Check out what's happening this month with VOW!
Unsubscribe
View in your browser
Canadian Voice of Women for Peace
VOW's May Newsletter
May 2026
Events & Actions

Our May newsletter is being brought to you by our National Coordinator Alley McDonald.

This month we want to highlight Join 1000+ Women for Peace; Dinner with VOW; and so much more happening this month!

Be sure to scroll all the way down for upcoming events, calls to action, and recommended resources!

VOW's work of peace, anti-war and demilitarization merits your support! Make a donation. Even better, join our growing number of Monthly Peace Partners. Consider $5 or $50 or any amount in between. Become a Peace Partner today!

JOIN/RENEW/DONATE
VOW Updates
Join 1000 Women+ for Peace
Care not Warfare!

VOW & WILPF-Canada Campaign

Canadian Voice of Women for Peace in partnership with Women's International League for Peace and Freedom are calling out to all Canadian women and gender diverse folks to sign our open letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney and Minister of Women & Gender Equality, Rechie Valdez, to cut military spending and invest in a green, peace care economy. 

#carenotwarfare #1000women #cutmilitaryspending #movethemoney

SIGN THE LETTER HERE
Help us reach 500 signatures by May 20, 2026!

Sign Parliamentary e-petition e-7317

Help us reach 500 signatures by May 20, 2026! Please sign our Parliamentary e-petition e-7317 to withdraw Canada from NATO, reduce military spending, remove Canadian troops from Latvia, and conduct public consultations on a new foreign policy based on peace and international cooperation.

SIGN THE PETITION HERE
What is Canada’s Progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goals?
Women, Peace, Climate Change, and (In)Security

Online Panel-Virtual Event
đź—“ Tuesday, April 28th, 2026
⏰ 12:00-1:30 p.m. ET

đź“ŤZoom Webinar

 

Register in advance for this meeting: https://tinyurl.com/canadasdgs

Join us to discuss Canada’s progress on implementing the 17 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the federal government’s current public consultations on the draft strategy for Sustainable Development 2026-2029. Learn more about the goals and the gaps and how you can engage in this important process to advance the SDGs in Canada. There will be a special focus on the goals related to poverty elimination, women & gender equality, action on climate change & the environment, and peace & justice.

Speakers are Dr. Tracy Smith-Carrier, Canada Research Chair in Advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals in the School of Humanitarian Studies at Royal Roads University in Victoria, British Columbia, and Mariam Karmazanashvili, founder and national lead of the SDG 5 Fellowship under the United Nations Association in Canada, Josephine Grey Founding Director, OASIS food hub project & St. James Town Community Cooperative.

The discussion will be moderated by Tamara Lorincz, PhD graduand in Global Governance, Balsillie School of International Affairs, and Member of WILPF-Canada and VOW. Organized by the Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom-Canada (WILPF) and the Canadian Voice of Women for Peace (VOW). All welcome. Learn more about the federal government’s consultations on the draft Strategy for Sustainable Development 2026-2029 here: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/corporate/transparency/consultations/share-your-throughts-draft-2026-2029-federal-sustainable-development-strategy.html  

REGISTER HERE

Give your input into the federal government’s consultations on the draft Strategy for Sustainable Development 2026-2029 by May 12, 2026 here: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/corporate/transparency/consultations/share-your-throughts-draft-2026-2029-federal-sustainable-development-strategy.html  
SHUT DOWN CANSEC

In-Person Event

đź—“ May 27th-28th, 2026
⏰  6:00pm-8:00pm ET

đź“Ť EY Centre, Ottawa, ON

Ottawa-based organizers and activists are calling for 1,000 supporters to stand up against CANSEC, the largest weapons trade show in North America. CANSEC is an annual event where the largest and most profitable weapons companies in the world strike deals alongside delegations from 60+ countries including Israel, the Philippines, and Saudi Arabia.

Exhibitors include: Lockheed Martin, the biggest weapons company globally and primary manufacturer of the F-35 stealth fighter jet; Elbit Systems, the biggest supplier to the Israeli Occupation Forces that produces the series of deadly Hermes drones used to target and kill Palestinians, and Canadian-based Roshel that produces light armoured vehicles used by both Israel and ICE.

What are we hoping to achieve?

Our goal is to grow the community response to Canada's complicity in the global arms trade bringing together civil society organizations from various movements together–climate justice, migrant justice, labour rights, justice for Indigenous peoples, and Palestine solidarity groups. Since Israel's genocide in Gaza has spread, more and more community members are joining the fight to turn the tide against blind and willful adherence to a racist Zionist foreign policy.

Endorse SHUT DOWN CANSEC and join us May 27th and 28

To get involved, we would like to invite you to a meeting to learn more about the campaign and our plans this year. 
We encourage your organization and members to endorse the May 28 protest and sign onto our open letter.

