The G8/G20 Summit in June 2010, when the world’s most powerful leaders will gather in Huntsville, Ontario, will be a critical moment in our time. As host of the G8/G20 Summit in June of 2010, Canada has an amazing opportunity to provide bold leadership to solve global challenges of extreme poverty and climate change.

We are also two thirds of the way to the 2015 target date for achieving the Millennium Development Goals. That’s only six more years. After many years of real progress we are now moving backwards because of the global economic crisis, the food crisis and impacts of climate change. And next year is the year by when many of the past G8 promises come due.

The Canadian government is deciding now on the agenda of the 2010 G8 and what kind of new initiatives it could propose.  If you have not already sent the message to Prime Minister Harper to Make Us Proud at the G8/G20, send a message now.  Let him know that Canadians want their government to take initiatives at the G8/G20 in June 2010 to tackle extreme poverty and the impact of climate change on poor countries. Tell Prime Minister Harper to make us proud to be Canadians again.

Over the upcoming months, we will be unpacking the major issues facing the 2010 G8 Summit and asking you to help us raise awareness about these issues in your community:

-Food security -Climate change and poverty -Maternal and child health -HIV and AIDS -Poverty Reduction -Development and International financial reform -Education -Water -Labour issues

As details become finalized, we will be posting information up on the G8 campaign section of our website. Please keep checking www.makepovertyhistory.ca/g8 to find out about activities in the lead up to the 2010 G8 in June and how you can get involved.

Watch out for upcoming actions on maternal and child health and climate change!