CPJ Board requests reconsideration of cuts to KAIROS

The Chair of the Board of CPJ wrote to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, to request that the federal government reconsider its decision to discontinue funding for KAIROS – Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives. Funding from the Canadian International Development Agency to KAIROS’ international programs was used to support 21 grassroots groups working for social justice and human rights, as well as to facilitate development education in Canada. On November 30th, KAIROS learned that its proposal for $7 million over three years was turned down, even though CIDA had previously funded these programs of the Canadian churches for over 30 years. The explanation given was that the proposal did not meet CIDA’s criteria. The CPJ letter raised the Board’s concern that the cut could be part of a trend to discontinue funding to groups which raise questions about government policies.

Read the letter.