[KWPeace-groups] Upcoming events & petitions to sign: Military Sexual Violence in Canada June 8 at 4pm, Intl Solidarity Now June 17 & Disarmament Civil Society Meeting on June 21

[Tamara Lorincz]

Hello KW Peace,

I hope you are all well and had a good weekend. Please find below 12 upcoming events & petitions to sign. Please feel free to distribute.

*FYI: Canada's embarrassing climate record is worst of G7 nations
Canada has had the highest emission growth of its G7 peers since the Paris Agreement was signed. While ours continue to rise (as well as the US's), the other 5 nations are falling. It's time to cancel the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion and the Keystone XL pipeline, as well as the liquefied natural gas (LNG) export industry under development in BC.
https://www.nationalobserver.com/2021/06/01/news/canadas-climate-record-worst-g7-countries

UPCOMING EVENTS
(1)
"MILITARY SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN CANADA: WE SHOULD BE OUTRAGED"
Tuesday, June 8, 2021
4:00-5:30 p.m. ET
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAqc-yqpzopG9JyVJk4RpVVne1FXB_bz0CG


  *   Almost 600 sexual assaults reported in 5 years
  *   Chief of Defence Staff Jonathan Vance accused of sexual misconduct
  *   Admiral Art McDonald & Maj.-Gen. Dany Fortin under investigation for sexual misconduct
  *   Commanding officers interfered in sexual assault investigations
  *   Claims that Brig.-Gen. Al Meinzinger & Brig.-Gen. Sean Friday downplayed sexual violence at Royal Military College
  *   Low prosecution and conviction of sexual harassment and assault
  *   Most military cadets have seen unwanted sexualized behaviour at college
  *   Operation 'Honour' has been a failure
  *   There are serious concerns about the new external review conducted by Arbour
  *   The problem of military sexual violence is still pervasive and persistent

Military sexual violence in the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces should outrage us and move us to action. Join a conversation with feminist peace activists about how to respond and resist the ongoing problem of military sexual violence in the Canadian Armed Forces, a patriarchal state institution premised on coercion and force. We will plan a response and actions. All welcome. Organized by the Canadian Voice of Women for Peace. More info: vowpeace.org

(2)
FILM SCREENING & DISCUSSION: SOLDIERS WITHOUT GUNS
Start: Saturday, June 12, 2021, 8 PM New York Time
Join us on Sat, June 12 at 8am Perth / 12pm Auckland (Fri, 6/11 at 8pm New York) for a screening of Soldiers Without Guns, an extraordinary film that tells the story of how the bloody Civil War on the island of Bougainville was halted by a contingent of the New Zealand Defense Force that landed on the island, carrying no weapons, armed only with guitars, the haka, and other instruments of peace. After the 90-minute film screening, we'll have time for Q&A and discussion with the film director Will Watson, veteran and cultural advisor Des Ratima, and webinar participants.
https://actionnetwork.org/events/soldiers-without-guns-film-screening-discussion

(3)
PASTORS FOR PEACE 2021
Ottawa Cuba Connections and Pastors for Peace are inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
June 10, 2021 at 7:00 pm Eastern Time
TOPIC:  31st US CUBA Friendshipment Caravan.
SPEAKERS:
Giuvel Orozco Ortega, Counsellor Head of Mission of the Embassy of Cuba
Gail Walker, Executive Director of IFCO Pastors for Peace
We are honored to have Gail with us this year.  She has worked with IFCO from 1987-2002 as Director of Communications and co-led the 1988 IFCO delegation to Nicaragua that resulted in the formation of the Pastors for Peace project. After working as a journalist and communications professional in print, video and radio, Gail returned to IFCO as Director in 2011. This event is our annual fundraiser for Pastors for Peace. Monetary donations to this year's Caravan to Cuba can be made to IFCO via phone. Text the word "IFCO" to 646-859-5344 and follow the prompts.
Event sponsored by:
*      Ottawa Cuba Connections
*      Frente Bolivariano Hugo Chavez
*      Association d'amitie Outaouais-Cuba
*      Peace and Social Concerns Committee, Ottawa Monthly Meeting (Quakers)
*      ALBA Social Movement
*    IFCO/Pastors for Peace
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwodu2gqj8oG9By8cRDMYMPIriesO2LhDT1
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