States present at CANSEC remain firmly entrenched in war crimes, rights abuses, and the theft and irreversible destruction of land. We must continue using our collective power to take action against the weapons industry whose profits soar as innocent people are killed.
VOW Members Dinner Together
in Waterloo, ON

In-Person Event

đź—“ Wednesday, June 17th, 2026
⏰  6:00pm-8:00pm ET

đź“Ť Champa Kitchen, 21 King Street North, Waterloo, Ontaro

📧 RSVP by June 10th, 2026

Join Canadian Voice of Women for Peace National Coordinator, Alley McDonald, and Senior Researcher and Campaigner, Tamara Lorincz, in Waterloo for dinner together at Champa Kitchen: champakitchen.ca

Come speak with us, discuss important issues, our initiatives & campaigns, sign petitions, and build community.

RSVP with Alley in an email to inf@vowpeace.org by April 1st, 2026. Please include VOW DINNER as the subject line.

DATE: Wednesday, June 17th 6pm-8pm
On a wartime footing: Carney’s new defence initiatives risk corruption and global conflict

Article by Tamara Lorincz 

Read our member Tamara Lorincz’s latest article “On a wartime footing: Carney’s new defence initiatives risk corruption and global conflict” in Rabble.ca

Read the Article Here
Protecting Nature Protects Us All

Article by VOW Co-Chair Hannah Hadikin

"This year's Earth Day theme, Our Power, Our Planet, is a reminder that environmental progress doesn't happen in isolation. It happens when communities come together. Small actions, multiplied across millions of people, create real change.

Today, climate change and human-driven damage to nature are accelerating the destruction of ecosystems around the world. Deforestation, land-use change, intensive agriculture, livestock production, and the illegal wildlife trade are all contributing to the loss of biodiversity."

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE
Hunger for Climate Justice

VOW Co-Chair Lyn Adamson in Timely
Globe and Mail Article
VOW's Earth Day Action

For Earth Day, VOW members joined some WILPF members & allies in front of the office of the federal Minister of Environment and Member of Parliament Julie Dabrusin in Toronto. We delivered a letter and called on her and the Carney government to stop the rise of military spending and stop the cuts to the Department of Environment & Climate Change, Fisheries & Oceans, Natural Resources, Immigration & Refugees, Crown & Indigenous Relations etc. and laying off staff. We want the federal government to invest in the climate, environment and social needs of Canadians. #MoveTheMoney, #CutMilitarySpending #CareNotWarfare! Sign our 1000+ Women campaign to cut military [add link to FORM] and sign our Parliamentary e-petition 7317 to get Canada out of NATO: https://www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-7317
Please donate to VOW’s campaign to Cut Military Spending

The Liberal government has just launched the country's first Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS) that will ramp up military spending, weapons production, and arms exports. Canada is set to increase military spending to $150 billion/year by 2025 to reach the NATO 5% GDP target, but this will lead to greater poverty and climate breakdown. VOW opposes the federal government's plan for a warfare economy; and calls for Canada to have a green, care economy!

Read the new Defence Industrial Strategy: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/corporate/reports-publications/industrial-strategy/security-sovereignty-prosperity.html

VOW bought banners: "Cut Military Spending: Let's Fund a Care Economy, Climate Action & Indigenous Reconciliation" and we are building a national campaign to raise awareness about risks of higher military spending and to stop it.

Please contact your Member of Parliament and let them know you oppose the Defence Industrial Strategy and the increase to military spending:

https://www.ourcommons.ca/Members/en  

If you can make a donation towards our campaign to cut military spending, please e-transfer:

accounting@vowpeace.org
May Events 
Women in Black:
Grandmothers Against Genocide

In-Person Events
Wednesdays Wkly 8am: Grandmothers Against Genocide Vigil. Bay/Bloor, Toronto

Thursdays Wkly 8am: Kingston Road Vigil. Kingston Rd./Victoria Park, Toronto

Thursdays Wkly 8am: Grandmothers Against Genocide. Five Points Intersection (Goderich)

Peaceful vigils for Gaza. You don't have to be a grandmother to show your support.
NATO and Women, Peace & Security

Virtual Event
đź—“ April 24th, 2026
⏰ 12:00-2:00pm ET
đź“Ť Zoom Webinar: RSVP below

Join us on the Women, Peace & Security Network-Canada's online event, “NATO and WPS,” which will explore the critical feminist connections and contradictions between Women, Peace & Security (WPS) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Date: April 24, 2026 Time: 12:00–2:00 PM Eastern. The event will be moderated by Dr. Sandra Biskupski-Mujanovic. The other speakers are: Margaret Kimberley (Black Agenda Report), Keiren McClelland (Trinity College Dublin) & Dr. Katharine Wright (Harvard Kennedy School).

REGISTER HERE
Resistance for Peace
Campaign Launch
Virtual Event
đź—“ April 25th, 2026
⏰ 5:00pm-7:00pm CEST
đź“Ť Zoom 

In this webinar we will be sharing the work of Global Women United for Peace Against NATO (GWUAN) and highlighting how US-led wars of aggression, together with NATO and their Zionist allies, ongoing genocides, embargoes and blockades, affect the situation of women in countries where these wars take place. 

REGISTER HERE
Tectonic Geopolitical Changes: Which Way To Peace and a Nuclear Weapon-Free World?

