Dear members and supporters of Development and Peace,
Since the launch of our 2012 Fall Action campaign highlighting our concerns about Canada's new orientations in its international assistance policy, local parish-based Development and Peace groups from across the country have been organizing meetings with their local MPs. The organization's members have used these meetings to highlight the necessity of restoring the needs of the world's poorest and most disadvantaged peoples to the heart of Canadian international assistance policies and strategies in the pursuit of sustainable alternatives to unjust economic, political and social structures.
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.
Luke Stocking, Deputy Director, In Canada Programs
Development and Peace has always aspired to be a democratic movement attentive to the voice of its members. These members are the living witness of our Catholic faith, put in the service of International Development.
Gilio Brunelli, Director of International Programs
In light of all of the articles and discussions on the impact of the reduction in Development and Peace’s funding, we asked Gilio Brunelli, the Director of International Programs Department, to share his thoughts on CIDA's response to Development and Peace's proposal and to comment on how he sees the future of our work in the Global South. Here is what he had to say:
Development and Peace's website already provides ample details on CIDA’s response to our 2011-2016 funding proposal and some of the facts on the impacts, so there is little need to repeat these here. However, I do want to share with you some thoughts that have been weighing heavily on my mind.
On Friday, April 6th, over 250 Canadians across the country will be participating in a Good Friday Fast, organized by members of Development and Peace, in support of the organization’s work in the Global South.
Last Saturday, I participated in a luncheon with the Member of Parliament for my riding of Rosemont-Petite-Patrie, Alexandre Boulerice of the NDP. During the meeting, I had the opportunity to explain to those present that Development and Peace’s financing from CIDA had been drastically reduced and that the future of Canadian international development was becoming worrisome.
“In July 2010, Development and Peace submitted a funding proposal of $49.2 million to CIDA for our programs over the next five years. We have finally received the government's response. It is not exactly what we were hoping for. And it's not what you were hoping for either.”
The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) is coordinating and facilitating International Development Week which is all of this week. This is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate citizens who are committed and involved in building a better world through their participation and support to organizations like Development and Peace. It is also a time to showcase the results and achievements made in the Global South.