(4)
WEBINAR: MAKING CANADIAN MINING COMPANIES ACCOUNTABLE
Date: June 12, 2021
Time: 12:00 Noon to 1:30 PM CDT
Admission: Free
Location: Online, via Zoom. Register at Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/making-canadian-mining-companies-accountable-tickets-157263343895
Presenter: Catherine Coumans, MiningWatch Canada
Sponsor: Peace Alliance Winnipeg

(5)
FILM & PANEL: MURDER IN PARIS, CORRUPT ARMS DEAL
FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2021 AT 12 PM & 1:45 PM EDT
Based on a true story of assassinations of activists in Paris for investigating corrupt arms deal in South Africa. Watch the trailer for Murder in Paris: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yC9o3RFSpkI
Purchase a ticket at https://virtual.encounters.co.za/ to stream "Murder in Paris" from 12pm and then join the panel discussion live from 1:45. You are also welcome to only join the stream of the discussion on the Encounters social media platform: https://www.facebook.com/EncountersDocFest/
You can register to join the Zoom Room at https://us02web.zoom.us/.../reg.../WN_PL1JLtdoSyqYl8H8MYv-vQ
Director Enver Samuel will be in conversation with investigative journalist and author Evelyn Groenink, Andrew Feinstein from Shadow World and moderator Michael Marchant from Open Secrets ZA.

(6)
WEBINAR "Haiti vs. Imperialism and Neocolonialism: Yesterday and Today"
Sunday June 13, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM ET
At the end of the 18th century, two profound political processes unfolded: One, in 1776 led to the formation of the USA, which went on to dominate the African Slave Trade. The other, ignited in 1791, led to the Haitian Revolution, which precipitated a General Crisis of the entire slave system that could only be resolved with its collapse - not least in the U.S. itself in 1865. Unfortunately, those who feasted on free labor have not forgotten and will never forgive Haiti, including today when the USA, Canada and the European Union (especially France) continue to interfere maliciously in Haiti's internal affairs.
Speakers:
* Professor Gerald Horne, University of Houston
* Professor Jemima Pierre, University of California Los Angeles
Followed by Q&A Period.
Organized by U.S. Peace Council
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Yg8_Sef-SeGWe5y68OlX6A?link_id=0&can_id=08297aacfa6299b1025e006dffcf983d&source=email-zoom-webinar-haiti-vs-imperialism-and-neocolonialism-yesterday-and-today&email_referrer=email_1197622&email_subject=zoom-webinar-haiti-vs-imperialism-and-neocolonialism-yesterday-and-today

(7)
PAN-CANADIAN NATO COUNTER-SUMMIT: BUILDING A NATIONAL RESISTANCE TO THE ALLIANCE
Monday, June 14, 2021
7:00-8:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIqcOGoqj4pGdDaZjtXvH-VZD5kbzrYRfyT
This event is timed to oppose NATO's annual summit in Brussels.
This webinar is to hear brief presentations about why Canada should withdraw from this US-dominated, nuclear-armed alliance and why NATO should be abolish for genuine peace and security in the world.
We will share ideas and plan next steps to delegimitize NATO and build support for Canada to withdraw.
It is because of Canada's membership in NATO that Canada is planning to spend 2% of GDP on the military, planning to buy new fighter jets and build new warships, why Canada is not joining the new treaty to ban nuclear weapons and why the Canadian Armed Forces are participating in a massive war exercise now in Europe (Steadfast Defender 2021).
Confirmed speakers so far include: Radhika Desai, Yves Engler, Margaret Villamizar, David Gehl, Isaac Saney, Alison Bodine, Tamara Lorincz & more to come. There will be time for a discussion and strategy session.
Organized by the Canadian Voice of Women for Peace
Moderated by: Canadian Foreign Policy Institute
Endorsed by the Canadian Foreign Policy Institute, Mobilization Against War and Occupation, Winnipeg Peace Alliance, Regina Peace Council, CPC(M-L), Ottawa Peace Council, Canadian Peace Congress and the Anti-imperialist Alliance. More info: vowpeace.org