Virtual Event
đź—“ Sunday, April 26th, 2026
⏰ 02:00 PM in America/Toronto

đź“ŤZoom Webinar-Register in Advance

On the Eve of the NPT Review Conference International Civil Society Demands and End to Wars and a Nuclear Weapons-Free World

REGISTER HERE
Women in Conflict Zones

Virtual Event
đź—“ Wednesday, April 29th, 2026
⏰ 12:00-1:30pm ET
đź“ŤZoom Webinar

On Wednesday, April 29 at 12:00pm ET (find the time in your time zone), the Women in Conflict Zones webinar will focus on the widening war in the SWANA/Middle East region launched by the U.S. and Israel against Iran. Featuring women’s voices from Gaza, Iran, Lebanon, and the West Bank.

Retired U.S. Army Reserve colonel Ann Wright will open the webinar with the latest update on U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) activities in the region. Dr. Jamila J. Ghaddar will talk about her work archiving conflicts across the region.

This webinar aims to create a space for examining the gendered impacts of war and violent conflict for all people who experience gender-based oppression. 

REGISTER HERE
Hands Off Asia! 
Peace, Sovereignty, and Anti-US Militarism

Virtual Event
đź—“ April 30, 2026
⏰  8:00 AM ET
đź“ŤZoom

This webinar launches the Hands Off Asia! campaign of the International Peoples’ Assembly. On the anniversary of Vietnam's liberation, we bring together speakers from across the region who are confronting the reality of US militarism and aggression.

REGISTER HERE
Palestine '36 

In-Person Event
đź—“ Friday, May 1st, 2026
⏰ 6:35pm ET (doors open at 6:00pm)
Additional showings:
Sat. May-2 @6:45 pm & Sun. May-3 @4:15 pm; Tue. May-5 @9:15 pm & Thu. May-7 @6:35 pm
đź“ŤPrincess Original - Waterloo (6 Princess St. W.)
WRFP is privileged to share our second film showing of 2026 at Princess Cinema.

Palestine '36 is a political film which situates the Palestinian plight not as a recent occurrence, but as a process of dispossession that has been in motion long before the Nakba in 1948.  Director Annemarie Jacir examines the Arab Revolt (1936-1939) against British rule over Palestine.  The film covers a lot of ground via a tapestry of characters from distinct walks of life at a time when the British, in control of Palestine, ushered in the displacement of the native population. Their goal was to accommodate Jewish settlers arriving from Europe with the intention of founding a Zionist state. The film is elegantly conceived and proficiently edited providing a snapshot of a pivotal time. Colourized archival footage interspersed throughout show Palestinian resistance, as well as scenes of everyday life, accentuates the scripted drama.
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
Interconnected Futures: Pathways to Justice in Global Health, Peace, and Environmental Sustainability

PEGASUS Hybrid Conference 2026
đź—“ May 1st-3rd, 2026
đź“ŤUniversity of Waterloo, Canada

Registration is now open

PEGASUS Institute is an educational NGO fostering collaboration at the nexus of global health, peace, and environmental sustainability, with a focus on advancing health equity for all, in particular marginalized populations. Our 2026 conference, Interconnected Futures: Pathways to Justice in Global Health, Peace, and Environmental Sustainability (three days), will bring together a diverse community to share innovative strategies, research, and ideas for tackling today’s interconnected challenges, such as from the climate crisis, inequality, to political violence and health inequities.

PEGASUS 2026 aims to strengthen our recognition of the interconnection of health, peace, and the planet. Advancing justice across these domains requires inclusive, interdisciplinary, and community-driven approaches. As the world is confronted by climate crisis, structural inequality, political violence, and global health inequities, this conference offers space to share experiences, strategies, research, and ideas that reflect intersectional, decolonial, and equity-oriented perspectives.

IN-PERSON REGISTRATION HERE
Abolition 2000 and PNND Live from the NPT Review Conference

Virtual Event
đź—“ Friday, May 1st, 2026
⏰ 1:30pm ET 
đź“ŤZoom

States Parties to the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) are meeting at the UN in New York from April 27 to May 22, at a time of renewed nuclear arms races, increasing threats of nuclear weapons use and risks of further nuclear proliferation.

Legislators (mayors and parliamentarians) and civil society activists will also be at the 2026 NPT Review Conference advocating for concrete measures to reduce nuclear risks and advance nuclear abolition.

Join Abolition 2000, Parliamentarians for Nuclear Nonproliferation and Disarmament (PNND), and some of our partners for this live update on Day 5 of the NPT Review Conference. The experts will give short reports from the United Nations in New York, and then will be available to answer your questions.

REGISTER HERE
FROM POWER POLITICS TO CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Virtual Event
đź—“ Saturday, May 2nd, 2026
⏰ 7:30am New York ET, 12.30pm UK, 9.30pm Canberra
đź“ŤZoom-Please register in advance

An Australian diplomat, Burton was experienced in Cold War diplomacy, civil strife, reforming organizations, resistance to change.  He had 'been there' and he found much to criticize. He knew that words and ideas were not enough: there needed to be instruments of change.

This webinar will outline the main principles of his pioneering work. Burton was key to the foundation of the International Peace Research Association (IPRA) in 1964, and of the Conflict Research Society in the UK. He thought that words and ideas were not enough: there needed to be instruments of change. Global Women for Peace United Against NATO present this informative and important webinar discussing aspects of the work of John W Burton

REGISTER HERE
Red Dress Day Event

In-Person Event
đź—“ May 5th, 2026
⏰ 10:00am-2:00pm PT
đź“ŤMoccasin Square Gardens,
345 Chief Alex Thomas Way, Kamloops, BC
On May 5th, a special event will be held to honour and raise awareness about the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and two-spirit People (MMIWG2S).
 
