Ola! December 2008

Welcome to the December 2008 Ola!

Amidst the busy festivities and the drama on Parliament Hill, we are called to remember the vulnerable among us. Let us not forget those who are homeless, as colder weather sets in; those who are barely able to pay rent, let alone buy gifts; those who are new to Canada, trying to make a new home.

As we approach Christmas, let us join our voices and continue to speak out for change.

Social gospel traditions

CPJ executive director Joe Gunn spoke on October 15 at the Galilee Centre’s event, “Exploring Social Gospel Traditions,” in Arnprior, Ont. He joined the Rev. David Illman-White, a minister of the United Church who served in Saskatchewan for part of his ministry, in exploring the rich faith tradition of the Social Gospel which spread from the Canadian prairies and resulted in movements and political action across Canada.

Not all Christian faiths embraced the Social Gospel, but there are particular elements of the prophetic tradition in each one. Participants engaged in a lively discussion related to the question of whether the Social Gospel tradition is still relevant to public life in Canada, and how persons of faith are inspiring current social change efforts throughout our country.

ISARC Forum

On Wednesday, November 5, CPJ policy analyst Karri Munn-Venn participated in "Poverty: Why Have It?," a forum convened by the Interfaith Social Assistance Reform Coalition (ISARC) at the Ontario Legislative Assembly in Toronto. Representatives from different faith traditions and anti-poverty activists from across the province came together to discuss progress made to date on poverty in Ontario, as well as the many challenges that lie ahead. The gathering was held in anticipation of the release of the Ontario Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS), which was delivered by Premier McGuinty on December 4.

In his presentation on the work of ISARC, the 25 in 5 Coalition and others in the push for a provincial PRS, Peter Clutterback of the Social Planning Network of Ontario emphasized the importance of income supports and earnings, the opportunity to invest in community infrastructure offered by the economic crisis, and the connections between poverty and health. The Wellesley Institute’s Michael Shapcott reiterated that the lack of affordable housing is a key element of housing insecurity. And Deb Matthews, Ontario’s Minister of Children and Youth Services, gave a brief update on the consultation process and work done in preparation for the PRS. The Reverend Kathy Sage from the Kingston Unitarian Fellowship also provided a reflection on the Unitarian theological grounding for social justice.

It was a good opportunity to meet with fellow advocates motivated by faith, including former CPJ Policy Analyst Greg deGroot-Maggetti (now working with the Mennonite Central Committee Ontario).

CPJ at Carleton

On November 25, CPJ policy analysts Karri Munn-Venn and Chandra Pasma visited the Social Issues class of the School of Journalism at Carleton University. Karri and Chandra shared CPJ’s work in promoting public justice and the role of NGOs in public policy. Then they joined in a discussion with the students about poverty in Canada, the current advocacy context and the place of faith in politics and public life. Karri and Chandra enjoyed the warm welcome they received from the class, as well as the thought-provoking discussion.

Human trafficking

CPJ recently attended two awareness and education events about human trafficking in Canada and around the world.

On November 28, Senator Mobina Jaffer hosted a roundtable on human trafficking attended by a number of Ottawa-area NGOs, including CPJ staff members Joe Gunn, Chandra Pasma and Mariel Angus. The guest speaker was Patsy Sorenson, a member of the European Commission Committee of Experts on Human Trafficking, who has extensive experience working with victims of human trafficking and who pioneered legislation to protect and support victims in Belgium.

On December 2, Persons Against the Crime of Trafficking in humans (PACT-Ottawa) hosted End Slavery 2008, an event to raise awareness about human trafficking in Canada and around the world. The evening was hosted by CBC Radio host Kathleen Petty, and began with a dramatic presentation that highlighted women throughout history who have struggled to realize their rights in the face of discrimination.

Eileen Kerwin Jones then gave a presentation on Human Trafficking: A Global Perspective, in which she described trafficking as “modern day slavery” and outlined the root causes, such as poverty, that fuel the trafficking industry. The second presenter, Erin Wolski, discussed the issue of domestic human trafficking of Aboriginal women and examined the systemic discrimination and poverty that often make them vulnerable to being trafficked in Canada.

Both events were very educational for the CPJ staff that attended and provided valuable perspectives on this very complex and troubling issue.

Keep political party financing public

CPJ expressed strong concern over the federal government’s proposal in their economic and fiscal update to eliminate “the $1.75-per-vote taxpayer subsidy for politicians and their parties, effective April 1, 2009.”

