at home and abroad through the creation of a Minister of Peace in Cabinet;

Whereas over a million Canadians actively support a federal Department of Peace as an important Ministerial position to provide critical leadership in the heart of government towards ensuring the federal government’s commitment to the promotion of peace worldwide;

THEREFORE, your petitioners call upon Parliament to establish a Department of Peace headed by a Minister of Peace as a senior cabinet position; and that this Department will reinvigorate Canada’s role as a global peacebuilder and work towards developing Culture of Peace and Nonviolent Resolution of Conflicts as a top priority.

SIGNATURE          CITY AND PROVINCE             POSTAL CODE

(Required)                        (Required)                                 (Required)

1_______________________________________________

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You may add more pages as required, but each page must contain the entire preamble to be valid.

We look forward to your signing the petition and disseminating it widely to

friends and colleagues who are on your email lists and social media

networks (Facebook and Twitter).

Mail returned petitions to:

Eastern signatures: CDPI Petitions, c/o OMM Peace and Social Concerns, 91-A Fourth Ave., Ottawa ON K1S 2L1

Western signatures (Manitoba west): Canadian Peace Initiative, 45 Cambridge St., Victoria BC V8V 4A7

Alternately, click on the

link below to show your support on-line:

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/department-of-peace.html

The petition is posted on CDPI Facebook

page also at:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Canadian-Department-of-Peace-Initiative/116559845067605). Thanks to our youth media consultant Trizana Parillo who identified and designed the e-petition set up.

In 1988, SGI President Diasaku Ikeda made a proposal to the UN calling on all countries to establish a ministry of peace as a far-sighted initiative to foster a global current of popular opinion for disarmament.

September 21 – October 2, 2011

Together with Ottawa peace and justice civil society groups, the Canadian Department of Peace Initiative (CDPI) invites you to take part in a 12-day Festival of Peace. The 5TH Annual Peace Festival with the theme of Peace, Unity and Harmony marks the two important UN International Days of Peace and Nonviolence, September 21 and October 02. (All events are open to the public, admission is free. Events are subject to change due to weather/unforeseen circumstances.)

Exhibitions/Art Shows with nonviolent peace focus:

September 01 to September 30:

§ “Mahatma Gandhi and A Legacy of Non-Violence”, Drawings by Montreal artist Suraj Sadan (www.fondationinternationalemahatmagandhi.com), Ottawa Public Library, 120 Metcalfe at Laurier (Koozma Tarasoff, CDPI, 613-737-5778, www.departmentofpeace.ca and Jagmohan Humar, Mahatma Gandhi Peace Council, 613-736-0783, www.gandhiji.ca)

September 21 – October 02:

§ “Poet and Artist: 30 Posters from the Heart”, select Gerald and Maas peace and human rights posters since 1980, at their editions/atelier, 206 St. Patrick St. The posters were exhibited last May at the Brecht Forum in New York City. (Bart Gerald and Julie Maas, 613- 241-1312, www.nightslantern.ca)

§ “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: In His Own Words”, A photo exhibit, Atrium at Ben Franklin Place, Centrepointe Drive (Daniel Stringer, National Capital Peace Council of the Universal Peace Federation, 613-792-1431)

§ No-War Paix: Outdoor Peace Installations, 250 Range Rd., Sandy Hill (Terry Stavnyck, 613-565-1915, www.stavnyck.ca)

September 24 – September 25:

§ “Trika Arts: Paintings on Peace and Meditation”, TrikaArts 851 Gallery, 1309 Clyde Ave. # 206, 1 PM – 5 PM. (Shiban Raina, 613-224-9179, www.trikarts851.com)

PEACE EVENTS

§ Wed. Sept. 21

o 10 AM: Paddle for Peace to inaugurate the UN International Day of Peace at Victoria Island including a Memorial Sharing Circle for Grandfather William Commanda (Romola Thumbadoo, Circle of All Nations, 613-599-8385, 819-449-2668, www.circleofallnations.ca)

o 6:30PM to 9:30 PM: Music Concert for Peace, Amphitheatre, Saint Paul University, (Daniel Mauro, Sacred Initiatives and CDPI, 819-459-1233)

§ Thurs. Sept. 22

o 5:15PM – 6:30 PM: Panel on “The Libya Question”. Ottawa City Hall, The Colonel By Room (Steven Staples, Rideau Institute, 613- 565-9449, www.rideauinstitute.ca)

o 6:30 PM – 8.45 PM: Panel on “Nonviolent Arab Awakening” (in Tunisia, Egypt, and Yemen) Ottawa Public Library, 120 Metcalfe at Laurier), (Qais Ghanem, Dialogue on Democracy, 613-265-4654 and Iman Ibrahim, Canadians for Egypt, 613-276-6764)

