CPJ’s policy staff met with MPs across the political spectrum about poverty reduction strategies in January 2008, and it was clear from each MP we talked to that without genuine policy commitments, poverty levels in Canada won’t be impacted. In this article, CPJ policy analyst Chandra Pasma goes into detail about these meetings, describing various policy initiatives and strategies that could reduce poverty across Canada. Read more »
Today, the cycle of housing insecurity, homelessness and poverty continues to deepen as four million Canadians find themselves in need of affordable housing while many more will experience homelessness over the course of the year. Yet there are signs of hope as all political parties are tackling housing issues and provinces and territories are meeting with the federal government about housing needs of Canadians. Hope remains as we continue to encourage the federal government to invest in affordable housing. Read more »
In March 2008, the Metropolis research project hosted a policy-research seminar on temporary migration entitled “Should I stay or should I go?” The conference featured government officials, business professionals and professors, among others, who shared their expertise on temporary foreign workers. Everyone agreed something needs to be done within government policy to better implement the Temporary Foreign Workers Program (TFWP) in the area of agricultural and low-skilled workers. CPJ intern Jennifer Heggland detailed the seminar in this article… Read more »
Since his appointment as the inaugural National Indigenous Anglican Bishop in January 2007, Bishop Mark MacDonald has served as pastor and spiritual leader for Indigenous peoples across Canada. CPJ’s Karen Diepeveen spoke with him in February 2008 about moving towards reconciliation and justice for Indigenous peoples. Read more »
The following piece is an excerpt from “Towards a New Vision of Common Security,” an address given by Bob Goudzwaard at the Institute for Christian Studies’ Worldview Conference in October 2007. It builds on themes found in the recently-released book Hope in Troubled Times, co-authored by Bob Goudzwaard, Mark Vander Vennen and David Van Heemst.
This speech explored “the issue of accelerated climate change, especially in its cultural roots, and then [made] a link to the heart of the Gospel.” Read more »
In November 2007, Alberta Federation of Labour reported on its first six months of assisting temporary foreign workers during their time in Canada. The report, entitled Alberta’s Disposable Workforce, detailed the less than humane conditions of foreign workers who are, in fact, meant to have the same work-related rights as their Canadian counterparts. Read more »
Budget 2008, introduced last week, was billed as “Responsible Leadership.” Yet the values and priorities evident in the budget do not include measures to reduce poverty, address homelessness or protect the environment. Public justice calls governments to take responsibility on these issues – and Budget 2008 drastically failed to answer this call. Read more »
Today, the cycle of housing insecurity, homelessness and poverty continues to deepen as four million Canadians find themselves in need of affordable housing while many more will experience homelessness over the course of the year. Yet there are signs of hope as all political parties are tackling housing issues and provinces and territories are meeting with the federal government about housing needs of Canadians. Hope remains as we continue to encourage the federal government to invest in affordable housing. 
In November 2007, Alberta Federation of Labour reported on its first six months of assisting temporary foreign workers during their time in Canada. The report, entitled Alberta’s Disposable Workforce, detailed the less than humane conditions of foreign workers who are, in fact, meant to have the same work-related rights as their Canadian counterparts. 
Budget 2008, introduced last week, was billed as “Responsible Leadership.” Yet the values and priorities evident in the budget do not include measures to reduce poverty, address homelessness or protect the environment. Public justice calls governments to take responsibility on these issues – and Budget 2008 drastically failed to answer this call. 