ABOUT RED DRESS DAY
The day was was borne out of the ongoing art project called The REDress Project by Jaime Black, a MĂ©tis multidisciplinary artist based in Winnipeg. The red dresses act as a visual reminder of the more than 1,000 Indigenous woman, girls, and Two-Spirit people who are missing or who have been murdered, and those whose lives have been forever changed by such violence. This event was originally held on May 5, 2010 and continues annually.
 
SUPPORT SERVICES
The day can be triggering for those affected by missing and murdered Indigenous woman, girls, and Two-Spirit people.
For immediate emotional assistance, call the MMWIG2S+ support line at 1-844-413-6649. It is an independent, national, toll-free support call line support line. This line is available free of charge, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
There is also an Indigenous-specific Hope for Wellness Helpline at 1-855-242-3310. They offer Indigenous crisis counselling including in some Indigenous languages
LEARN MORE HERE
Stop Using Drone Warfare to Perpetrate Genocides in Palestine and Sudan

Virtual Event
đź—“ May 9th, 2026
⏰ 3:00 PM EDT-4:15 PM EDT
đź“ŤZoom

Speakers include:

Sean Conner, International Peace Bureau (IPB)

Professor Abdelhamid Siyam, Rutgers University Dept. of Middle East Studies,

Palestinian UN Expert

Dr. Mawa Abdelbagi Osman Mohamed, research fellow at Goethe University Frankfurt, Pax Christi

International Consultant on Sudan

Mitchell Plitnick, ReThinking Foreign Policy, Middle East Expert

Chris Cole, Drone Wars, UK

REGISTER HERE
Walk for Peace

In-Person Event
đź—“ May 9th, 2026
⏰ 9:00am-4:00pm PT
đź“ŤTapovan Sri Chinmoy Peace Park, 7000 Porlier Pass Rd, Galiano Island, V0N 0E9

Inspired by the monks who journeyed on foot from Texas to Washington, DC on their Walk for Peace, Susan Quarterman van Asselt decided to create a local version here on Galiano Island — a mini peace walk from Tapovan Peace Park to the North End (approximately 14 km).

You’re warmly invited to walk with me on Galiano, or to take part from wherever you live. Choose a route that feels right for you and begin around the same time if possible — though of course I understand that time zones may make an exact match tricky.

The heart of this event is simple: a shared intention for peace, safety, and wellbeing for all beings. May our collective prayers and footsteps contribute, even in a small way, to a more peaceful world.

Everyone is welcome. Walk as far as you like, in whatever place feels meaningful to you.

LEARN MORE HERE

War Costs Us the Earth:
Global Days of Action on Military Spending

Events
đź—“ April 10th-May 9th, 2026

In a correlated manner, global military expenditures are reaching record levels year after year, with no regard for issues which actually threaten people all across the globe, such as accelerating climate breakdown, deepening inequality, or chronically underfunded essential public services.
Together, these trends reveal a stark misalignment of priorities: ever more money for weapons, and ever less for human security, climate action, foreign aid, healthcare, decent jobs, housing, education...

GDAMS 2026 include:
- April 10: Launch Event (online)
- April 15: Tax Day in the USA
- April 22: Earth Day
- April 27: SIPRI's release of new data on military spending (figures for 2025)
- May 9: Europe's Day of Peace

For general inquiries about GDAMS, contact us at coordination.gcoms@ipb.org.

REGISTER HERE
Moose Hide Campaign Day

In-Person Events
đź—“ May 14th, 2026
đź“ŤThompson Rivers University, Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada

The Moose Hide Campaign began as a BC-born Indigenous-led grassroots movement to engage men and boys in ending violence towards women and children. It has since grown into a nationwide movement of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians from local communities, First Nations, governments, schools, colleges/universities, police forces and many other organizations – all committed to taking action to end this violence.

 
Learn more about the Moose Hide Campaign here.
REGISTER HERE
Walk to End Violence-Moose Hide Campaign

đź—“ Thursday, May 14th, 2026
⏰ 2:00-5:00pm
đź“ŤWest River's Edge Pavillion, Fort Saskatchewan, AB (Accessible Venue)

Free Admission, Donation-Based | Rain or Shine

What to Expect

We are deeply honored to welcome Indigenous Elders and community members who will help us hold this day with the reverence, wisdom and spirit it deserves.

Together, we will

· Walk 1 km in solidarity - a collective stand against violence in our community

· Make our commitments to action - because solidarity without commitment is only a gesture

· Sit in circle - to listen deeply, to learn, and to be present

· Share a traditional meal of stew and bannock - for those who have been fasting in ceremony, this meal marks the sacred breaking of that fast

· Receive a Moose Hide pin - if you don't already have one, pins will be available so every person leaves carrying the commitment

A Note on Participation

You do not need to be Indigenous to participate. This movement is rooted in Indigenous ceremony, community and leadership, and it calls all of us, of every background, to show up.

