Development and Peace
Global Solidarity in Action: Development and Peace – Caritas Canada
Development and Peace – Caritas Canada is the Catholic Church’s official international development organization in Canada. Established as a democratic solidarity movement, it serves as Canada’s member of Caritas Internationalis, a global confederation of Catholic relief and development agencies working to build a world rooted in justice, dignity, and peace.
Our Beginnings
Our journey began in 1967, when the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) founded the organization. Inspired by Catholic Social Teaching and Pope Paul VI’s landmark encyclical Populorum Progressio (“On the Development of Peoples”), Canadian bishops sought a way for Catholics to address the systemic structural causes of global inequality.
What started with an initial response to emergencies—such as the late-1960s Biafra appeal and the launch of the annual Share Lent campaign—quickly grew into a permanent movement. For nearly six decades, the organization has walked alongside marginalized communities through major world crises, including anti-apartheid efforts in South Africa, Rwandan reconstruction, and historic climate justice campaigns.
Mission, Vision, and Values
Guided by the Gospel, the primary mission is to address the root causes of poverty, oppression, and inequality. This is achieved by supporting grassroots community development and humanitarian aid overseas, while simultaneously fostering awareness and advocacy within Canada.
Core Values
- Dignity: Believing in integral human development so every person can reach their full potential.
- Solidarity: Recognizing our interconnectedness and actively walking with the marginalized.
- Preferential Option for the Poor: Prioritizing the most vulnerable as the primary agents of change.
- Participation: Encouraging active community involvement in shaping their own futures.
- Integrity: Committing to accountability and transparent stewardship of resources.
Our Work Internationally Today
Rather than imposing external solutions, Development and Peace operates through a partnership model, working directly with local organizations in the Global South who best understand their communities’ needs. Over its history, the organization has supported more than 15,200 initiatives across 70 countries.
International programs focus on several key pillars:
- Ecological Justice & Agriculture: Helping small-scale farmers implement sustainable agricultural practices to secure food sovereignty amid climate change.
- Human Rights & Peacebuilding: Supporting local efforts to consolidate peace, protect democracy, and resolve deep-seated community conflicts.
- Women at the Heart of Change: Empowering women and social movements to lead local economies, community leadership, and regional advocacy.
- Emergency Humanitarian Aid: Providing rapid, life-saving relief during natural disasters or conflict zones, while establishing long-term recovery plans.
How Parishioners Can Support Global Aid
Every parishioner is invited to live out their baptismal call to charity and justice through active participation in this movement. There are several meaningful ways to get involved:
- Give Generously: Financial contributions directly fund transformational community programs. You can participate in the annual Share Lent campaign during the liturgical season of Lent or set up regular donations through the Development and Peace Donation Page.
- Become a Member: Join a democratic movement of over 13,000 Canadians. Membership allows you to vote on organizational priorities, participate in local diocesan councils, and shape the direction of Catholic solidarity in Canada.
- Engage in Education and Youth Action: Bring awareness to your family and parish. Schools and youth groups can participate in THINKfast, an educational 25-hour interactive fast that raises both funds and awareness about global hunger and injustice.
- Advocate for Change: Participate in regular advocacy campaigns that petition the Canadian government for fairer corporate practices, environmental protections, and robust global foreign aid.
- Pray: Keep our global sisters and brothers, as well as our international grassroots partners, in your daily prayers and parish intercessions.