June 11 marks the second anniversary of the Canadian Government’s apology for the Indian Residential Schools. But an apology by itself is not enough. Forgiveness, reconciliation and the restoration of broken relationships requires a change in behaviour: repentance. In recent months, there have been more promises and actions to restore relations with Aboriginal peoples and the Government of Canada. But is it enough? Taking responsibility for the past can and should inspire significant and lasting change for the future –building a new legacy of change and hope. Read more »
Human trafficking is rooted in long-standing gender, race, and power inequalities. It is a multi-faceted social problem, fed by serious poverty and social exclusion – especially the lack of economic options for poor women and girls. It is influenced by situations of corruption and made more challenging by the complexity of international jurisdictional issues.
World sporting events are well known as occasions for increased trafficking. So what can we expect as Canada plays host to the 2010 Olympic Games? Read more »
By Kathy Vandergrift and Citizens for Public Justice | Tuesday, January 26th, 2010
The Prime Minister sent our MPs home to recalibrate the government agenda. The break was 20 workdays, he said.
If you could set the agenda for 2010 during this pause, what would your list of the 20 most important policy concerns include?
CPJ has come up with a list of 20 key policy questions, one for each day. We believe these issues should be debated by MPs, the voice of the people, to set directions for Canada. Read more »
In the fall of 2009, Canada’s Governor General hosted an opening ceremony for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) on Indian Residential Schools. Canadian churches, with or without a heritage of Residential schools, all people of faith, and all people in Canada are implicated the legacy of the Residential schools. As the Prime Minister’s apology (June 11, 2008) implies, the Residential Schools and the assimilation policies behind them, are a shameful part of the history of this nation. That apology is our apology. If the words of apology and new relationship are to mean something they demand action – and the TRC is a significant first step in that direction. Read more »
June 11 marks the one-year anniversary of the Government of Canada’s apology to First Nations for the attitudes and policies that led to the Indian Residential Schools.
At this significant moment, several questions arise. What difference has the apology made to the lives of Canada’s First Peoples? Have we changed the way that we, as Canadians and as Christians, engage with our Aboriginal brothers and sisters changed? Have we entered a time when Aboriginal peoples are seen and treated as valued members of Canadian society? Read more »
June 11 will mark the one-year anniversary of the Prime Minister’s Apology on behalf of the Government of Canada to Indian Residential School Survivors.
In Ottawa, the day will begin at 5:30 am with a sunrise ceremony on Victoria Island. A march to Parliament Hill from Victoria Island will start at 11:30 am. Concurrently on Parliament Hill, local Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children will invite everyone to participate in a Round Dance, a traditional display of friendship and goodwill. The children will also be given an opportunity to present to the National Leaders a satchel of their “Dreams and Hopes for a Better Canada.” Read more »
Aboriginals in Canada have long awaited the upcoming Truth and Reconciliation Commission on Indian residential schools in Canada. The TRC, heralded by leaders from Aboriginal groups and by church leaders, will be a rare collective space to talk, listen and heal. Ali Symons explores how people are getting more and more eager to begin this process, and describes the deep possibilities for healing and forgiveness to occur. Read more »
Since his appointment as the inaugural National Indigenous Anglican Bishop in January 2007, Bishop Mark MacDonald has served as pastor and spiritual leader for Indigenous peoples across Canada. CPJ’s Karen Diepeveen spoke with him in February 2008 about moving towards reconciliation and justice for Indigenous peoples. Read more »
Citizens for Public Justice supports the call by the Assembly of First Nations "for First Nations and Canadians to stand together in a spirit of unity to support a better life for all First Nations peoples" and to work to put an end to poverty among aboriginal people. The National Day of Action through educational events and peaceful protests is meant to provide an opportunity for such standing together. Read more »
June 11 marks the second anniversary of the Canadian Government’s apology for the Indian Residential Schools. But an apology by itself is not enough. Forgiveness, reconciliation and the restoration of broken relationships requires a change in behaviour: repentance. In recent months, there have been more promises and actions to restore relations with Aboriginal peoples and the Government of Canada. But is it enough? Taking responsibility for the past can and should inspire significant and lasting change for the future –building a new legacy of change and hope. 
Human trafficking is rooted in long-standing gender, race, and power inequalities. It is a multi-faceted social problem, fed by serious poverty and social exclusion – especially the lack of economic options for poor women and girls. It is influenced by situations of corruption and made more challenging by the complexity of international jurisdictional issues.
The Prime Minister sent our MPs home to recalibrate the government agenda. The break was 20 workdays, he said.