§ Fri. Sept. 23, 7 PM – 9 PM: Screening of “Journey of the Universe”: a film that weaves a tapestry of scientific discoveries with humanistic insights. Saint Paul University Auditorium, 223 Main Street ( Iman Ibrahim, 613-276-6764, journeyconference@ustpaul.ca )

o 7:30 – 10:00 pm: “Countdown to Zero”, an award winning film, Quaker House, 91A Fourth Avenue. (Andrea Levy, PGS,: 613-233-1982, www.pgs.ca)

§ Sat. Sept. 24

o 1 PM: Book launch – “Keeping Watch: Monitoring, Technology and Innovation in UN Peacekeeping” by Dr. Walter Dorn, Ottawa Public Library Auditorium, 120 Metcalfe (at Laurier), (Robin Collins, 613-791-5198 and Ottawa Public Library)

o 4 PM: “How to Save the World in your Spare Time”: Keynote by Elizabeth May, Green Party MP to speak on the topic of engaging politicians at Church of Ascension, 235 Echo Drive. (Andrea Levy, Physicians for Global Survival, (613) 233-1982, www.pgs.ca)

§ Sunday Sept 25, 3 PM: SGI Canada: Toward a World of Dignity for All: The Triumph of the Creative Life, a presentation based on the 2011 Peace Proposal of Daisaku Ikeda, lead by Tony Meers, General Director of SGI Canada, 237 Argyle St. , (John Callahan, Monica Bachmann, 613.232.1100, www.sgicanada.org)

§ Mon. Sept. 26, 6:30 PM to 8.45 PM: Panel on Challenge of Nonviolence in Religious Traditions, Lead speaker: Professor Nino Gualtieri, Ottawa Public Library Auditorium, 120 Metcalfe at Laurier, (Qais Ghanem, Dialogue with Diversity, 613-265-4654)

§ Tues. Sept. 27, 7:30 AM: Breakfast Seminar Series – Pino Buffone to speak on “UN Association in Canada: NCR Branch’s Role in Building Peace in Ottawa,” Carlingwood Family Restaurant, (Daniel Stringer, National Capital Peace Council, 613-792-1431)

§ Wed. Sept. 28, 7 PM: Panel on “Dissent in Democracy in Canada: Should dissent be confined to peace activists?”, 233 Gilmour St., (Larry Rousseau, No War- Paix, 613-565-1915, www.no-warpaix.ca)

§ Thurs. Sept. 29

o 6:30 PM to 8.45 PM: “A Department of Peace: Why?” Ottawa Public Library Auditorium, 120 Metcalfe at Laurier (Iman Ibrahim, Canadian Dept of Peace Initiative, 613-276-6764, Bill Bhaneja (613) 244-1979, www.departmentofpeace.ca)

o 7:00 PM – 9 PM: Spiritpainting for Peace – complete a peace Spiritpainting for yourself and participate in a group ‘Spiritpainting for Peace’. Quaker Friends House, 91 A Fourth Ave. downstairs (Call 613-266-8063 Jen Jones,spiritpainting2002@yahoo.com, www.spiritpainting.com)

§ Fri. Sept. 30. 6PM – 9PM: Workshop: This Precious Life-My Conscious Creation: Be Here Now-Do Here Now”, Emerald Plaza Public Library, 1547 Merivale Rd. Workshop limited to 15 people( Vesna Scott: 613 224 5480, vesna@sympatico.ca)

§ Sat. Oct. 1

o 10 AM – 4:30PM: 9th Annual Friends for Peace Day: A day of music, silent auction, and peace awards presented by Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson, Ottawa City Hall (Ian Prattis, Friends for Peace, 613-726-0881, www.friendsforpeace.ca)

o 11 AM: Jean Béliveau, the World Walker and Terry Fox of Peace, Path of Peace Walk to Ottawa City Hall, Phase 1, The walk starts at Minto Park, Elgin Street (Peter Stockdale, City of Peace Ottawa, 613-852-4527, www.mycityofpeace.com)

§ Sunday, Oct. 2

o Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti celebrations, Kailash Mittal Hall, Carleton University, (Jag Humar, Mahatma Gandhi Peace Council of Ottawa, 613-736-0783, www.gandhiji.ca)