GET TICKETS HERE
World Beyond War Book Club
Virtual May Book Club

ONE: One Earth, One Humanity, One Future

đź—“Start: Tuesday, May 5th, 2026 

⏰ 4:00 PM ET

Host Contact Info: david@worldbeyondwar.org

đź“Ť Zoom (details to be shared before the event)

In May 2026, World BEYOND War will be holding a weekly discussion each of four weeks of the book ONE: One Earth, One Humanity, One Future, with the authors Winslow Myers and Libby Traubman.

When you register for the club, we will mail you a signed paperback copy of the book.

We'll let you know which parts of the book will be discussed each week along with the Zoom details to access the discussions.

When:

For one hour on Tuesday May 5, 12, 19, and 26, beginning at UTC 20:00, which is Tuesday at 10 am in Honolulu, 1 pm in Los Angeles, 2 pm in Mexico City, 4 pm in New York, 9 pm in Yaoundé, 10 pm in Amsterdam, and Wednesday at 8 am in Auckland.

REGISTER HERE
ARTISTS WAGE PEACE

In-Person Event

đź—“ June 12th-13th, 2026

📍Trinity St. Paul’s Centre, 427 Bloor St. West, Toronto, ON

Registration Required

You are warmly invited to this groundbreaking and timely two day event.

ARTISTS WAGE PEACE brings creative souls together to spread love and end conflict. Featuring Jewish and Palestinian artists and peacebuilders.

"We have art so that we shall not die of reality." Friedrich Nietzche

FREE but registration is required. To register, and to see the lineup of extraordinary artists and speakers, go to www.robinpacific.ca/event 

Attend any or all events.

Meals are extra: Reserve by May 31st and prepay for lunch on Friday June 12th and celebratory dinner featuring Palestinian and Israeli chefs on Saturday, June 13th, 2026. 

GET TICKETS HERE
Upcoming Events
World Beyond War Book Club
Virtual June Book Club

đź—“Start: Wednesday, June 3, 2026 

⏰ 9:00 AM EDT

Host Contact Info: david@worldbeyondwar.org

đź“Ť Zoom (details to be shared before the event)

In June 2026, World BEYOND War will be holding a weekly discussion each of the book The True Price of War with author J. M. Badiyani.

When you register for the club, we will mail you a paperback copy of the book or get you a kindle version (your choice).

We'll let you know which parts of the book will be discussed each week along with the Zoom details to access the discussions.

When:

For one hour on Wednesday, June 3, 10, 17, and 24, beginning at UTC 13:00, which is 7 am in Mexico City, 9 am in New York, 2 pm in Yaoundé, 3 pm in Amsterdam, 4:30 pm in Tehran, 9 pm in Manila and Beijing, 10 pm in Tokyo, 11 pm in Sydney.

REGISTER HERE

#NOWAR2026 CONFERENCE: BEYOND BORDERS

A Global Online Conference Unpacking How the War System Drives Displacement & Militarizes Borders


Virtual Event

đź—“ Friday, October 23 - Sunday, October 25, 2026 

đź“Ť Zoom 

Join us on October 23-25 for #NoWar2026: Beyond Borders, World BEYOND War’s annual global conference hosted on Zoom. 

War and militarism drive people from their homes, causing mass displacement. And the very same weapons companies profiting from war and conflict cash in when governments militarize borders and block the movement of people fleeing violence. Throughout three days of panels, workshops, and breakout rooms, the #NoWar2026 Conference will examine the interconnections of the war system, migration, and the border industry, with case studies from around the world.

#NoWar2026 will create a space for global dialogue among activists, organizers, researchers, and educators to share lived experiences, learn from each other, and strategize for a world beyond the violence of both war and borders. 

GET TICKETS HERE
In Solidarity:
Global Conflicts and Peace Advocacy
InterPares-War Crimes in Sudan: Canada must act NOW

Send a Letter

Canada must break its silence about the U.A.E.’s support to the RSF militia.

The war in Sudan has shredded the fabric of life for millions of people: displacement, sexual violence, forced starvation, executions, kidnappings and the wholesale devastation of infrastructure.

Canada’s response has been slow and piecemeal—we can and must do more.

Send a letter to Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Anand now and demand Canada take immediate action in two ways:

  • Canada must prioritize human life in Sudan over the pursuit of blood money in the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) and exert pressure on the U.A.E. to stop aiding and abetting war crimes in Sudan.
  • Make Sudan a priority: appoint a Special Envoy to coordinate Canada’s engagement and action in this conflict.

Send your letter now!

SIGN THE LETTER HERE
Divesting from Israeli Occupation, Apartheid, and Genocide

Just Peace Advocates: New Report

We are grateful to be releasing a brand new report analyzing the investments of more than 100 Canadian financial institutions. This analysis reveals over $526 billion USD invested in complicit companies by pensions, banks, insurance companies, and other investment managers. It is clear that the Canadian financial sector and Canadian economy are deeply invested (figuratively and literally) in Israel’s illegal military occupation, apartheid regime, and genocidal settler colonial project. It is (past) time to divest from companies supporting Israel’s crimes.

