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Economy of Care

CPJ's Economy of Care approach grows out of a new economic paradigm. Responding to God's call to love our neighbour, it is an economics that puts the real needs of people at its centre, rather than the pursuit of economic growth. It is an economics that considers the carrying capacity of our environment to sustain future generations. We advocate for policies that integrate economic, social and environmental decision-making for the wellbeing of all.

Poverty

The persistence of poverty in Canada challenges our core belief in Canada as a caring nation. Millions of people are homeless or barely able to afford rent. Social assistance and Employment Insurance (EI) are inadequate to prevent people from living in poverty. Even those working full-time for minimum wage live in poverty.

While Canada has managed to cut seniors’ poverty rates in half, too many others continue to struggle to meet their basic needs. What will it take for Canada to eliminate poverty and address its deep root causes in this country?

Federal Budgets

Each year, the federal government releases its budget for implementing policies, programs and practices for the following year. Examining these documents closely reveals the underlying values determining the budget’s priorities. CPJ takes an in-depth look at each budget, articulating and at times challenging these values and priorities, setting out justice-oriented priorities and alternatives.

Living Justice: A Gospel Response to Poverty

Living Justice book coverLiving Justice: A Gospel Response to Poverty is a book for Christian faith communities trying to live out the justice mandate to love the stranger, the widow, and the orphan, and to seek just relations within society. It is a resource for people interested in learning more about the situation of poverty in Canada, exploring the Christian call to respond, and searching for ways to engage and create change. It includes reflections, discussion questions, activities, and prayers that will provide insight into the situation of poverty in Canada, the challenges and opportunities we face as a society, and actions that we, as Christians, can take. Read more »

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 »

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 »

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 »

"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 »

The Effects of Poverty in Canada's North

Inuit mother and daughterThis is the second part in a series exploring climate change, poverty, how the two are related, and their impacts on Canadian Inuit. The first part explored the major impacts of climate change in Canada’s North, both on the environment and on the Inuit living there. This installment examines how poverty affects the Inuit. Read more »

The FTT: Part of the Solution

Erasing taxThe Financial Transactions Tax (FTT) has been attracting a lot of attention lately. While the Canadian government has stated its opposition to increased taxation and decided to pursue austerity measures instead, what are the implications for the economy and common good? Read more »

Climate Change in Canada’s North

Floating ice and icebergThis is the first feature in a series exploring the link between climate change and poverty. Canada’s North is an obvious example of the effects of climate change on not only the environment and natural resources, but also on the quality of life of those who live in the region. Stay tuned for Part II exploring the effects of poverty on Inuit in Canada. Read more »

Social Inequality: A Reason to Occupy

Dollar mouthBy now, the average Canadian household has at least heard of Occupy Wall Street. This global movement has some excited, some irritated and many baffled. While the protests represent diverse concerns, the movement takes a courageous stand against a common problem: growing social inequality. Read more »

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