APRIL 2004 199 ISSUE

Our world is filled with acronyms, such as Canadian Auto Workers (C.A.W.), United Nations (U.N.), United Kingdom (U.K.) which are instantly recognizable. How about this one, M.A.C., hamburger? Oops, hold on, try this one, Mines Action Canada. Throughout the world this stands for humanitarian work by Canadians in the fields of mine clearance, training assistance, and survivor rehab to victims.

The National C.A.W. and this Local, along with many other Canadian organizations and Federal government are coalition partners of M.A.C. This is called a N.G.O. (Non Governmental Organization.)

Across the world wherever there is war, or conflict, landmines are a by-product. Canadian families have already been touched by tragedy as peace keepers, such as in Afghanistan and Bosnia. M.A.C. continues to attract new members and a healthy level of support from existing partners due to its success since its inception in 1994. M.A.C. is the Canadian partner of I.C.B.L. (International Campaign to Ban Landmines) and in 1997 was co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.

The worst aspect is that those most affected by injury and death are civilians trying to go about their daily activities after the conflict is over. The military and media seem to promote the effectiveness of so called “smart weaponry.” The fact is, about 20-30% are unexploded and await disturbance to maim and kill unsuspecting children and adults. These are recognized as E.R.W.s (Explosive Remnants of War.)

At M.A.C.’s Board of Directors meeting in late January of this year, it was decided to broaden and expand it’s advocacy programs in throughout Canada. As part of this the Y.M.A.A.P. (Youth Mine Action Ambassador Program). Since its inception in 1995 as a joint venture of M.A.C. and the Canadian Red Cross it has been one of the most successful in getting the message out. These young trained people have the ability to take global issues and translate them into ways that capture the participation and interest of Canadians of all ages. There are 10 of these ambassadors working all year throughout Canada with a new crop of students and postgraduates every year.

Traditionally, the first week in March is declared by the Federal government as C.L.A.W. week (Canadian Landmine Awareness Week.) The day of March 2nd was selected as the first ever visit to Niagara by an ambassador and this committee arranged the itinerary. Starting with a service club breakfast at 7:15 am and visits to High Schools in St. Catharines and Welland as well as Brock and Niagara College it will be a very busy day. More on this when time and space permit.

This committee is very concerned with the present situation in Haiti. It looks as though a coup has taken place, reminiscent of Chile and Grenada and the recent attempt in Venezuela. A democratic government is elected by the people and group of well armed insurgents attempt to overthrow the will of the people. We can hope the international community minus the US, can resolve this issue.

Remember, no justice, no peace.

FEBRUARY 2004 199 ISSUE

December was a particularly busy month for your committee and friends. We are encouraged by the recognition that our Local and the CAW received through peace activism. The Committee received a number of invitations recently to address groups throughout the peninsula on issues of peace and related subjects. The attention paid through videos and literature at these presentations is heartening and enlightening to a great many people. This is another example of out reach, similar to the community Christmas dinner, which speak for themselves in their presentation.

We accepted an invitation from the Western New York Peace Association to participate in an anti-FTAA rally held at Lafayette Square in Buffalo. We were warmly received by the 175-200 attending and gave the opportunity to comment on the negative effects of misguided trade deals to Canadian industry and the implications of these deals on stability and peace throughout the world. It’s great to see the linking of supposedly diverse groups defining the common enemy and forging bonds for peace. Our input was invited as well at Brock University at their peace conference. It goes to show that this a growing movement of young people as they are well represented at all these events proving that might does not make right and that negotiation is the only answer and solution.

As an example, a year ago, two million man armies had each other in their gun sights. India and Pakistan, both nuclear powers, realized the folly of conflict and the rewards of negotiation. They are currently constructing peace in the area. As well for the first time in years, Turkey and Syria have sat down together to resolve problems and we are sure that a Palestinian solution cannot be far behind with the proper approach from both sides. Of course there will be setbacks and disappointments but these will never extinguish the flame of hope.

One of our link groups in Niagara is the Canada Cuba Friendship Association (C.C.F.A.) which has members throughout the peninsula. It exists to promote understanding and goodwill between our peoples. It provides much information and many contacts to visitors to Cuba and provides a Canadian perspective to this Caribbean nation as well as others in the southern hemisphere. Our Committee have in the planning stages an evening (March 2nd) that will enlarge on the growing problems that are threatening the world in this area. We hope to feature the award winning film “The revolution that wasn’t televised.” This is a film from Amnesty International that was to be a high light from last summers’ Vancouver film festival concerning the attempt to overthrow the democratically elected government of Venezuela. Instead it was pulled before showing by pressure from the U.S. However, it was shown on our own C.B.C. with no ill effects other than understanding the situation that exists there.

If any information is required on any of the above subjects, contact the Committee at 905-732-1333 or 905-646-7274.

Remember, no justice, no peace.