Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ) expressed strong concern over the federal government’s proposal to remove the $1.75 per vote subsidy for political parties. In a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, CPJ board co-chairs Kathy Vandergrift and Jim Joosse outlined their hesitations about this proposal. Read more »
After our $300 million exercise in democracy and citizenship this fall, it’s important to assess the impact of the federal election. What did Election 2008 achieve? Where are we now? And how are we called to respond? Read more »
Election Day is Tuesday, October 14, 2008. It is important that, as Canadian citizens, we all exercise our right to vote. It is also important that we remember that active citizenship is about more than voting. Once the election is over, we need to engage the government, cultivate relationships with our local MP, and raise issues with opposition members and civil servants. We must continue to be active citizens. Read more »
Over the last five weeks of the 2008 election campaign, many pressing issues have been discussed and debated at the national level. However, it is important to remember that Canada is a large country with a diverse economy, population and culture, and regional variations can play a large role in which issues are considered most important by different individuals and communities. To provide us with some persective on regional issues, we asked three current and former board members – from Alberta, Southern Ontario and the Maritimes, respectively – to provide us with their views on the election through a public justice lens. Read more »
Welcome to this special election edition of Ola! While Ola! is usually sent out once per month, during this election campaign, we at CPJ will be sending out weekly editions. These special Ola!s will go in-depth on pressing election topics, giving you comprehensive background information, provoking questions to ask your candidates, and much more.
Throughout this election campaign, many issues have competed for our attention in the media and in local ridings across Canada. But it can be difficult to gain a wider perspective as to how these individual issues are connected and form a larger picture of the kind of society in which we live. By asking ourselves, our friends, and our neighbours what kind of vision we have for our country, we can be challenged to vote according to our values and in support of a better Canada. Read more »
The deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan has been recently affirmed by both UN officials and Canada’s new Chief of Defence Staff. And solutions to this deterioration will not be found by simply using military might to stop conflict. Rather, any reconciliation efforts will have to reach beyond warring parties to promote regional cooperation, inter-communal dialogue at the national level, local (people-to-people) reconciliation initiatives, and sustained education programs in support of a culture of peace. Read more »
Welcome to this special election edition of Ola! While Ola! is usually sent out once per month, during this election campaign, we at CPJ will be sending out weekly editions. These special Ola!s will go in-depth on pressing election topics, giving you comprehensive background information, provoking questions to ask your candidates, and much more. Read more »
Recent events have made the economy a significant issue. How our leaders will handle the economy is an important issue for all Canadians, but especially low income Canadians who could suffer most from an economic downturn. As Canadian citizens, we should be actively engaged in ensuring that the economy and its impact on all Canadians is addressed by our government representatives. It is crucial to know that the leaders we elect have a plan to protect the impoverished and those who are most vulnerable. Read more »
With more than 3.3 million people living in poverty in Canada, we see the face of poverty every day. Organizations throughout the country working in the fight against poverty agree that it is a critical issue that needs to be addressed with a federal poverty reduction strategy. It is good news that four of the five major political parties have addressing poverty among their priorities in the current election campaign. We encourage you to engage your local candidates, ask them to share their vision for Canada, and remind them that poverty is an issue. Read more »
Welcome to this special election edition of Ola! While Ola! is usually sent out once per month, during this election campaign, we at CPJ will be sending out weekly editions. These special Ola!s will go in-depth on pressing election topics, giving you comprehensive background information, provoking questions to ask your candidates, and much more.
Welcome to this special election edition of Ola! While Ola! is usually sent out once per month, during this election campaign, we at CPJ will be sending out weekly editions. These special Ola!s will go in-depth on pressing election topics, giving you comprehensive background information, provoking questions to ask your candidates, and much more. 
With more than 3.3 million people living in poverty in Canada, we see the face of poverty every day. Organizations throughout the country working in the fight against poverty agree that it is a critical issue that needs to be addressed with a federal poverty reduction strategy. It is good news that four of the five major political parties have addressing poverty among their priorities in the current election campaign. We encourage you to engage your local candidates, ask them to share their vision for Canada, and remind them that poverty is an issue. 
