Civilian Peace Service Canada

A.

CPSC as an Entity

(Note: CPSC may be funded by a Department of Peace - DoP; however, establishing a civilian peace service for Canada is a critical development, regardless whether a DoP is established as a Government of Canada department)

CPSC is recognized and accepted as a significant component of a uniquely Canadian conflict transformation and peacemaking policy.

CPSC works cooperatively with DFAIT, CIDA, IDRC, CANADEM, CIMIC, INAC and government organizations to respond to Canadian and foreign policy requirements regarding conflict prevention and resolution.

CPSC works with, yet remains independent of, the Canadian government. CPSC is recognized internationally as a model of public, NGO and private sector cooperation.

The Government of Canada is celebrated for its leadership in supporting development of the CPSC. (Note:
Such a relationship has functioned in Germany since 1999 between the German equivalent of a Civilian Peace Service, i.e., Ziviler
Friedendienst and the German government). Another example might be that of an Agency relationship in the Canadian environment.

B.

CPSC Training Curriculum and Program

CPSC, working closely and cooperatively with existing Canadian Training institutions and NGOs, has developed an assessment and training program to address the values and competency requirements of a peace professional. It is considered among the most comprehensive and integrated in the world. The program incorporates the need to address requirements for implementation of Resolution 1325 and for gender balance. CPSC training addresses requirements for successful intervention both in Canada and internationally.

Values to be addressed are: empathy, humility, personal maturity, sound judgment, sincerity, strong desire for social justice and peace for all, and a willingness to learn; Key Competencies are: communication, conciliation, conflict analysis, facilitation, mediation, negotiation, operational planning, peace building, personal security, strategic thinking and teamwork. See the Values and Competencies paper produced for CPSC by Ross McNaughton for details

CPSC, in conjunction with its public, non-governmental (NGO) and private sector partners, deliver a comprehensive training program to at least 200 individuals per year. This training program leads to the first Canadian certification / accreditation as "Peace Professional".

CPSC has certified national and international courses as qualified components of the integrated CPSC program. These courses are offered by a variety of CPSC partners, e.g., NGOs, universities, private companies, institutes, etc.

1,500 people have graduated from the CPSC program and have earned the designation "Peace Professional".

Most graduates are actively employed, in a wide variety of settings, and using their CPSC training to influence non-violent resolution of conflict in Canada and around the world... ultimately leading to increased chances of achieving sustainable peace.

All Canadians, whatever their formal field of expertise, before being deployed for work in conflict settings, are required to take an appropriate degree of training to prepare them for the unique environment in which they will find themselves
ⁱ.

The nature and degree of training will vary depending upon the specific role being played by the candidate, the nature of the assignment and the environment into which the individual is being sent. It will vary from a brief introductory session (e.g., if the assignment is in a familiar setting in Canada) to full fledged peace professional training.

National and international organizations (and individuals) continue to apply for training as a CPSC accredited Peace Professional

CPSC trainers and lecturers are sought after as guest lecturers and curriculum consultants / advisors

Information and staff are continuously exchanged with similar and complementary organizations world wide

C.

Deployment

Approximately 1,000 Canadian peace professionals are employed through national and international organizations, e.g., CANADEM, AFN, Unions, Department of Environment, World Bank, WTO, UN organizations, NGOs. The remainder are available for deployment as members of a "standing peace force" through the UN or the Canadian government.

CPSC peace professionals, where required, work with military personnel, yet independent of them. This relationship is recognized as a unique component of the success of the CPSC program.

The role of civilians in conflict prevention and peace-building is recognized in national and international law.

CPSC is recognized as part of the Canadian contribution to the UN Rapid Response capacity requirement.

CPSC constitutes the unarmed component of the response.

D.

Organization / Administration

The CPSC is a non-governmental organization (NGO) funded by the federal government (or a civil society organization functioning in partnership with government - this is to be determined). Functions addressed by the CPSC central administration are:

• Assessment, training and accreditation of future civilian peace professionals (through partner agencies)
• Deployment facilitation (through other agencies and at times directly)
• Research, threat assessment / early warning
• Evaluation, follow-up, continuous improvement
• Communication, engagement (of Canadian public)

Note: If a DoP exists as a department of the government of Canada, CPSC will be funded by it and will report to Parliament via the Commissioner on Peace.

CPSC conferences have become one vehicle through which the organization has become known and respected and through which it remains current and continues to renew itself. National and international experts attend CPSC conferences to share results of their cutting edge research.

E.

Communications / Outreach

Canadians of all ages, origins and social standing are aware and supportive of Canada's role in conflict prevention and peacebuilding / peacemaking and how it contributes to economic prosperity and social cohesion.

This applies within Canada and internationally.