PRESENTATION TO VANCOUVER SCHOOL BOARD
In response to the brief CJCPR prepared and submitted to the Vancouver School Board regarding their Anti-Racism Programs and Plans, CJCPR Vice-Chair Mark Wexler, Officer Chris Friedrichs, and Community Relations Coordinator Romy Ritter made a formal presentation to the Vancouver School Board Trustees. The meeting provided an opportunity for CJCPR to put forward recommendations on how to make Vancouver public schools a safer and more inclusive environment and assist the VSB update and extend their anti-racism strategies. The VSB Trustees expressed their appreciation and interest in the recommendations and ideas put forward by CJCPR and invited CJCPR to have a representative serve on the VSB’s Race Relations Advisory Committee.
CRISIS IN DARFUR
CJCPR continues to make the ongoing crisis in Darfur, Sudan a priority for our community as evidence now reveals that some 300,000 people have died from starvation, disease and violence over the past two years.
Petition for Darfur
Responding to a request from Canadian Jewish Congress, Rabbis and other community leaders urged members of the Jewish community to act to prevent further catastrophic acts against humanity in Darfur by signing a petition that will be presented to Parliament. The petition, proposed by Rabbi Charles Feinberg of Beth Israel Synagogue, called for action to prevent continued bloodshed and displacement that has so far killed 300,000 and forced two million people from their homes in the Darfur region of Sudan. Signatories to the petition pledged not to be silent while crimes against innocent civilians in Darfur continue to be committed.
Letter to Prime Minister Paul Martin
Mark Weintraub, Chair of the CJC National Darfur Committee, wrote to Prime Minister Martin to commend the government for both its international advocacy and monetary commitments relating to the unfolding tragedy in Sudan’s Darfur region. As the situation worsens, CJC sought assurance that the government, in cooperation with other like-minded nations, will find appropriate means to provide protection to Darfur’s civilian population and that all necessary further steps will be implemented to ensure a successful Canadian foreign policy relating to Darfur.
To view the petition, visit http://www.cjc.ca/
Letter to Senator Jack Austin
In his capacity as Chair of the CJC National Darfur Committee, Mark Weintraub also wrote to Senator Jack Austin. In the letter, Weintraub acknowledged that the Prime Minister has shown leadership in his public pronouncements and that Canada is doing more than the public is aware of and that more should be done to bring those actions into the public light. As well, significantly more could be done to pitch Canada's leadership on this issue at the highest international levels. CJC urged Canada to take a higher profile and use whatever experience and expertise to take a leading role in facilitating peace and/or intervention.
Letter to Mr. Stockwell Day
Following a conference call with Mr. Stockwell Day, M.P. Okanagan-Coquihalla, Mark Weintraub, Chair of the CJC National Darfur Committee, corresponded with Mr. Day to express appreciation of his support of the issues of concern to the Jewish community as well as our deep concern about the crimes against humanity being perpetrated in Darfur. The letter stressed that a sustained effort by the Conservative Party, and all Canadians, could have a substantial influence on the world community in ensuring protection for the innocent civilians in Darfur.
LAUNCH OF CJCPR PUBLIC AFFAIRS ACTION AGENDA
CJCPR announced the launch of the Public Affairs Action Agenda 2004-2007. The 64-page triennial document acts as a summary of CJCPR priorities and guides the ongoing human rights work of the organization over the next three years, including a continued push for restoration of funding to the provincial Hate Crime Team.
The issues contained in the document are priorities for Jewish Canadians, but like so much of CJC’s work, they affect all Canadians. The Public Affairs Action Agenda 2004 - 2007 identifies six areas of particular concern, including Hate and Bias Crime; Hate Propaganda; Holocaust Education; Human Rights Protections in B.C.; Multiculturalism; and Affordable Housing. Each section includes background briefing, a summary of the issue’s current status, and recommendations for action. In addition, CJCPR will also be addressing issues pertaining to Aboriginal rights.
The recommendations spelled out by the Public Affairs Action Agenda 2004 - 2007 include a call on the provincial government to fully fund the province’s Hate Crime Team; intergovernmental cooperation on monitoring and combating hate propaganda; ensuring that Holocaust education remains part of B.C.’s required curriculum; the establishment of an information and advisory office within the provincial human rights apparatus; improved links between multicultural stakeholder groups; and increased funding for affordable housing, among other specific actions.
To view the CJCPR Public Affairs Action Agenda 2004 - 2007 click on the link below: http://www.cjc.ca/docs/RD/177_PAAA 2005.pdf