In a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, CPJ board co-chairs Kathy Vandergrift and Jim Joosse outlined their hesitations about this proposal. “We sincerely question the wisdom of such a policy, as it could weaken Canada’s democratic system and encourage voter apathy, which has already reached a worrisome 41% in the most recent election,” the letter said.

The letter went on to discuss the importance of enhancing, not discouraging, civic participation. “CPJ has long worked to increase citizen participation in public affairs...Activities that limit, constrain and even exclude Canadians from participation in the political process are not helpful.” Read more…

Wake up and mark your ballots, Canadians!

CPJ executive director Joe Gunn's monthly column entitled “Journey to Justice” appears in the Western Catholic Reporter and the Prairie Messenger. An excerpt from his November column is below.

What can you say to a person who has just admitted that he did not bother to vote?

I recently had coffee in Toronto with a socially aware employee of a religious organization who surprisingly confessed, in a rather embarrassed admission of guilt, that he had not bothered to vote in last month’s federal election.

My friend usually votes Liberal. He met his local candidate, with whom he expressed a certain affinity. The Liberal platform was not particularly to his dislike. So why didn’t he bother to vote? Read more…

Web features

The goings on at Parliament Hill have provided much fodder for commentators across the country. CPJ has been busy joining these discussions – read our analysis below.

A visionary stimulus package

It seems there is only one sure thing in Ottawa: whichever government survives in 2009 will spend into deficit to help Canadians weather the economic downturn. So how can government best invest in order to help Canadians now, while creating the basis for a greener, more secure and just future? Read more…

The economic statement that wasn’t

On November 27, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty rose in the House to deliver the government’s Economic and Fiscal Statement…but then didn’t. Rather than granting reprieve to Canadians struggling with the uncertainty of a gloomy economic scene, the Conservatives announced the government’s intention to end subsidies to political parties, end pay equity bargaining, legislate future salary levels and suspending public servants’ right to strike. While many of the more contentious issues have since been withdrawn, Canadians are still left looking for a stimulus package that will serve not only to boost the economy, but also respond to the needs of those living in poverty. Read more…

“Protecting Canada’s Future” needs more than security

Entitled “Protecting Canada’s Future,” the Speech from the Throne named security as the government’s fundamental duty. But what about responsibilities like justice and seeking the common good? CPJ believes that public justice is the primary duty of government. From a public justice perspective, this speech offered some small progress but also considerable issues of concern. We applaud the government’s conciliatory tone, willingness to run a deficit if necessary, and recognition that the environment and the economy are linked. However, the absence of any mention of poverty and the government’s approach to energy and security are cause for serious concern. Protecting Canada’s future requires much more than a commitment to security. Read more…

Faith and Diversity in the public realm

How can the rights of religious groups to live out their beliefs be respected while also ensuring protection for individual rights? What is the place of faith in public life? How do we accommodate diversity while still maintaining common values? Some of these questions were addressed on October 28, when CPJ hosted a lecture by Dr. Jonathan Chaplin at the Institute for Christian Studies (ICS) in Toronto. Read more and watch the video of Jonathan’s talk…

Report card on child and family poverty

On November 21, CPJ joined Campaign 2000 coalition partners on Parliament Hill to release Campaign 2000’s 2008 Report Card on Child and Family Poverty.

The report reveals that child poverty levels in Canada have remained virtually unchanged since 1989, when the House of Commons committed to ending child poverty by the year 2000.

“These stubborn poverty rates reveal that even with 15 years of economic growth, we’ve been unable to solve this crisis,” said Joe Gunn, CPJ’s executive director. “As we face this economic downturn, the government would be well-advised to ensure these levels don’t increase – the need for a federal poverty reduction strategy is clear.”

Laurel Rothman, National Co-ordinator of Campaign 2000, elaborated on the importance of taking action in these economic times. “We're going to have a whole group of middle-class people who may not have access to EI. They're not going to have much choice after a few months of going through savings. So I think we have lots of reasons for the federal government to take this seriously, put together a plan, and set some targets and timetables."

MPs Justin Trudeau (Lib.), Nicole Demers (BQ) and Olivia Chow (NDP) were also present to comment on Canada’s record.

Read CPJ’s press release and the full report.

2009 federal budget consultations

The federal government recently launched a National Consultation on Budget Actions to Protect Canada’s Economy. In the coming weeks, Canadians are invited to share their views and priorities on an economic stimulus plan for the 2009 federal budget through a short online consultation form. We encourage you to contribute, being mindful of the kinds of investments that are needed to promote the common good during the difficult economic times ahead.

