Write Your MP

Tell Canada’s Politicians Not to Abandon Afghanistan

Canada has already committed to ongoing civilian aid to Afghanistan post-2011. But the security situation in Afghanistan is still threatened by violence from the Taliban. All of our development aid could be in vain if security is not ensured.

The Afghanistan government has made progress in building indigenous security forces. It is clear that they can’t yet do the job on their own.

Yet on March 13, 2008, the House of Commons voted only to extend the military mission past February 2009 into December 2011. We still have no plans for post-2011 and there is not even a debate in this country about what happens next.

One thing is clear: without a renewed commitment of Canada in Afghanistan, the recipients of our aid will be put at grave risk.

PLEASE WRITE TO YOUR MP IMMEDIATELY

To find your MP’s contact information, see this complete list of Canada’s Members of Parliament sorted by constituency.

Read this Sample Letter to an MP asking for a debate in parliament on a renewed mission in Afghanistan.

In your letter, remember to tell your local MP that you want to see a debate in parliament about extending the robust and effective participation of Canada in support of Afghanistan past 2011.

* Remind your MP about the sacrifices Canada has made in Afghanistan. All of our gains may be reversed or eliminated in the absence of a renewed commitment:

  • food aid for vulnerable populations.

  • non-food aid (blankets, kitchen utensils, etc.) for vulnerable populations;

  • vaccinations (polio, measles, and tetanus) and promoting greater access to basic health services.

  • clearance of mines and the provision of mine awareness education.

  • support and training for the Afghan National Army and the Afghan National Police

  • support for elections and civil institutions

* Remind your MP that effective civilian aid to Afghanistan simply is not possible without security

* Stress that the United Nations wants us in Afghanistan, our NATO allies depend on our assistance and that most importantly, the Afghan people themselves want us there.

* Inform your MP that women’s groups in particular in Afghanistan are very afraid of the consequences of a withdrawal of international forces while the Afghan National Army is not yet able to provide security on its own.

* Remind your MP of the long tradition Canada has of robustly defending peace and civil rights of people in other countries.