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Feature

Looking beyond the numbers

Senior ladiesThe federal government's announcement last week of possible reforms to the retirement income system highlights the fact that financial decisions are never just that. We must consider the social implications behind the numbers and how they reflect our values as a nation. The 2012 federal budget will soon be tabled, and Canadians have the opportunity to make their voice heard. Read more »

What's next?

Parliament and question markOn February 14, CPJ and the Dignity for All campaign for a poverty-free Canada are hosting "What’s Next: How do we Address Poverty in Canada?” in Ottawa. The event will feature a panel discussion and Q & A session with MPs, social policy & advocacy groups, and members of the public, including those living in poverty, with an aim to promote non-partisan dialogue and to identify concrete and achievable goals for reducing poverty in Canada. Read more »

Gerald Vandezande: How did his life's work inspire us?

Gerald Vandezande“Mr. Speaker,
I rise today to place into our national record my commendation of a very extraordinary Canadian; a man who was not only a champion of justice, a voice for the voiceless, and a man deep and compelling faith, but a mentor and cherished friend. His name was Gerald Vandezande.”
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Faithfully living God's call: a look back at 2011

Parliament HillFor nearly 50 years now, CPJ has been bearing witness to God's call for love, justice and stewardship in the Canadian public sphere. Together, we have diligently worked for public justice and the common good. In this feature, we look back and celebrate what we accomplished in 2011. Read more »

Part III – Climate Change and Poverty

Walking on thin iceClimate change and poverty go hand-in-hand for Canada’s Inuit, demonstrated in global warming’s impact on already challenging issues like housing and food security. Addressing these impacts requires strategies that take into account both climate change and poverty under the direction of the Inuit. Read more »

The Nativity, “Rogue Refugees” and Canada

Canadian passportNow that the presents are unwrapped and the tryptophan is wearing off, it is fitting to reflect on the events that unfolded after the Nativity. As if giving birth in a barn wasn’t rough enough, Mary and Joseph soon faced a death threat against their son at the bidding of a sociopathic king. Upon divine counsel, they sought asylum in Egypt. God became a refugee. Read more »

Status quo Budget advice

Dollar cutsFederal budgets are meant to be about more than just finances; they’re to reflect our nation’s deeply-held values and priorities. Unfortunately, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance’s just-released pre-budget report, Staying Focused on Canadian Jobs and Growth, seems to narrowly promote the status quo. Is this what Canadians really need? Read more »

The Deal in Durban

Youth for Eco-Justice at a demonstration in Durban - photo courtesy of World Council of ChurchesDuring the COP17 talks on climate change in Durban, South Africa, Canada would only say that it was not prepared to commit to a second commitment period within the Kyoto Protocol. Our negotiators said that they had no reason to believe that Canada was preparing to withdraw entirely from Kyoto. Then, as soon as the delegation arrived home, Canada announced its withdrawal from the Kyoto Protocol. So were there any signs of hope in the UN process in Durban, and is there any chance for environmental objectives to be meaningfully advanced as a result? Read more »

A Discourse of Disrespect Lessens Us All

 WikipediaMany leaders of faith communities see climate change as a moral issue. Global warming affects major questions such as humanity’s relationship with nature and each other, solidarity with the poor, and the possibilities for future generations. So when media outlets suggest that faith leaders who challenge certain policies should “shut their trap,” rather than debating the content of the moral message, the public discourse is diminished. Read more »

"Get work" doesn't work for children in poverty

Sad girl with schoolmatesEleven years past the federal government's deadline of eradicating child poverty by the year 2000,  1 in 10 children continue to live in poverty. Why hasn't more progress been made? Read more »