Canada's NDP

Skip to main content

September 21st, 2012

Paul Dewar statement on the International Day of Peace

Today is the International Day of Peace, a day the General Assembly of the United Nations chose to honour the memory of the victims of armed conflicts and strive to achieve sustainable peace.

A generation ago, Canada was known for its commitment to peace. We were leaders in UN peacekeeping. We were leaders in fighting apartheid. We were leaders in banning landmines.

But under the current government, we’ve lost our way. We’ve retreated from our international responsibilities.

That can change.

We can recommit Canada to a foreign policy that prioritizes global peace and security. We can achieve international treaties on small arms control and nuclear disarmament. We can prevent wars and resolve conflicts. In places like the Republic of Congo, we can ensure that natural resources are used to benefit people, not finance wars. We can champion women’s empowerment. We can fight poverty and tackle climate change.

On this International Day of Peace, let’s recommit Canada to being a responsible leader in a changing world.