Hello GRANs,
Our Right to Food Campaign is continuing its pre-budget push to encourage Canada to increase its investments in International Development Assistance.
January Action: Messages to the Minister of International Development
So far this year the GRAN Co-Chairs have sent a letter to Minister Hussen raising concerns about global hunger and requesting a meeting. We remain hopeful about getting a meeting with him sometime in February, before the Minister of Finance tables Budget 2024 in the House. As a follow-up to the Co-Chairs’ letter, you will remember that last month we asked you to send postcards reinforcing our message to the Minister.
It is time for next steps.
February Action: Meet with Your MP
We are now asking you to reach out to your MP to try to set up a meeting with them. The House of Commons will be in recess from February 19 - 23 and March 4 - 15. Your MP should be at home in their constituency office during those weeks and available to meet with constituents. Your meeting may take place in person, by phone, or online (via Zoom or Teams), whichever is most convenient. We would like you to ask your MP to support our request that Canada follow through on its promise to increase International Development Assistance each year. This increased investment will be crucial in addressing the intersecting hunger and climate crises.
To help you prepare for your meeting, we are providing these resources:
- GRAN’s letter to the Minister which you may wish to include when you initially contact your MP to request a meeting.
- Tips and Talking Points offers links to helpful resources, as well as guidelines on planning and conducting a meeting with your MP. It also provides background on the hunger crisis to help you prepare what you will say, including reasons why Canada should increase its investment to address the urgent needs, and specific talking points to use with MPs from different parties.
- Global Hunger Crisis: Paths to Food Justice can be printed as a double-sided info sheet that you can leave with your MP or their staff for further information about the hunger crisis and what we are asking the government to do about it. You should also find this helpful yourself as you prepare your opening remarks for the meeting.
Please keep us in the loop on your progress in arranging a meeting and, once you’ve met with your MP, be sure to send us a short report on how it went at info@grandmothersadvocacy.org .
Good luck! Don’t hesitate to contact us to ask questions or get more clarification if you need it. We’re here to help!
Linda and Sharon
GRAN Co-Chairs
