Karri's blog

A dedicated group of MPs gave us reason to celebrate last week.

On Wednesday, November 17, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills Development, Social Development, and the Status of People with Disabilities (HUMA) released Federal Poverty Reduction Plan: Working Towards Reducing Poverty in Canada. The report is the culmination of a major three-year study on the federal role in reducing poverty in Canada. Read more »

I enjoy New Year’s celebrations as much as the next guy, but for me the “real” new year, begins in September. That I was fortunate enough to have taken an extended break this summer, made this even more so this year. And as is often the case with new beginnings, there have been some changes around here. Read more »

“We all live in God's world, we are part of Canadian society, and of our local community. Jesus calls us to be agents of transformation, to seek justice for all.” That was the message that I shared with the congregation of St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in a sermon delivered on January 24. Read more »

On February 1, 2010, the Secretary General of Amnesty International Canada, Alex Neve, was the first keynote speaker at The Dish on Dignity. The starting point for his compelling presentation was the first statement of the Dignity for All campaign pledge. He said, "I believe that freedom from poverty is a human right. That it is. And it is not just about believing that freedom from poverty is a human right. Nothing to believe about it friends. Freedom from poverty is a human right.” Read more »

Earlier this afternoon, the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology’s Subcommittee on Cities released, In From the Margins: A Call to Action on Poverty, Housing and Homelessness. In a press conference on the report, Senator Art Eggleton, Committee Chair stated that Canada’s system of lifting people out of poverty is substantially broken and needs to be fixed. Read more »

Last night, I had the opportunity to sit down with the Hon. Ed Broadbent to discuss what has and hasn’t changed over the last two decades since he introduced the resolution to end child poverty by the year 2000. We also talked about what needs to be done, and the prospects for change in light of a new unanimous motion “… that the Government of Canada … develop an immediate plan to eliminate poverty in Canada for all,” passed last week in the House of Commons. Read more »

People with disabilities are twice as likely to experience exclusion, poverty and isolation as other Canadians, and a strong vision is needed to create an inclusive and accessible Canada. The End Exclusion 2009 roundtable held in Ottawa explored the need to connect the disability community with the poverty elimination community in Canada. Read more »

CPJ is pleased to welcome Kathryn Cummings, Adam Snook, and Rebekah Sears as interns this year! Read more »

Poverty Justice Camp, an Anglican Church event with participants from across Canada, was a week of intense experiences and reflections on poverty, charity, and justice. As a participant in the “urban poverty and homelessness” immersion group, I visited a number of service agencies and met a number of people they served. I was witness to the tremendous compassion and caring of front-line workers. The solidarity they demonstrated as they journey together with people facing marginalization and exclusion was truly inspirational. Read more »

It’s summer. For a lot of people, summer is about relaxation; it is about new adventures and it is about fun.

Earlier this week, my five-year-old described his first day at day camp as “one of the best days in my world.” On day two, he played so hard he was asleep by 6:30. This morning, he wasn’t quite sure what the day would bring, but he had no doubt it would be fun.

I am excited that this summer, I too will have the opportunity for a new camp experience. Read more »