Learn about your investments, whether personal, through your bank, or pension plan. You can view the PDF version or read a text only version by clicking the button below.

READ THE REPORT HERE

Our recent report, â€śDivesting from Israeli Occupation, Apartheid, and Genocide” provides the analysis of more than 100 Canadian financial institutions. This includes 11 pensions, 8 banks, 7 insurers, and 85 investment managers. Each of these financial actors play a significant role in Canada’s own settler colonial project, as well as the exploitation and colonization of lands and peoples globally. The report revealed over $526 billion USD invested in complicit companies.

To put the report into action, we have developed a resource guide. This document provides letter templates to send to your financial institutions, things to think about when considering alternatives, frequently asked questions, and additional resources. You can check out the PDF or text only version below.

READ THE RESOURCE GUIDE HERE
Withdraw Canadian troops from region assisting US/Israeli aggression on Iran

Send Letter
 
According to CBC, Canadian soldiers stationed on US bases in West Asia have assisted the US/Israeli war on Iran.
 
Please email defence minister McGuinty and opposition party critics to call for the withdraw of all Canadian soldiers assisting the aggression on Iran.
SEND A LETTER HERE
Walk with Grief: Silent Vigil for Gaza
Waterloo Region Friends of Palestine

In-Person Event
Every Saturday, 11am ET
300 King St E, Kitchener, ON 
Silence is the greatest weapon of destruction, so use your voice, speak out, have conversations and, in your listening you will hear your work to support Palestinian liberation.

See you on Saturday at 11am Kitchener Market!
 
Send directly to these Canadian charities; donations are tax-deductible:
 
UNRWA in Canada  https://donate.unrwa.org/int/en/general
IDRF  https://idrf.ca/appeal/palestine/
Islamic Relief Canada  https://www.islamicreliefcanada.org/emergencies/palestine-appeal

Exposing the U.S. Loophole: How Canadian F-35 Parts and Explosives Reach Israel

Email Your MP

For the first time, this report exposes a pipeline of military goods flowing from Canada to Israel via the U.S., facilitated by a deadly loophole in Canadian law. The hundreds of documented shipments of explosives and aircraft parts – from Canadian factories and through Canadian ports – contain vital components of both Israel’s F-35 fighter jets and the bombs they are dropping on Gaza.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE

Bill C-233, No More Loopholes Act – a bill designed to stop Canada’s ongoing arming of genocide and war crimes – was just voted down in the House of Commons.

See the vote breakdown here (if your MP isn't listed, they abstained from voting).

TELL YOUR MP HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT THEIR VOTE HERE

Palestinian Human Rights Issues in Canada

A Legal & Tactical Guide

This guide is meant to provide basic information on legal issues that Palestinian rights activists may face, and tips on how to navigate them. It provides some generally applicable information and some campus-specific information for student activists.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE
GAZA SQUARE

In-Person Event
Every Sunday, 11am to 1pm
371 Wallace Ave, Toronto, ON

We'll be at Gaza square once again this Sunday morning with hot chocolate and coffee, buttons and posters, lawn signs and colourful chalk! Come say hi and meet your fellow neighbours/organizers as we make our presence known and continue to build safety in our community!

LEARN MORE HERE
Calls to Action
Petition e-7317

Sign the Petition

Sign the petition to call upon the Government of Canada to:

1. Withdraw from NATO;
2. Remove Canadian troops from Latvia;
3. Reduce military spending; and
4. Conduct public consultations on a new foreign policy based on peace and international cooperation.
 
Closed for signature: May 20, 2026, at 4:18 p.m. (EDT)
SIGN THE PETITION HERE
Petition e-7087

Sign the Petition

Sign the petition to call upon the Government of Canada to:

1. Denounce before the UN General Assembly these illegal acts committed by the current government of Israel and the failure to comply with UN resolutions;
2. At the same time, call for a full ceasefire and the restoration of sufficient humanitarian aid to enable the peaceful reconstruction of Gaza; and
3. Announce, in the same address, its intention to implement a full economic embargo, including arms, until the government of Israel complies with these demands. Canada’s address would invite other countries to join the embargo, citing the initiative that brought an end to apartheid.
 
Closed for signature May 26, 2026, at 8:25 a.m. (EDT)
SIGN THE PETITION HERE
Petition e-7247

Sign the Petition

Sign the petition to call upon the Government of Canada to issue a directive under Section 19 (1) of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act to order the CNSC to revoke the licensing of the NSDF at Chalk River.

Closed for signature July 8, 2026, at 4:43 p.m. (EDT)
SIGN THE PETITION HERE
Tell Canada to Defy Trump. Sell oil, food, and medicine to Cuba!

Send a Letter

Canada’s closest ally, the US, is seeking to starve Cuba into submission. Please take a minute to call on the Canadian government to defy this flagrant violation of international law by selling oil, food and medicine to the Caribbean nation. 

SEND A LETTER HERE
No More Armoured Vehicles for ICE!
Canada must stop exporting military equipment fuelling human rights abuses

Sign Now

The world has been watching in horror as people in the U.S. are murdered, children kidnapped and communities torn apart.

And now, as these killings spark outrage across the globe, Canadians have discovered something disturbing: militarized armoured vehicles made by a Canadian company are being sold to ICE.

