Parliament is set to return and we’re calling on the government to take action on the climate crisis, global development, and investing in and supporting the Palestinian-led reconstruction of Gaza – we need your support
Next week is a big week in Ottawa. Members of Parliament are returning from all across the country to take up their duties in the House of Commons.
A lot has happened since they left for summer break, and that means there's a lot of work ahead for our government.
Here's what happened over the summer recess, and the actions Oxfam Canada is recommending our government take:
1. Make rich polluters pay
The climate crisis worsened both here at home and across the globe. From devastating flooding in Nepal to extreme heat in Europe, the effects of a warming planet are having grave impacts. This summer across Canada, an area the size of the Netherlands burnt.
While the climate crisis rages, Canada's oil producers are raking in record profits. Some projections put their profits for this year at $100B more than last. That's why Oxfam Canada is calling on the federal government to implement a windfall profit tax on the oil and gas producers profiting off the climate crisis and global conflicts.
Learn more about windfall profit taxes here.
2. Stop the cuts to global development
Countries the globe over continue to make deep cuts to funding for development assistance, including Canada, which cut almost $3B in funding in the last budget. Cuts have had immense impact on the most vulnerable around the world, especially women and girls in all their diversity, and 2SLGBTIQ+ people. These impacts will escalate as more and more critical programs are shuttered due to lack of funding.
That's why Oxfam Canada is calling on the federal government to stop the cuts and to protect Canada's most effective and internationally recognized global gender equality investments.
3. Support the Palestinian-led reconstruction of Gaza
Even as the genocide continues, critical work is ongoing to determine the recovery and reconstruction needs of Palestinians in Gaza, where 90 percent of people have been displaced, 372,000 homes have been destroyed, and 66 million tonnes of rubble need to be cleared. The total cost of reconstruction today is estimated at USD 71.4 billion.
That's why Oxfam Canada is calling on the federal government to establish a comprehensive fund dedicated to assisting with the reconstruction of Gaza, and to ensure that reconstruction is Palestinian-led, owned, anchored in self-determination, and that it supports more than physical reconstruction, but also the restoration of communities, livelihoods, and histories.
Before Members of Parliament return on September 21, we're inviting you to call or write to your Member's office. Tell them that making rich polluters pay, investing in global development, and investing in the Palestinian-led reconstruction of Gaza are priorities, and that you want to see the government take action.
We've made it easy for you
First, you can find out who your Member of Parliament is here by entering your postal code. You can find the phone number for their constituency office or their email by clicking on their profile and clicking "Contact." Then use the tool below to build your personalized message.
Personalize your message to your MP
Fill in your details below, and your message will update automatically. Then hit copy and paste it into an email, or use it as a script for your phone call.
Hello, my name is [NAME], and I live in [COMMUNITY/NEIGHBOURHOOD] in [MP NAME]'s riding.
I'm writing to share my thoughts on the key priorities our government should advance as Parliament returns and ahead of our next budget.
As you know, the climate crisis is worsening by the day, and Canada's oil industry is a key contributor. While ordinary people bear the costs of the climate and affordability crisis, oil and gas companies are making billions. That isn't fair, and it doesn't have to be this way. The federal government should implement a windfall profit tax on oil producers to recoup some of these billions and redistribute this money to places it's needed most: the communities who are bearing the brunt of the climate crisis here in Canada and around the world.
Further, I was extremely disappointed to see Canada cut $2.7B in funding to international assistance in the last budget. At a time of rising needs due to conflict and climate change, Canada has a real opportunity to lead in global development, and we need to take advantage of the moment. Specifically, Canada should continue to invest in and lead in development efforts focused on gender equality. It's what the world knows us for, and with rising global conflict, increasing climate disasters, and growing attacks on rights, it's what the world needs.
Lastly, I appreciate that the government has advanced policy in support of Palestine and Palestinians, including by recognizing Palestine and by committing to advance a ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory. There is a lot more Canada needs to do, and that includes supporting the recovery and reconstruction of Gaza, where reconstruction needs are estimated at USD 71.4 billion. The federal government should establish a comprehensive reconstruction fund for Gaza, and ensure that all reconstruction is Palestinian-led and anchored in self-determination.
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
[CONTACT INFORMATION]