We are very encouraged by the passage of the following motion at the 2014 Liberal National Convention (held February 20-23):

BE IT RESOLVED that the Liberal Party of Canada urge the next Liberal government of Canada to establish a governmental institution for peace with a mandate that includes the creation of a permanent Canadian Civilian Service of professionally trained men and women working for (i) the prevention of violent conflict and war, and (ii) the non-violent resolution of conflict at every level of society, both within Canada and overseas, through such means as:

• detection of early warning signs
• structured mediation
• non-violent intervention
• protection of human rights
• humanitarian and development assistance
• citizen diplomacy