Under the Arms Trade Treaty, which Canada signed and is enshrined in law, export permits must not be approved if there is a substantial risk of human rights violations.

Tell Prime Minister Mark Carney and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand:

  • No more armoured vehicles or military equipment for ICE
  • Close the loopholes enabling untracked Canadian weapons, arms parts and explosives 
  • Vote YES to the No More Loopholes Bill C-233 this February
ADD YOUR VOICE HERE
Global Appeal to Nine Nuclear Governments

Sign the Petition

This is an appeal from the people of the world to nine nuclear governments to each commit to a nuclear policy of no first strike, not ever, not for any reason; and to sign and ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, and to collectively agree to immediately begin disarming on a schedule to completely eliminate all nuclear weapons from the earth no later than August 6, 2045.

SIGN THE PETITION HERE
Give Peace a Chance:
Ask Canada to support peacebuilding

Send a Letter

In Canadian government policy and practice, the default response to conflict is usually military intervention. However, MCC’s local partners point out that foreign military interventions often exacerbate conflict and division, rather than contribute to long-lasting peace. Even when the military is not involved, peacebuilding is often overlooked as a preventative tool to reduce conditions for violent conflicts.

Based on the work of our partners, MCC believes that non-violent local peacebuilding needs to be a key pillar of Canada’s foreign policy, coming alongside both development and humanitarian actions, and as an alternative to foreign military interventions.

TAKE ACTION: SEND A LETTER HERE
Manifesto: No to Global NATO – Yes to Common Security

Sign Up to Join the Call

NATO is an increasing obstacle to achieving world peace. It is no longer an organization confined to the North Atlantic: it is the world's largest military alliance, with allies and partners in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Since the end of the Cold War, NATO has reinvented itself as a tool for military action, psychological warfare, worldwide military and political interventions, and accessing resources and markets; it often claims to undertake these actions on behalf of the "international community". With its partnerships and joint operations, it is a vehicle for the US strategic goal of global dominance; reinforced by military bases on all continents, it bypasses the United Nations and the system of international law, accelerating militarization, escalating arms expenditures and fueling arms races.

We call on all peoples to join the fight against Global NATO, to build on our vision of peace, and to resist the dangerous militarization of our societies.

No to War – No to NATO network

Translation available to: Dutch, French
SIGN ON HERE
Shut Down the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (CANA)!

Send a Letter

NATO interventions have led to failed states, environmental and climate damage, violence against women, and humanity’s largest refugee crisis. NATO allies have wasted trillions on wars and carbon-intensive weapons, enriching the (mainly US) arms industry while exacerbating conflict around the world. To conduct imperialist wars, occupations, covert and overt military operations and crippling sanctions, NATO is the tool that imperialist countries use to manage their war-mongering division of labour.

Rather than re-forming a new CANA, as required following the recent federal election, the Canada-Wide Peace and Justice Network, calls for shutting down the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association altogether, and for Canada to withdraw from NATO.

TAKE ACTION: SEND A LETTER HERE
Declaration of Peace

Sign the Declaration

World BEYOND War's primary tool for building a broader movement for peace is our Declaration of Peace, and we'd like to invite you to join the many thousands of people and over 900 organizations from 202 countries that have signed it.

SIGN THE DECLARATION HERE
Cancel F35 contract. Canada shouldn’t spend billions on US fighter jets

Petition

Amidst Trump's economic siege and annexationist threats, it is unacceptable Canada is paying a US military giant $19 billion for 88 F-35s. Lockheed Martin’s fighter jet was chosen in part so the Canadian air force can better assist their US counterparts in offensive global operations. The US controls the F-35 source code and upgrades, giving Washington an effective “kill switch” on Canada’s fighter jets. Please take a minute to ask Prime Minister Mark Carney to halt plans to buy F-35s, along with copies to the Opposition leaders.

SIGN THE PETITION HERE
Days of Significance

Red Dress Day

May 5th, 2026

Red Dress Day 2025, held every May 5th, is a National Day of remembrance and activism honouring the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirited People (MMIWG2S+). It began with the REDress Project, created by MĂ©tis artist Jaime Black in 2010. On this day, red dresses will be draped in trees, hanging from windows, pinned to jackets, worn as earrings and red hands painted across faces, people will be partaking in rally’s and ceremonies to honour their loved ones, participating as ally’s and fighting for justice.

LEARN MORE HERE

Julia Ward Howe wrote the Mother’s Day Proclamation (1870):

Arise, then, women of this day!

Arise, all women who have hearts, Whether our baptism be of water or of tears!

Say firmly: "We will not have great questions decided by irrelevant agencies,

Our husbands will not come to us, reeking with carnage, for caresses and applause.

Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn

All that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy and patience.

We, the women of one country, will be too tender of those of another country

To allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs."

[Read the remainder of Howe's quote here]

Mothers' Peace Day

May 10th, 2026

Mother’s Day began not as a celebration, but as a call to action rooted in care, community, and resistance to war. In 1870, Julia Ward Howe called on women to unite across borders for peace. Alongside this, organizers like Ann Reeves Jarvis led grassroots efforts that supported public health, community care, and post-war reconciliation that led to Mothers' Day.

