Three Development and Peace members meet with Gary Lunn, MP for Saanich-Gulf Islands and Cabinet Minister.

On February 20, Nancy Stuart, Victoria DC Chair, Margie Noonan, former president of the National Council, and Donna Thompson, chair of Mr. Lunn’s parish Development and Peace committee met with Mr. Lunn for a second time.

Questioned about the lack of response by the government to the National Roundtables, Mr. Lunn answered that his government had made good progress in the area of corporate social responsibility.  He noted that Cabinet had approved Canadian standards for mining companies operating abroad in collaboration with the Canadian Mining Association. Mr. Lunn agreed to provide more information on that agreement and on the status of the Development and Peace call for an independent ombudsperson.

The members reiterated the need for legal mechanisms which would hold Canadian mining companies accountable for their actions overseas.

The Victoria DC in British Columbia has set a goal of meeting all MPs in their Diocese to get their support for the current campaign.

On February 17, Jocelyn Schaeffer and Bibiana Cujec met Dr. Keith Martin, MP for Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca. Dr. Martin has worked in the Global South as a physician, and was familiar with and supportive of the current Development and Peace campaign. He offered to share his ideas and experiences at a future Development and Peace meeting.