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Peace Train Reception on Parliament Hill

Last evening, I co-hosted a reception on Parliament Hill to welcome a delegation of peace advocates who traveled by “peace train” across Canada picking up supporters and holding vigils along the way with a call to action to re-establish and fund Canada's Centre of Excellence for Peace and Justice.
The organization of Peace Train Canada had its origins in our riding through the efforts of Port Alberni’s Keith and Bernie Wyton and ten of the “peace trainers" are from our communities in Courtenay-Alberni. Yesterday’s event was organized by Corinne Webber in my parliamentary office and attended by ten MP’s from all parties along with a Senator.
As I said in my remarks at this gathering, “the numerous wars around the world are not only impacting those living in and escaping conflict zones, they add to the turmoil arising from other global challenges like climate change and inflation that has left many people feeling anxious and hopeless for the future.”
Thanks to all those who took time to attend this event, including Donald Macpherson, the national president of the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association and Professor Walter Dorn of the Royal Military College of Canada.
The re-establishment of the Centre of Excellence for Peace and Justice would focus on research, education and training in conflict resolution, diplomacy, and peace operations for Canadian civilians, police, military personnel, and the international community. Giving peace a chance surely needs a kick-start in this world, including the re-emergence of Canada’s proud tradition of peacekeeping.

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