Ola! November 2008

Welcome to the November 2008 Ola!

With the leaves mostly fallen and a distinct chill in the air, it’s clear – winter is on its way! As we begin to anticipate Advent and all that this season brings, let us continue to join our voices and speak out for justice.

Welcome to this November edition of CPJ’s monthly e-newsletter. Read on about the important work occurring across the country, and discover ways of taking action in your community.

CPJ in Saskatchewan and Alberta

The morning after the federal election, CPJ’s executive director, Joe Gunn, headed west. In Humboldt, about an hour east of Saskatoon, 60 people gathered to hear Joe’s presentation entitled, “The Ecological Crisis: What Would Jesus Save?” Then, traveling on, Joe spoke to 30 Catholic priests at the annual meeting of the diocese of Prince Albert. With PowerPoint slides and group discussions, the group engaged in an animated reflection about how faith communities must care for creation in all they do.

On Monday, Oct. 20, CPJ board members Jim Joosse and Mark Huyser-Wierenga, along with other volunteers, organized an evening to discuss environmental concerns with a special emphasis on Alberta’s oil sands. Held at The King’s University College in Edmonton, Joe set the stage with a presentation outlining how and why communities of faith are attempting to meet this ecological challenge. The main address of the evening followed, with Professor John Hiemstra explaining how a public justice lens can assist in understanding the complex issues involved in Alberta’s oil sands. (See a video of this presentation given at CPJ’s June AGM.) The over 100 persons in attendance, including many students, deepened the discussion with lively questions and commentary.

Joe’s trip to meet opinion-makers and CPJ supporters in both Saskatchewan and Alberta seems to have borne fruit after meetings with editors of weekly newspapers. CPJ has been asked to prepare monthly columns for two prairie publications. As a result, our public justice messages related to issues of environment, poverty reduction and social justice will now regularly reach the readers of both the Prairie Messenger in Saskatchewan and the Western Catholic Reporter in Alberta.

CPJ in Southern Ontario

On October 17-18, policy analyst Chandra Pasma was in Ancaster and Oakville. On the Friday morning, Chandra attended a Stand Up against poverty event organized by students at Redeemer University College. Following the event, Chandra spoke with students on “Staying Engaged after the Election: Holding Government Accountable.” She shared stories of successful advocacy and dialogued with the students about the importance of public engagement and poverty reduction.

On Friday afternoon, Chandra visited the Grade 6 classes of John Knox Christian School in Oakville. They were learning about NGOs, so Chandra shared with them the work of CPJ and talked of her experience working for an NGO. The students had lots of good questions for Chandra about CPJ’s work.

Saturday, Chandra was at the Day of Encouragement hosted by Diaconal Ministries Canada, where she led a workshop on Envisioning Canada without Poverty. This workshop explored poverty from the perspective of human dignity, symptoms and causes of poverty, and poverty reduction strategies. It ended with a conversation about how to bring this information to our churches to educate and inspire them to get involved in the fight against poverty. Read more about and see pictures of Chandra’s trip.

Charity, justice and affordable housing

On October 18, hundreds of people gathered in Vancouver to learn and explore faith responses to the complex issues of housing and homelessness at The Church & Affordable Housing Conference. The conference was put on by Shalom Seekers, a Christian community development group seeking to improve quality of life and community in Metro Vancouver, especially among those most vulnerable.

The conference featured thought-provoking plenary sessions, interactive workshops and a marketplace of ideas for people to connect with organizations and ministries working in areas of affordable housing and homelessness.

Trixie Ling, former CPJ policy intern, presented a workshop challenging people to examine their responses to the homelessness crisis and lack of affordable housing in light of charity and justice. Donna Stewart, CPJ member and former board member, helped with the workshop as the group discussed ways of meeting the needs of those affected by housing insecurity.

