Re: Stretched to our limits, May 24.

I read with interest your recent editorial, a reaction to the Mosaic Institute poll that found 66 per cent of participants wanting Canada to play a leading role in putting an end to the killings in Darfur. I must disagree with the editorial's view that the complexity of the situation and Canada's current capacity to intervene limit our ability to play such a leading role.

As vice-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for the Prevention of Genocide, I wanted to inform your readers of our recent consultation session with civil society regarding the current crisis in Darfur.

The recommendation that echoed throughout the consultation was that Canada should support targeted divestment of companies that contribute to Sudan's government revenue. This targeted approach to divestment is tailored to maximize the impact on the Sudanese government while minimizing harm to innocent Sudanese citizens. Through a similar divestment campaign, Canada was able to play a leading role in the campaign to end apartheid in South Africa. In 2000, a divestment campaign against Talisman Energy Canada forced the Sudanese government to negotiate with rebels in the country's south, resulting in the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement. Sudan's dependence on foreign direct investment makes divestment the most effective means to pressure the government to comply with UN resolutions.

Other recommendations made during the consultation included increased monetary assistance to peace support and humanitarian operations on the ground; an arms embargo to cover all of Sudan (the 2005 UN embargo covers only the Darfur region); a no-fly zone over Darfur to prevent indiscriminate bombing of civilians; and a Canadian envoy to Darfur to signal Canada's commitment to a resolution of the conflict.

Clearly there is a role for Canada to do more in Darfur and Canadians want their government to lead. This includes the provision of peacekeepers that are given the responsibility to protect -- a Canadian-authored doctrine that has been lauded but not acted upon. Darfur must be the place where this doctrine is realized. To let this window pass will be an opportunity lost for the people of Darfur and for Canada's role in the world community.

Paul Dewar,

MP, Ottawa Centre