[§ Mon. Oct. 3, 11 AM: Jean Béliveau, the World Walker Terry Fox of Peace, Path of Peace Walk from Parliament Hill to Gatineau City Hall, Phase 2, 11 AM Parliament Hill Peace Flame (Peter Stockdale, City of Peace Ottawa, 613-852-4527, www.mycityofpeace.com)]

Note: All Peace Festival activities are public events without admission fee. Also note that all events/dates are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. For further information, please contact Festival convenors: Bill Bhaneja, billbhaneja@rogers.com , 613-244-1979 and Peter Stockdale, globalbridge@rogers.com, 613-863-4527 Canadian Department of Peace Initiative (CDPI), and for individual events, respective contacts listed in the program. Program also posted on www.departmentofpeace.ca, www.civilianpeaceservice.ca, and www.cicr-icrc.ca (as of 02/09/11)

Canadian Department of Peace Initiative

Summer 2011

Inspiring News and Views

www.departmentofpeace.ca

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Canadian-Department-of-Peace-Initiative/116559845067605

“The real differences around the world today are not between Jews and Arabs; Protestants and Catholics; Muslims, Croats, and Serbs. The real differences are between those who embrace peace and those who would destroy it; between those who look to the future and those who cling to the past; between those who open their arms and those who are determined to clench their fists.”

– William Jefferson Clinton (42nd President of The United States)

Canada’s 41st Parliament and the CDPI

We now have a majority Conservative government forming Canada’s 41st Parliament and the political landscape is greatly changed. Although we have lost several Members who were key endorsers of the Canadian Department of Peace Initiative there is much room for optimism. We have two party leaders in the House, Jack Layton and Elizabeth May, who have stood up in support of the Department of Peace proposal. We also have a significantly increased number of young MPs in the House to engage in our discussions. As this new Parliament begins there is a much higher level of awareness among politicians of the CDPI than ever before.

Additionally, events around the world are forcing governments to rethink their approaches to conflict. This is creating opportunities for us speak to Conservative MPs about our campaign and provide an alternative vision to them. It remains to be seen if they will consider our proposal for a Department of Peace but they do have compelling reasons to hear us out.

Our assets continue to include our two pioneering champion supporters, the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize nominee Douglas Roche and former Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy, twenty additional prominent supporting individuals, thirty national endorsing organizations and the CDPI organization with its twelve chapters across Canada. Our base is growing and we have accumulated considerable experience in reaching out to both politicians and the public. We are at a very good place in our campaign for this new Parliament.

As well, we have four years to reach out to the 60% of Canadians who voted other than Conservative in this election. There must be a convergence of environmental, social justice and peace initiatives among these voters so that collectively our voices are stronger and clearer and cannot be ignored.

While enjoying the wonder of summer remember that it will take all of us working together to preserve and protect what we have in our beautiful country.

Atamanenko Introduces Peace Motions in House of Commons

Already in this new Parliament a Member of Parliament has stepped up on behalf of the Canadian Department of Peace Initiative.

BC Southern Interior MP Alex Atamanenko has introduced two motions in the House of Commons:

M-247 calling for a Civilian Peace Service

M-248 calling for a Department of Peace

M-247 — June 21, 2011 —

Mr. Atamanenko (British Columbia Southern Interior) — That, in the opinion of the House, the government should adopt the recommendations of the Civilian Peace Service Canada (CPSC) Development Committee and should: (a) accept the constructive role civilians with peace building expertise can play in advising government on alternatives to military approaches to resolution of conflict; (b) enter into discussions with the CPSC Development Committee to further develop the concept of a CPSC; (c) develop and refine an assessment, training and accreditation program for peace professionals; (d) deliver two pilot training programs to test the concept and the training; (e) determine how Canada, through the CPSC and in consideration of a federal Department of Peace, can best contribute to sustainable peace in Canada and abroad; and (f) report back to the House on progress towards implementing these recommendations within six months of the passage of this motion.

M-247 — 21 juin 2011 —

M. Atamanenko (British-Columbia-Southern Interior) — Que, de l’avis de la Chambre, le gouvernement se conforme aux recommandations du Comité de développement du Service civil de la paix du Canada (SCPC) et : a) accepte le rôle constructif que peuvent jouer les civils ayant des connaissances en consolidation de la paix en conseillant le gouvernement sur des solutions de rechange aux interventions militaires pour résoudre les conflits; b) entame des discussions avec le Comité de développement du SCPC en vue d’approfondir l’idée d’un SCPC; c) élabore et améliore un programme d’évaluation, de formation et d’accréditation de professionnels de la paix; d) propose deux programmes pilotes de formation pour tester la notion et la formation; e) détermine comment le Canada, par l’intermédiaire du SCPC et si l’on considère la création possible d’un ministère fédéral de la Paix, peut le mieux contribuer à une paix durable tant au Canada qu’à l’étranger; f) fasse part à la Chambre des progrès accomplis vers la mise en œuvre de ces recommandations dans les six mois de l’adoption de la présente motion.

