Where conflicts have become entrenched, the first step is often getting to know each other again as human beings. Culture, art, sports and religion help build trust among people, which is the foundation for peace and reconciliantion - Rev. Glen Davis, Prebyterian Church in Canada
My personal expectation is that we can open up the DPRK through exchanges of all kinds. In that way we can contribute to a lasting peace on the Korean peninsula, which will be a significant contribution to world peace. - Bryan Byong-Kuon Kim, Association Treasurer
It is the purpose of our Organization to promote understanding between our two peoples through exchanges and cooperation in various fields. I have no doubt that our two organizations will make a considerable contribution to the development of friendly relations between our two contries. - Kim Jong Nam, Secretary General, Korea-Canada Friendship Society
I am confident that the association will ocntribute not only to the creation of mutual understanding, between Canada and the DPRK, but also reconciliation and human security on the Korean peninsula. - Denis Comeau, Canadian Ambassador to the Republic of Korea
The primary and effective means of enhancing mutual understanding is forging people-to-people contacts. Therefor I am pleased that this will be one of the main purposes of the new organization. - Joseph Caron, Canadian Ambassador to the DPR Korea
The cultural and educational exachange that will result from the work of the Canada-DPR Korea Association will help to build bridges of understanding between our countries. I believe that the Canada-DPRK Association has a valuable role to play in furthering international relations, and I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals. - Vivienne Poy, Senate of Canada
The primary programming emphasis for the next three years will be in education. A number of feasible proposals for programming have arisen out of these suggestions:
A multi-disciplinary delegation of "ordinary Canadians" to the DPRK is planned for some time in the near future. If you are interested in visiting the DPR Korea, please contact the Association.
A programme sub-committee is exploring potential candidates for linkages between Universities in Canada and the DPRK. The Sabre Foundation, founded in 1969, distributes new books and other educational materials to support education, private sector growth, research and higher learning in developing countries and countries in transition. The Association has succeeded in eliciting interest from the Sabre Foundation to add the DPRK to their list of eligible recipients.
A programme sub-committee was formed to explore the feasibility of building upon the success of the "Women in Solidarity for Peace and Reunification of Korea" conference held in Toronto in 2001. Cross-Canada roundtable discussions of approximately 20 people, including a small representation from both North and South Korea are being considered. The purpose is to find ways to strengthen linkages between Korean women in the North Korea, South Korea and Canada, to undertake education towards peace and reconciliation.