(8)
CAMPAIGN FOR A FOSSIL FUEL NON-PROLIFERATION TREATY
Webcast June 14 - 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Join the movement for a fossil fuel free future! Learn about the global campaign for a Fossil Fuel Non Proliferation Treaty and about our campaign for Toronto to endorse the Treaty.
We will need to build a huge movement in order to move City Hall forward on climate action and the phasing out of all dependence on fossil fuels. So join us!
Speakers to include: Tzeporah Berman, Chair, and Seble Samuel, Cities organizer from the international Campaign for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.  This webcast is organized by MobilizeTO, ClimateFast and other groups in the Toronto climate action community.
Please endorse the campaign & register here: https://climatefast.ca/blogs/webcast-fossil-fuel-non-proliferation-treaty

(9)
NO TO WAR, NO TO NATO COUNTER-SUMMIT (European time)
Sunday, June 13 and Monday, June 14
Speakers include: Ann Wright, Ludo de Brabander, Lindsey German, Kate Hudson, Quique Sanchez among many others.
(European time, so very early in the morning in Canada), see the schedule here:
Sunday, 13 June 2021: 3am-6:30am PST | 9am-12:30pm EDT | 1pm-4:30pm UTC | 2pm-5:30pm UK | 3pm-6:30pm CEST
& Monday, 14 June 2021: 1am-2:30am PST | 7am-8:30am EDT | 11am-12:30pm UTC | 12pm-1:30pm UK | 1pm-2:30pm CEST
https://www.no-to-nato.org/actions-around-nato-summits/actions-and-articles-nato-summit-14-june-2021-brussels/
See the PDF of the program here: https://www.no-to-nato.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Programme-Counter-Actions-NATO-summit-14-June-2021.pdf

(10)
"ALIGNING CANADA'S POLICY ON KOREA PEACE WITH ITS FEMINIST VISION"
Jun 15, 2021 07:00 PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Speakers: Christine Ahn, Ambassador Jacqueline O'Neill, & others
Canadian launch of the Korea Peace Now's "Path to Peace" Report
Organized by the Women Peace & Security Network-Canada: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcqdu2uqDwuHte9ZRIO0fUmCxstBNHRbrP2

(11)
"INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY NOW: A GATHERING FOR A MORE JUST CANADIAN FOREIGN POLICY"
Jun 17, 2021 07:00 PM
Organized by the Canadian Foreign Policy Institute
Register: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/tJIrdeihrjsuHdQ1FI86DO1QPXdyclE6IDBP/success?user_id=V35u6lkiSYudQod-scxT0g&timezone_id=America%2FMontreal

Save your spot for what is sure to be a rousing evening featuring presentations from legendary Toronto organizer John Clarke and Halifax poet El Jones on the importance of internationalism and activism. The live event will also feature short presentations from more than a dozen brilliant organizations like MiningWatch Canada, Project Ploughshares and Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East, who will highlight how they challenge Canadian foreign policy.

You are invited to watch this important event! Join us and hear from powerful organizers across the country working towards a foreign policy based on peace and human rights.

The date marks the anniversary of Canada's defeat in its bid for a seat on the UN Security Council. In the aftermath of the international community decisively rejecting Canada's foreign policy, CFPI called for a "fundamental reassessment of Canadian foreign policy".

Over the past year there has been growth in critical foreign policy discussion and activism. But, much more is required to win fundamental change. "International Solidarity Now!" is a gathering of antiwar, mining justice and international solidarity organizations that aims to connect, strengthen and amplify our collective efforts. More than 30 groups working to build a more just foreign policy have already confirmed their attendance. Information on all of their work will be made available to attendants. Following this event we will also be launching a video series and resource page featuring groups across the country engaging in international solidarity. More info: https://www.foreignpolicy.ca/

(12)
WEBINAR MEETING: "WHY CANADA NEEDS AN AGENDA FOR DISARMAMENT"
Civil Society Meeting
*Rescheduled
Monday, June 21, 2021
4:00 - 5:30 PM PT/ 7:00 - 8:30 PM ET /8:00 - 9:30 PM AT
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUqdu2vqzksGdDFg8qySI6sZJP2bgZG3gAQ

The Canadian Voice of Women for Peace (VOW) is hosting a civil society meeting to build a grassroots national campaign to get the federal government to create an Agenda for Disarmament for Canada and to get all the political parties to make disarmament a priority. Help us stop the procurement of new weapons systems and the growing militarization of Canadian foreign policy and put disarmament and diplomacy at the centre of our international affairs.

