Peace motion to be introduced at federal table
By Contributor
BC Southern Interior MP Alex Atamanenko has introduced two motions in the House of Commons endorsing the establishment of a federal Department of Peace as well as developing the concept of a Civilian Peace Service in Canada.
The NDP MP is planning on re-introducing a private members bill, first introduced by former MP Bill Siksay, this fall calling for the establishment of a Department of Peace.
“As we strive to regain our stature in the world as a broker for peace, it is important for our government to have a mandate to advocate for the non-violent resolution of conflict at home and abroad. I am very grateful to my former colleague Bill Siksay for taking this initiative which I am following up on”, stated Atamanenko.
His plan is to work closely with those of the Canadian Department of Peace Initiative (CDPI) and other advocates for peace to bring this issue forward.
According to J. J. Verigin, Executive Director of the Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ (USCC), an umbrella organization representing many Doukhobor people in Canada, “The establishment of a Department of Peace would have the support of a great many Canadians and could serve as an inspiration and even challenge to people and governments around the world to demonstrate their determination to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.
"It would demonstrate our nations commitment to peace and resurrect our international reputation as a peacekeeper, and just as peacekeeping was a Canadian initiative born out of the necessity of that time, this too can be a Canadian initiative whose time has indeed come.”
Mr. Bill Bhaneja of CDPI also supports this initiative, “we are very pleased that Mr. Atamanenko has taken this important initiative as the two Peace Motions will lead to the re-introduction of the Private Member's Bill on a Department of Peace. We hope they will expand the awareness and support for the need of a Federal Department of Peace in the new Parliament.
"CDPI will urge peace supporters across Canada to write to their MPs to endorse the two Motions. Since 2004, CDPI has been promoting the urgent need for a strategic focus for sustainable peace in the Federal Government, working towards a Culture of Peace at home and abroad and through its Minister provide the Prime Minister with advice and recommendations on effective conflict transformation through nonviolent means."