HOT TOPIC: CONFLICT

Call your MP.

Picking up the phone and calling your Member of Parliament (MP) is still one of the most powerful tools at your disposal.

It can be nerve-racking the first time. Below are some talking points to think about while you are on your call.

Sometimes it helps to take a few notes before you make your call, or call a friend and practice. When you're ready, take a deep breath and start changing the world.

Make the call and demand that Canada take stronger action to end conflict everywhere!

Thank you for building a more peaceful world!

Here are some talking points to think about while you are on your call.

Introduce yourself:

Hello, my name is _________________.

Tell them why you're calling:

I'm calling today because I'm concerned about the millions of people around the world who are currently living in lethal war zones. Many living in Ukraine, Afghanistan, Yemen, Mozambique, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are additionally at risk due to climate change and are facing unprecedented levels of hunger. They will also be some of the last people to have access to vaccines against COVID-19, further compounding risks to those living there.

Make it personal - tell them why this matters to you:

For example: More than 3 million people have now fled the violence in Ukraine and are in urgent need of assistance with shelter, food, and clean water. More than half of these refugees are children who are in grave danger of physical harm and severe emotional distress. The risk to their mental health and the potential for long-term trauma cannot be underestimated.

Tell them what you want:

I want to see stronger action from the Canadian government to end conflict everywhere. There are so many things the government can do:

Support disaster responses that move from emergency responses to early recovery and development phases, providing a foundation for building resilience and moving out of poverty in the longer term.
Work to accelerate the pace of resettlement for Ukrainians and Afghani’s. Ensure those who resettle in Canada have access to the services they need, including physical and mental health supports.
Increase humanitarian assistance to match the level of need in Ukraine and Afghanistan. Currently, over 20 million people from each of these countries require humanitarian assistance for food, shelter, protection, water and sanitation, and education. As these conflicts continue and food insecurity rises, needs will only increase. It is anticipated that women and girls’ access to humanitarian assistance will decrease while restrictions on services will increase.

Hold them accountable:

When can we expect the government to take action?

Say thank you:

Finish your call with a thank you – you never know when you might need to call your representative again!

Additional key facts:

Over 900 civilians, including at least 100 children have been killed so far in the war in Ukraine.
One in six children worldwide now live in a conflict zone and over 34 million children are displaced because of conflict.
Children living in areas of conflict, particularly girls, are among the most vulnerable in the world.
In 2020, as the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic escalated, the United Nations called for a global ceasefire to halt ongoing conflicts. Unfortunately, they have only continued to increase in intensity and duration.
Canadians agree by a two to one margin that we should support poorer countries in building back better after COVID-19.