The crowd was very engaged in dialogue about the root causes of homelessness, including poverty, income insecurity and lack of education. The group analyzed the roles of different circles of society, such as individual, community, government, business and non-profit, and each sector’s responsibilities in helping meet social needs.

In working for a more just society, the church should be an advocate for affordable housing to ensure everyone can live in dignity and have a place to call home.

CPJ hosts lecture on faith in diversity

On Tuesday October 28th, CPJ hosted a highly successful event that featured a lecture by Dr. Jonathan Chaplin at the Institute for Christian Studies (ICS) in Toronto. Jonathan, who is both a former CPJ board member and a former professor at ICS, spoke on “Faith in Diversity: Integrity and Solidarity in a Plural Society.”

During his lecture, Jonathan raised questions about the role of faith in the public sphere and offered insights into how religious diversity can be included and respected in the political arena. Six CPJ staff – Joe Gunn, Chandra Pasma, Suzanne Boileau, Karen Diepeveen, Michael Krakowiak and Mariel Angus – drove down from Ottawa on Tuesday to facilitate the event and meet CPJ supporters in Toronto.

The evening was attended by about 70 people, who gathered for a wine and cheese reception before the speaker began and mingled again at a dessert social held afterward. A question and answer period held after the lecture generated a very thought-provoking discussion on issues of faith, politics and diversity in Canada.

We at CPJ were all very pleased with the turnout for the evening, and the thoughtful discussions that took place demonstrated how many people feel public justice issues such as pluralism are very relevant today.

You can watch video clips of Jonathan’s presentation – look for the full video up on our website www.cpj.ca soon.

Web features

CPJ has been exploring many different issues lately, from measuring poverty to the causes of the growing income gap. With the Speech from the Throne set to be made today, you can also read about what we’re calling for the speech to include. Check out the web features below and read more features on our website.

Education and the growing income gap

Canada's growing income gap is an issue all Canadians should feel concerned about, no matter where they are on the wealth spectrum. The income gap impacts health and social costs and threaten notions of justice and equality. Education is an important contributing factor to the growing gap: not everyone has access to the education that will help them succeed in our knowledge economy. A majority of Canadians believe that the government must work towards reducing the gap. Decreasing tuition and increasing the number and amount of student loans is one way the government can help all Canadians access higher education. Read more…

Measuring poverty in Canada

Measuring poverty in Canada is a significant challenge because of Canada's diversity. How then can we hope to create an adequate poverty indicator to accurately measure poverty and ensure the success of a poverty reduction strategy? We need a number of poverty indicators that will reflect the diverse experiences of poverty in Canada, including measures of low income, health, education housing and employment. When all those indicators are moving in the right direction, we will be achieving change on poverty. Read more…

Throne speech an opportunity for public justice

The Speech from the Throne outlines the federal government's vision for our country, highlighting their plans, and setting direction and tone for Parliament. With key public justice questions confronting Canadians, this government’s decisions are important for our common future. CPJ would like to see the throne speech set the tone for a more conciliatory, respectful Parliament. We also want to see commitment to a poverty reduction strategy, including reform of Employment Insurance. We believe the time has come for urgent action on climate change. We hope the government will offer a vision that inspires all Canadians to work for the common good. Read more...

Look for CPJ’s response to the Speech from the Throne later this week on our website www.cpj.ca.

National Child Day – November 20

On this day each November, Canadians mark the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Events are held across the country, reminding us of Canada’s commitment to ensure all children are treated with respect and with dignity.

In Winnipeg, Healthy Child Manitoba is hosting a National Child Day Forum. The City of Edmonton encourages schools, businesses and agencies to participate in celebrating children and promote awareness of National Child Day. In Niagara, kids of all ages are participating in poetry and poster contests, to be read and displayed before Regional Council. Be sure to check out events in your area!

Report cards on child and family poverty

Campaign 2000 is set to release its report cards on child and family poverty. This year, they will be releasing report cards in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, as well as their Canada-wide report card.

