This year we saw a few concrete examples of the success of the government responding to you and the issues you care about. For example:

2,411 letters sent to the government

In 2024, you sent 2,411 letters to the government! Advocates from across Canada used MCC’s letter tools to write to their elected officials about issues that concern them, like the effects of climate change, forced migration, and Canada’s role in the ongoing crisis in Gaza, among other issues.

28 meetings with MPs

The Peace & Justice Office met with 28 MPs and 1 Senator this year! We met with MPs representing each of Canada’s five parties, including a meeting with the Honorable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development. We discussed a wide variety of topics, and we shared stories from both domestic programs and around the world. Many of our meetings this year focused on conflict in Palestine and Israel, and Canada’s role in upholding international law. We also discussed the impacts that climate change is having on our partners, including issues of environmental injustice in Canada.

With expanded staff capacity in our team, we are continuing to build new relationships and meet with new MPs, growing MCC’s presence in Ottawa. In 2024 we met with significantly more policymakers than we did in 2023! 

30 letters and submissions

In 2024, MCC participated in 30 official communications with the government. This included 4 submissions to government consultations, 10 letters directed to government ministers, and 16 coalition letters.

Each of these methods allows us to express our priorities and viewpoints to the government. For instance, in the spring, MCC submitted a pre-budget consultation brief outlining an alternative approach for Canada to prioritize its spending. Additionally, we reached out to the Minister of Housing to convey MCC’s support for policies that promote more equitable housing access in Canada. By collaborating with various coalitions, MCC amplifies its voice alongside other humanitarian, faith-based, and development organizations to address a broader range of issues, such as corporate accountability, restorative justice practices, and the application of international humanitarian law. 

OTHER ADVOCACY WORK FROM 2024

Much of our work goes beyond sending letters and having meetings with elected officials. This year we also:

·       Participated in a ceasefire pilgrimage in May, joining with thousands of other Canadians to call for peace in Gaza.

·       The Executive Directors from each Canadian provincial MCC came to Ottawa to meet with MPs to discuss our work.

·       Hosted a group of advocates in Ottawa for an advocacy training workshop.

·       Wrote stories and made videos about the issues we work on.

·       Hosted MCC’s Palestine and Israel representatives in Ottawa and arranged meetings with several MPs and bureaucrats so they could share firsthand about our work in Palestine and Israel and the barriers our partners are facing in Gaza.

·       Produced a climate postcard for Canadians to send to the Prime Minister — for free.

·       Participated in many conferences, symposiums, and other coalition events to learn, network and highlight MCCs experiences.

·       Grew our team to increase our capacity and the areas we work on, including more domestic policy advocacy.

Thanks for a great year of advocacy for peace and justice! We are looking forward to all the challenges and opportunities in store in 2025 and exploring them together.