Press releases

Now is the time to end poverty in Canada. That’s the key message of the Dignity for All Campaign, launched today in Calgary. Dignity for All: The Campaign for a Poverty-Free Canada aims to eliminate poverty and build a more socially secure and cohesive Canada by the year 2020. Read more »

Lauding Parliament’s unanimous support of a joint motion urging world leaders to make the fight against poverty a priority, Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ) reiterated its call for an action plan to reduce poverty in Canada. Read more »

While applauding the government’s serious approach to the economic crisis, Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ) is disappointed that the federal budget did not contain a poverty reduction strategy or any significant measures to help the most vulnerable in Canada. Read more »

Today is the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. While much has changed over the last 60 years, many challenges remain in the fight for human rights. Surprisingly, this is true not only in the Global South, but also in Canada.

“The abuse of human rights is a tragedy wherever and whenever it takes place,” said Joe Gunn, Executive Director of CPJ. “It is inexcusable, however, that in a country such as Canada with abundant resources and capacity, the basic human rights of 1 in 10 of its citizens are not being respected. Poverty is an affront to the universal values of dignity, freedom, justice and peace.” Read more »

Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ) expressed strong concern over the federal government’s proposal to remove the $1.75 per vote subsidy for political parties. In a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, CPJ board co-chairs Kathy Vandergrift and Jim Joosse outlined their hesitations about this proposal. Read more »

The United Nations says Canada’s record of social assistance negatively impacts women’s human rights. The UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women just issued its report on Canada’s compliance with the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

“The committee has sent a clear message to our governments,” said Joe Gunn, CPJ's Executive Director. “Our governments can’t hide behind jurisdictional disputes to avoid meeting their obligations to Canada’s women and girls. We need action.” Read more »

A report released by Campaign 2000 shows Canada’s child poverty rate is at almost the same level as when Parliament unanimously resolved to end child poverty by the year 2000. CPJ joined coalition spokespersons on Parliament Hill for the release of the report card. Read more »

Friday, October 17 is the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ), along with the National Anti-Poverty Organization (NAPO) and the Ottawa District Labour Council (ODLC), invites individuals to come out and Stand Up against poverty. Read more »

Join CPJ in celebrating the launch of its new website, an interactive and participatory platform for increasing dialogue on justice issues. Along with the fresh new look, exciting new website features include a blog, bookmarking tools and quick and easy search capacity. CPJ has also released its advocacy toolkit, a comprehensive and in-depth resource for Canadian citizens to use to become effective advocates. Read more »

On October 2, 2008, Citizens for Public Justice, along with the National Anti-Poverty Organization and the Council of Canadians with Disabilities issued a press release on behalf of the 33 organizations supporting the October 6th national debate on poverty. The coalition is demanding that the five main political parties give greater attention to poverty and social inequality in the homestretch of the federal election. Read more »