CPJ has laid out several priorities for the 2009 budget. The first priority should be a federal poverty reduction strategy. Reducing poverty saves social, health and legal costs to society, enables people to participate in the economy to a greater extent, and would reduce the growing economic hardship that many Canadians face. Read more about CPJ’s priorities for Budget 2009 and have your say.

Human Rights Day – December 10

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In 1948, countries from around the world joined in recognizing the deep and inalienable rights of every human being.

While much has changed in the past 60 years, many challenges remain in the fight for human rights. “The abuse of human rights is a tragedy wherever and whenever it takes place,” said Joe Gunn, CPJ’s executive director. “It is inexcusable, however, that in a country such as Canada with abundant resources and capacity, the basic human rights of one in 10 of its citizens are not being respected. Poverty is an affront to the universal values of dignity, freedom, justice and peace.”

The Declaration remains as important as ever today. People across the globe, and even here in Canada, are denied their right to live with dignity due to war, poverty, famine... We must continue to uphold human rights and strive for the vision of a world free from injustice and fear, where everyone’s rights are respected.

Read CPJ’s press release marking this day: Poverty is an affront to human rights.

International migrants’ day – December 18

On Dec. 18, 1990, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the International Convention on the protection of the rights of all migrant workers and members of their families. Today, countries around the world and organizations like Amnesty International mark this occasion by promoting the rights of migrant people around the globe. In Canada, more than 120,000 foreign temporary workers arrive here to work every year. Read about the difficulties many temporary migrant workers face in CPJ's article Come, work, leave. Be sure to visit the December 18 website to find out about events occurring in your neighbourhood and the world over.

Call for nominations – board of directors

Passionate about public justice? Eager to support the work of CPJ? Interested in serving on CPJ’s board of directors?

This is a perfect opportunity for you to further participate in CPJ’s important and exciting work. As a board member, you will oversee the development of policy, approve program areas, support fundraising activities and be the public face of CPJ in your community, among other things.

CPJ is welcoming board nominations for the regions of Alberta South and North and Eastern Ontario. CPJ members with accounting or financial experience are particularly encouraged to apply.

Join this group of dedicated Canadians – nominate yourself or a fellow CPJ member today!

Nominations must be sent to Karen Diepeveen at karen [at] cpj.ca or 501 – 309 Cooper St., Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 0G5 by January 9, 2009. For more information, please contact Karen at karen [at] cpj.ca or 1-800-667-8046 ext.226.

CPJ internship

Are you passionate about public justice? Star-struck by stewardship? Concerned for creation? If you answered yes to these questions and are eager to join CPJ in Ottawa, our public justice policy internship may be for you. CPJ will soon be posting our 2009-2010 policy internship application on our website www.cpj.ca. Check back later this month for the full application!

Thanks for your help!

A big thank you to our volunteers across the country who organized and made calls for our annual phone-a-thon. These volunteers called CPJ supporters to talk with them about CPJ’s work and ask them to remember CPJ in their year end giving. To our volunteers: your time, effort and commitment are greatly appreciated – thank you.

Be sure to keep an eye out for our year end appeal, which should have arrived in your mailbox. The appeal focuses on how we are Inspired by hope to act for justice. Please consider donating to CPJ before the year’s end. We thank you for your prayers and support, and for building our community across the country.

Goodbye Danielle

One great thing about being in Ottawa is that since our move here, CPJ has had two interns from the Laurentian Leadership Centre. The not-so-great thing is that they are only with us for a short four-month semester!

This fall, we were privileged to have Danielle Tracey intern with us. Danielle’s proficient critical thinking and writing skills were an immense help – joining us in the middle of an election campaign, Danielle jumped right in and helped out with our election coverage. She also researched the growing income gap, writing several web features.

We wish you all the best, Danielle, as you return to Trinity Western University and finish your undergraduate degree!

Vision

God of time and eternity,
Fulfill your promise of peace.
May the people who walked in darkness
See a glorious light.
Having known sorrow in the past,
May they taste joy in coming days.
Send your Son, the Prince of Peace.
May he return to bring justice and peace
For all the nations of the world.

John Johansen-Berg, England. From “Timeless prayers for peace,” compiled by Geoffrey Duncan. Cleveland: The Pilgrim Press, 2003, pp 291.

From the snow-covered streets of Ottawa, Karen Diepeveen. On behalf of all at CPJ, a blessed Christmas season to you and your loved ones!