The Ottawa Treaty at 25! | Canadian Landmine Foundation

Ottawa Treaty luminaries Jill Sinclair and Lloyd Axworthy with filmmaker Richard Fitoussi

On December 5, 2022, the Canadian Landmine Foundation, held an extraordinary evening to honour the 25th Anniversary of the Ottawa Treaty banning Anti Personnel Mines.

In celebrating the past and committing to the future, the Foundation partnered with the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs (NPSIA), Carleton University, to view the premiere of Richard Fitoussi’s powerful documentary “The Treaty” and Evan Solomon’s moderation of an armchair chat with those who made it happen ( including the Hon. Lloyd Axworthy). We were able to see the political vision; courage; partnership and audacity behind Canada’s leadership of an unprecedented global diplomatic process that produced the Ottawa Treaty. A Treaty that is saving lives today.

Just like the Ottawa Process, the event was the product of partnership. In addition to NPSIA, we want to recognise Mines Action Canada, Humanity and Inclusion and Global Affairs Canada for their contribution to this event.

We were delighted to welcome Canada’s Foreign Minister, the Honourable Melanie Joly; Ukraine’s Ambassador to Canada, Her Excellency Yuliya Kovaliv and, virtually, long-time friend and partner of Canada and mine action, U.S. Senator (D-Vt.) Patrick Leahy whose 48 years of service in the U.S. Senate included singular leadership on landmines.

As we know, our work to eliminate landmines and assist survivors is not done. In its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, Russia has spewed thousands of landmines across Ukraine’s fields, cities, villages, schools and hospitals. These internationally banned munitions are already claiming innocent victims and will do so for decades to come.

That is why we dedicated our fundraising to mine action in Ukraine – and why we will continue to raise money to help the people of Ukraine clear their lands and support those in need.

Thank you to Minister Joly for her announcement of $15 million for Ukraine. In addition to the Prime Minister’s announcement of $15 million in October, the Canadian Government will donate $30 million for Ukrainian mine action.

Many have already contributed to this important effort. To those who would like to donate, please click here.

The Ottawa Treaty reminds us that civil society, government and people everywhere can make a difference when they work together…and this work is more urgent than ever.