Two important bills related to our recent campaign demands on corporate social responsibility have gone through first reading in the House of Commons.  At this moment, we are suggesting members contact their MPs to get their support for the second one, Bill C-300.

Bill C-298, sponsored by NDP MP Paul Dewar, re-opens the call for the creation of an ombudperson’s office initially tabled by former MP Alexa McDonough in June 2008.

Bill C-300, tabled by Liberal MP John McKay, is up for second reading and debate on Tuesday, March 3 or Wednesday, March 4.  If passed, this Bill would require that Canadian government support to companies in the mining, oil and gas sectors would depend upon the highest corporate social responsibility standards for human rights and the environment being met by Canadian companies in the developing world.

This is an important moment for members to contact their MPs and ask for their support of Bill C-300. Please review the attached Talking Points for more on how you can participate.

Ontario Nickel Belt MP Claude Gravelle met with a delegation of Development and Peace members on January 23. The members spoke with him about the current Development and Peace campaign to have the government put in place the necessary legal mechanisms to hold Canadian companies responsible for their actions in other countries. They were impressed with Mr. Gravelle’s understanding of the behaviour of Canadian mining companies in the Global South. Mr. Gravelle had already signed the card in his parish and supports the campaign.

Archbishop Prendergast of Ottawa signed the Development and Peace Action card in December. The card asks the Prime Minister to hold Canadian Mining companies to account.