These report cards outline staggering statistics around child and family poverty in Canada, and call governments to act on poverty reduction. Released near November 24 each year, the report cards mark the anniversary of the 1989 federal all-party resolution to end child poverty in Canada by the year 2000. After almost 20 years since that promise was made, Canada still has a long way to go.

Be sure to look for the release of the report cards – and call your elected representatives to take action on poverty.

KAIROS: Christian faith and the tar sands

The tar sands are quickly becoming a central issue across Canada. As part of their ecological justice work, KAIROS Canada has released a reflection paper on the tar sands. Available in English and French on the KAIROS website, this thoughtful paper will stimulate discussions in a small group ­in your church, a special study group or with friends.

KAIROS welcomes your feedback on this complex issue. Send your written comments to their Ecological Justice Program Coordinator, Dorothy McDougall, at dmcdougall [at] kairoscanada.org.

CPJ needs volunteers like you!

CPJ is planning its annual phone-a-thon, to be held across the country to benefit CPJ programs. We are bringing together board, staff and volunteers to make this a successful grass-roots fundraising event. Interested in helping? We’re looking for volunteers to help us get the word out!

CPJ’s fundraising phone-a-thon aims to contact as many CPJ supporters as possible over the phone; to listen to what supporters have to say about CPJ; to inform supporters of what has been going on at CPJ recently; and to raise as much money as possible for CPJ.

If you are committed to public justice, interested in learning more about CPJ and enjoy interacting with other faithful supporters, then this is the opportunity for you! You will go through a simple and brief training, and then work with the friendly and fun volunteers and members of the CPJ staff and board. The phone-a-thon will run Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings during the weeks of November 24 and December 1.

To sign up, please contact Darryl Exelby at Darryl@cpj.ca or call 1-800-667-8046 ext 226.

CPJ year end appeal

If you’re a CPJ member, be sure to check your mailbox for our year end appeal! (If you’re not a CPJ member, sign up now.) Your support – your prayers, encouraging words and financial gifts – sustain the vision of public justice in Canada. Together, we can build our community and encourage governments to support policies that reflect God’s call for love, justice and stewardship.

Donate today!

CPJ board meeting

At the beginning of November, CPJ’s board of directors gathered in Ottawa. Over a very full two days, they discussed CPJ’s work, finances, and presence here in the capital city. Staff and board had an intriguing discussion around the Canadian and American elections, as well as the current economic crisis – while many identified challenges emerging from these events, everyone agreed that this is a time of hope and inspiration, and CPJ is well-positioned to build on this momentum.

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@cpj.ca or 501 – 309 Cooper St., Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 0G5 by January 9, 2009. For more information, please contact Karen at karen@cpj.ca or 1-800-667-8046 ext.226.

Welcome, Darryl

CPJ is pleased to introduce Darryl Exelby, our new membership development officer. Currently living in Abbotsford, BC with his family, Darryl joins CPJ with much experience in community engagement. He is excited to be joining CPJ and looks forward to meeting the CPJ community. We’re glad he has joined us – when you happen to meet him, be sure to extend a warm welcome!

Envisioning peace

The cries of war
drown out the pleas for forgiveness.
God, give us your wisdom.

The dreams of new life
lie dying in a mother’s arms.
God, give us your hope.

The money needed to educate and feed
is used to buy weapons to kill.
God, give us your peace.

If we follow your call,
will you lead us to your peace?
If we embrace that peace,
will you provide for our needs?
If we trust your provision,
will you free us to see your face
in everyone we meet?

For when the guns are quiet,
we can hear one another.
When we are not busy with war,
we can feed a hungry child.
And when we envision your peace,
we cannot live any other way.

Louise Margaret Granahan. From “Timeless Prayers for Peace: voices together from around the world.” Compiled by Geoffrey Duncan. Cleveland, Ohio: The Pilgrim Press, 2003, pp 102.

From the hustle and bustle of the CPJ office, Karen Diepeveen. Adios until December!