M-248 — June 21, 2011 —

Mr. Atamanenko (British Columbia Southern Interior) — That, in the opinion of the House, the government should establish 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-248 — 21 juin 2011 —

M. Atamanenko (British-Columbia-Southern Interior) — Que, de l’avis de la Chambre, le gouvernement devrait créer un ministère de la Paix qui ferait partie de la structure du gouvernement et du Cabinet et qui aurait 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.

Please contact your MP to make them aware of these motions and ask that they add their name as a co-seconder. The more MPs that sign on to the motions the more attention they will receive by the government.

Jean Béliveau – World Wide Walk For Peace And Children

On August 18th, 2000, at 9:00 am, Jean Béliveau left Montreal on foot. His goal: to walk around the world. For eleven years he has travelled alone with a three-wheeled stroller that holds a bit of food, his clothing, a first aid kit, a small tent and a sleeping bag.

Jean has walked over 78,000km through sixty-four countries. When he left he was 45 years old. He is now 56. He has walked through the US, Central America, South America, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, South and Eastern Asia, Australia, New Zealand and is now walking across Canada.

His walk is dedicated to peace and nonviolence for the children of the world. The United Nations General Assembly had proclaimed the year 2000 as the International Year for the Culture of Peace and 2001-2010 was designated as the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-violence for the Children of the World. Unfortunately, the past decade has brought us anything but peace. Hundreds of thousands of children have been killed or injured by war over the past ten years. Undaunted, Jean has continued to walk, keeping alive the dream, the hope, and the promise of peace for the children of the world.

Along the way Jean has met with presidents and Noble Prize winners, including President Oscar Arias of Costa Rica and Nelson Mandela of South Africa, but predominantly he has engaged with ordinary people; chatted as they strolled beside him, stayed in their homes when he was invited. He has been an ambassador for peace but also an unofficial emissary for Canada, touching thousands of lives and inspiring hundreds of newspaper articles in dozens of countries along the way. It has been a remarkable journey and a great story.

Be sure to visit the website maintained by Jean’s wife, Luce. Check out the map of this remarkable journey and watch the trailer from a movie about Jean. You will be amazed and inspired.

In Canada, Jean has also been raising awareness of the Canadian Department of Peace Initiative wherever he has opportunity and CDPI Chapters are supporting the WWWalk from Victoria to Montréal. Keep an eye out for Jean as he comes your way. He is now south of Thunder Bay heading for Toronto. His daily schedule is listed on the website. He would love to have you walk with him a while or share a meal.

We look forward to his jubilant arrival home to Montreal on October 16th. Well done Jean!

CDPI National Annual General Meeting & Conference

This year our dynamic Edmonton Chapter is hosting the CDPI AGM & Conference at the Providence Renewal Centre in Edmonton, Alberta from September 16th to 18th, 2011.

National Co-chairs Theresa Dunn of Ottawa and Dr. Saul Arbess of Victoria, along with Chapter Chairs from across Canada, will join Edmonton Co-chairs Teresa Engler and Irene Hunter and the CDPI Edmonton Chapter supporters at Providence Renewal Centre. There is a great program planned and it will be an inspiring three days.

Save the date Saturday afternoon, September 17th for a public event to be held on at Providence Centre.

Visit Edmonton’s new website, www.cdpiedmonton.ca, for updates and contact information.

Global Alliance Summit for Ministeries and Departments of Peace

The 5th Global Alliance Summit for Ministries and Departments of Peace will be held in Cape Town, South Africa from October 2nd-7th, 2011.

The Summit Theme is Ubuntu in Action. Ubuntu is an African philosophy which can be explained as a belief that a person is a person through other people. Ubuntu is characterized by an awareness of the interconnectedness that we share as human beings.

The Programme is set to be an exciting one, with speaker invitations being sent to His Grace, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Dr Mamphela Ramphele, former South African President Thabo Mbeki, Graca Machel, Ela Gandhi, Wangari Mathai, Kofi Anan, Professor Geoff Harris, Professor Marion Keim-Lees, Professor Uma Mesthrie Dephelia, the Premier of the Western Cape, Ms Helen Zille, Minister of Justice, Minister Jeff Radebe, Pregs Govender and Dr Charles Villa Vincencio of the Institute of Justice and Reconciliation.