Please join our discussion and share your ideas about how we can make disarmament a political priority in Canada. This event will be hosted by the VOW and supported by Science for Peace. All are welcome to attend.

Please read our 2-page handout "Why Canada Needs an Agenda for Disarmament" and find out more here: https://vowpeace.org/disarmament/

PETITIONS:
(1)
PARLIAMENTARY PETITION FOR HAITI
You can help Haiti by signing this parliamentary petition requesting the reversal of Canada's support for the corrupt and repressive president of Haiti, Jovenal Moise. This petition also demands publication of documents relative to the 2003 Meech Lake meeting held in Canada to plan the removal of the democratically elected government of Haiti.
https://petitions.ourcommons.ca/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-3348

(2)
PARLIAMENTARY PETITION: COMPENSATION FOR RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL HARM & RELEASE DOCUMENTS
1. Paying for the cost of ground-penetrating radar to investigate all former residential school properties, with the expectation that additional Indigenous children in unmarked graves may be properly identified and laid to rest;
2. Releasing all documents related to deaths and burial grounds at all residential schools, and compelling the churches and other levels of governments to do the same; and
3. Securing the grounds of all residential schools, until proper searches for burial sites can be conducted.
https://petitions.ourcommons.ca/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-3484

(3)
PARLIAMENTARY PETITION: NO NEW FIGHTER JETS
Please sign and share this parliamentary petition to stop Canada from buying new fighter jets for $19 billion. We could instead spend $19 billion on affordable housing, public transit, health care, education, diplomacy and development. The parliamentary petition e-3433 is sponsored by Green Party MP Paul Manly. The deadline is June 18. We are trying to get to 1000 signatures by then, please sign now:

English: https://petitions.ourcommons.ca/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-3433&fbclid=IwAR32RF18t8cVJ6vXx1vQb1pHEJjsNj1Tnrqt77S7EuRIt08MOO590VQIVpU

French: https://petitions.noscommunes.ca/fr/Petition/Search?View=D&type=&keyword=39447,106365&sponsor=&Text=3433&RPP=20&order=Recent&Page=1&category=Open
This petition is created by the Canadian Voice of Women for Peace, Science for Peace and the Canadian Foreign Policy Institute.

(4)
PETITION AGAINST U.S. ECONOMIC BLOCKADE OF CUBA AND ON CANADA-CUBA RELATIONS
The petition (e-3456) to the Government of Canada Against the U.S. Economic Blockade of Cuba and on Canada-Cuba Relations is now open for signatures. To sign the petition, you have to be a Canadian citizen or a resident of Canada. To sign the petition go to:
English: https://petitions.ourcommons.ca/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-3456&fbclid=IwAR2MYRXVbsqMi3oYDcvSx1s-gou7uqgL-dOWF_DOZMsQAdkYHBaI8V-n9nw

French: https://petitions.noscommunes.ca/fr/Petition/Details?Petition=e-3456&fbclid=IwAR2mETt9-wKd_RoSXnC15OJi7xBKrsaop1kUcsmVGEprGUzFDOGPiSZplYQ
The petition is sponsored by Niki Ashton, member of Canada's parliament for the federal constituency of Churchill-Keewatinook Aski in the province of Manitoba.

(5)
PETITION: TELL MINISTER ALGHABRA: CANADA MUST CANCEL $36M CONTRACT FOR ISRAELI DRONE!
Tell Canada's Transportation Ministry to cancel the $36.16 million dollar contract for drone technology from Elbit Systems, Israel's largest weapons company. The money will purchase a "civilian" version of Elbit's lethal military drone, the same one which was used to kill civilians during Israel's assault on Gaza. Sign here: https://www.cjpme.org/stop_elbit_drone

*READ: Check out new ICAN report on nuclear weapons spending for 2020: https://www.icanw.org/complicit_nuclear_weapons_spending_increased_by_1_4_billion_in_2020

In solidarity for peace, earth and justice,
Tamara Lorincz





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