We’ve been seeing some cold temperatures across the country this January, but that has not discouraged members of Development and Peace from getting out and meeting with their Members of Parliament to discuss Canada’s international aid policies.
As part of our Fall Campaign, International Development: Do it Justice, we asked Canadians to reflect on the shift in Canadian international aid policies towards promoting Canada’s economic interests abroad rather than supporting the poor in advancing their own development, and to speak to their MPs about their concerns.
On January 23rd, members in Sherbrooke, Quebec, organized a joint press conference with Bishop Luc Cyr to denounce funding cuts to international aid and the negative impact this is having on the poor in the Global South.
“We can’t stay silent in the face of arbitrary cuts to international aid, and our brothers and sisters in the Global South who are living through situations of poverty and injustice… I feel shame when confronted with certain policies and we have to questions those who take these decisions,” said Bishop Cyr to those present.
This press conference comes on the heels of several other meetings with MPs across the country.
Throughout December and January, members in Kingston, Ottawa, Hamilton, Lloydminster (SK), Montreal and Edmonton have been meeting with their MPs to discuss concerns about who really benefits from international aid given the changes in direction to CIDA’s mission.
In addition, petitions from members have and are being sent to the Clerk of Petitions at the House of Commons for certification.
Development and Peace would like to thank all of our members who are continually committed to supporting our international partnerships and programs, and we thank all governing officials and local leaders who continue to welcome meetings with their constituency members for feedback, input and dialogue.