While these figures are often most visible in dominant narratives, the history of Mother’s Day for Peace was shaped by many women—particularly racialized and marginalized women whose labour sustained families and communities through war, poverty, and systemic inequities. Though systemically excluded from dominant historical narratives, their leadership and organizing were—and continue to be—pivotal in creating spaces of care, resistance, and collective healing, and shaping traditions of peace.

Canadian Voice of Women for Peace honours this fuller legacy. Mother’s Day for Peace calls us to remember that building peace is not only about ending war, but about transforming the conditions that make violence possible—through justice, equity, and collective care.

LEARN MORE HERE

International Day of Living Together in Peace

May 16th, 2026

Living together in peace is all about accepting differences and having the ability to listen to, recognize, respect and appreciate others, as well as living in a peaceful and united way.

The UN General-Assembly, in its resolution 72/130, declared 16 May the International Day of Living Together in Peace, as a means of regularly mobilizing the efforts of the international community to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding and solidarity. The Day aims to uphold the desire to live and act together, united in differences and diversity, in order to build a sustainable world of peace, solidarity and harmony.

The Day invites countries to further promote reconciliation to help to ensure peace and sustainable development, including by working with communities, faith leaders and other relevant actors, through reconciliatory measures and acts of service and by encouraging forgiveness and compassion among individuals.

LEARN MORE HERE
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
 
Don't Bank on the Bomb: 
New Report Released on Friday!

New Don't Bank on the Bomb report on the financial industry's efforts to profit from the companies connected to nuclear weapons will be out on Friday, April 24th.

LEARN MORE HERE
Denouncing General Dynamics Planned Explosives Factory Expansion in Quebec

Montreal for a World BEYOND War

On March 19 Cym Gomery, Coordinator of the Montreal World BEYOND War chapter, presented at the governmental public hearings for the environment (BAPE, Quebec’s environmental review board) regarding the expansion of a General Dynamics facility in Valleyfield Québec. For this expansion to proceed, BAPE requires the project to demonstrate that it has “social acceptability.” The Montréal for a World BEYOND War presentation was one of several presentations challenging GD that their expansion could not be “socially acceptable” for a wide-rangign set of reasons, notably including that the materials produced in this facility are directly linked to the genocide in Gaza.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE
Peace Magazine: April-June 2026

Project Save the World

Environmental Damage in War (page 22)

The peace ecology approach is a relatively new discipline in peace studies. The ecological perspective on peace refers both to environmental destruction during normal military operations in peacetime and to ecological destruction during wars. Peace ecology addresses peace between people and societies, as well as peace between humans and their ecological context, and in particular the connection between these two perspectives.

READ THE MAGAZINE HERE

VOW Member Tamara Lorincz published two articles on nuclear disarmament:

Read Tamara’s article “Rising nuclear dangers move Doomsday clock closer to midnight” published in Rabble.ca on February 9, 2026

Read Tamara’s article Canada should be a voice of moral clarity as the world inches closer to Doomsday published in Ricochet Media on February 20, 2026.
Canadian Foreign Policy Hour with Yves Engler

Join author Yves Engler on Mondays for a weekly news roundup and interactive discussion about Canada’s role abroad. This weekly session will delve into the latest developments on subjects ranging from military affairs and Canada’s role in Ukraine to its contribution to Palestinian dispossession and exploitation of African resources. Join Yves for a critical take on Canada’s foreign policy. Questions, comments and criticisms are all welcome.

Mondays 6PM EST

ATTEND HERE
Canadian Peace Museum

The Canadian Peace Museum is dedicated to inspiring a culture of peace, equity, and sustainability. Through art, education, and activism, the museum highlights stories and initiatives that promote environmental stewardship, social justice, and community harmony. By collaborating with organizations and supporting efforts to alleviate poverty, the museum serves as a space for reflection, learning, and action toward a more peaceful and equitable world.

Click below to visit the Canadian Peace Museum's website, and click here to read a recent publication about the museum!

LEARN MORE HERE
Peace Quest Weekly Newsletter

More than just a must-read Saturday morning newsletter; it's a catalyst for action. Participate in community discussions and take meaningful steps towards peace. PeaceQuest provides a platform for you to make a difference. Join us!

SUBSCRIBE TO PEACEQUEST HERE
Tributes to Peace Women

Please let us know if you know a VOW member who has passed away, as we wish to recognize their contributions to VOW and to building peace in our world. Please contact us at info@vowpeace.org

Legacy Donations

Your legacy gift helps ensure that VOW’s critical work continues for years to come. Whether it’s advancing our disarmament education program, advocating for peace, or working to end nuclear threats, your gift will directly support the next generation of peacebuilders!

LEARN MORE & PLAN YOUR LEGACY HERE
 Renew your membership and donate to VOW to keep up our good work!
Renew Your Membership & Donate!

Be sure to renew your membership and donate to support our important work building a culture of peace in Canada and so that we can continue to hire youth throughout the year. Make a donation today!
 

Our mailing address:
60 Lowther Ave., Toronto, Ontario, M5R 1C7
info@vowpeace.org

Remove yourself from all our bulk mailings

 Facebook  X / Twitter  Instagram  Youtube