Discussion for MPs and the Public on Corporate Accountability in the Extractive Sector

Media Advisory

Discussion for Members of Parliament and the Public
on
Corporate Accountability in Canada's Extractive Industries
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A panel discussion will take place on June 1st 2009, on corporate accountability and Canada's extractive industries in developing countries. Media are invited to attend.

The event will be co-hosted by:
-       the Canadian Network on Corporate Accountability;
-       Johanne Deschamps, MP Laurentides-Labelle;
-       Paul Dewar, MP Ottawa Centre;
-       Bob Rae, MP Toronto Centre.
The participation of a Conservative MP is still uncertain.

Who is expected to attend:  MPs, federal government officials, civil society and industry representatives, media

When:  June 1st, 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM (10:30 to clear security for an 11:00 o'clock start)

Where: 131 Queen Street, room 752

The panel will be moderated by Alex Neve, Secretary General of Amnesty International Canada.  Speakers will include the Members of Parliaments, Michael Casey, Executive Director, Development and Peace, for the Canadian Network on Corporate Accountability, and Gordon Peeling, President and CEO of the Mining Association of Canada.  The floor will be open for questions and discussion following the panel.

Simultaneous interpretation will be available.
A light lunch will be served following the discussion.

Purpose of the panel: The panel will take stock of policy and legislative initiatives related to the international corporate accountability of Canada's extractive industries.  It will take place against the backdrop of the Government of Canada's March 26th announcement of a new policy entitled Building the Canadian Advantage: A Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Strategy for the Canadian International Extractive Sector, and Private Member's Bill C-300, entitled Corporate Accountability for the Activities of Mining, Oil and Gas Corporations in Developing Countries.  Bill C-300 passed second reading in the House of Commons on April 22nd and is now being considered by SCFAID.  This will be an opportunity to engage MPs, industry and civil society actors on recent advances and remaining challenges.


Note: Participants who do not have House of Commons passes must pre-register to clear Security at 131 Queen Street.

RSVP by noon on Thursday, May 28, to Jean Christie:  jfc@magma.ca