Minister Beverley Oda, P.C., M.P.
International Cooperation
Place du Centre, 12th floor
200 Promenade du Portage
Gatineau, QC K1A 0G4
Dear Minister Oda,
On behalf of many Canadians, I urge you to reverse the recent cuts made by CIDA to KAIROS.
As you are aware, this decision in effect stops funding to 21 ecumenical and citizens’ organizations in Latin America, Africa, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.
KAIROS supports partners in countries such as Sudan, the Congo, the Philippines and Colombia who face extreme human rights and humanitarian crises as well as political repression.
On a personal note, I find it inacceptable that an organization that I contribute to on a regular basis, the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund will no longer be able to continue its vital work. As you are aware, KAIROS funding specifically assists women in the Congo to address gender-based violence.
This organization has also worked tirelessly to reduce poverty here in Canada and around the globe. Climate change has also been a recent focus for the group and it has campaigned actively against the development of the Alberta tar sands.
Minister, Canada should be doing all it possibly can to support organizations that are making a difference in people’s lives throughout the world. A $7,098,758 cut for the period from October 1, 2009 – December 31, 2013 is simply not acceptable.
Specifically, I respectfully ask you to:
Explain why KAIROS’ project proposal was turned down against recommendation of senior staff? (Was it because KAIROS has actively campaigned against the development of the Alberta Tar Sands any may not necessarily agree with our federal government’s foreign policy, specifically in the Middle East?)
Explain why this departure from government policy and practice for overseas development is taking place.
Reverse this decision so that KAIROS and its partners can continue doing the worthwhile work they do to help people throughout the world.
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Original Signed
Alex Atamanenko, MP
BC Southern Interior
c.c. Paul Dewar – NDP Foreign Affairs Critic
John Rafferty – NDP International Cooperation Critic
Kootenay Regional United Nations Assoc.
KAIROS
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