Visit the Global Alliance website for updates and contact information.

World Peace Festival 2011

The World Peace Festival 2011 is a groundbreaking weeklong event staged in Berlin from August 20 to 27. It features an influential and provoking programme of conferences, seminars, exhibitions and workshops attended or led by Nobel Peace Prize laureates, world leaders from the business and political arenas, military and government chiefs and luminaries from the spiritual, arts, music and film worlds. All discussions will focus attention on the prevention and resolution of conflict in the world today.

At its heart, the festival will stage live music concerts featuring inspirational and globally renowned artists all rallying for the challenge of a real and sustainable peace in conflict zones all over the world. Just to read the list of speakers and the topics to be addressed is inspiring. For more information on the programme click here.

Recommended Reading:

Captivity: 118 Days in Iraq and the Struggle for a World Without War

In November 2005, Jim Loney and three other men — Canadian Harmeet Singh Sooden, British citizen Norman Kember and American Tom Fox — were taken hostage at gunpoint. The men were with Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT), an organization that places teams trained in non-violent intervention into lethal conflict zones. The then unknown Swords of Righteousness Brigade released videos of the men, resulting in what is likely the most publicized kidnapping of the Iraq War. Tom Fox was murdered and dumped on a Baghdad street. The surviving men were held for 118 days before being rescued by Task Force Black, an elite counter-kidnap unit led by the British SAS.

Captivity is the story of what Jim described upon his return to Toronto and reunion with his partner Dan Hunt as “a terrifying, profound, transformative and excruciatingly boring experience.”

It presents an affecting portrait of how Jim came to be a pacifist and chronicles his work in Iraq before the kidnapping. It brings the reader immediately into the terror and banality, the frictions, the moral dilemmas of their captivity, their search to find their captors’ humanity, and the imperative need to conceal Jim’s sexual identity. It examines the paradoxes we face when our most cherished principles are tested in extraordinary circumstances and explores the universal truths contained in every captivity experience. At its heart, the book is a hope-filled plea for peace, human solidarity and forgiveness.

Jim says, ‘It is a paradox. I went to Iraq as a pacifist on a mission of peace and was kidnapped, threatened with death and held hostage with three other men until we were rescued in a military operation. It is an extraordinary privilege to be able to tell the story of this paradox, to explain why I remain committed to the principles of nonviolence despite the fact a member of our group was murdered and our freedom was secured by armed force. The crucible of captivity was a kind of school in which I was able to see the innermost workings of the universe, how we are all connected, how our liberation is inextricably tied together. I want to share this story in the hope of contributing to the emergence of a world without war, the single greatest challenge of the 21st century. Everything depends on this, for without peace nothing else is possible.’

(Jim Loney is a good friend and supporter of the Canadian Department of Peace Toronto Chapter)

You can check out the reviews and purchase the book here or visit your favorite bookstore.

His walk was undertaken to promote and support UNESCO’s International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-violence for the Children of the World, 2001–2010. Because of Jean’s courage and determination, we believe the UNESCO Decade must be been extended through 2011. In our eyes, the Decade cannot be over until Jean Béliveau reaches his final destination and Canada responds with an implementation plan to honour Jean’s extraordinary dedication on behalf of children everywhere. Among other goals, Jean supports the creation of a Minister and Department of Peace in Canada as a legacy for the Decade.

Jean has achieved his epic walk around the world traveling alone with a three-wheel stroller that holds food, clothing, a First Aid kit, a small tent and a sleeping bag. As a true peace pilgrim, Jean relied upon the support and encouragement of people he met along the way who expressed deep admiration and a powerful desire for peace in the world.

Events In Vancouver and Victoria – January and February

Jean arrived back in Canada from New Zealand in Vancouver on Sunday, January 30 to a rousing and joyous welcome by the people of Greater Vancouver, many NGOs, children and youth.

On February 18, Jean travels to Victoria for further encounters with children and others, followed by the official launch on February 20, at 10am from the Legislature, in the company of the Premier of British Columbia (unconfirmed), his entourage and the people of Victoria who will walk with him. He then returns to Vancouver for the second official launch on February 21 from City Hall with the Mayor of Vancouver (unconfirmed) and many others accompanying him. More information will follow on this event.

For more information, contact: Dr. Saul Arbess at info@departmentofpeace.ca or 250-383-5878.