By Kathy Vandergrift | Monday, November 16th, 2009
On November 20, 2009 people around the world will mark the 20th Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. It is a time to celebrate progress made in respect for children as persons with dignity, worth, and value in society. The Convention is the most ratified of all human rights agreements – but implementation is very weak. Read more »
At the beginning of April 2008, Statistics Canada released data from the 2006 census. One important finding was particularly highlighted: Canada’s visible minority population is now at 16.2% of the population. While this number speaks to our pride as a diverse country, our history of welcoming newcomers has been marred by times we have not been loving neighbours. Read more »
The Bouchard-Taylor Commission, set up to examine accommodation and integration in Québec, released their report on May 22. Outlining ideas centered on the concept of interculturalism, the report’s recommendations have been met with mixed reviews. Ultimately, it seems to create more questions than it answers. Read more »
On May 6, the Maytree Foundation held their 2008 Annual Leadership Conference, with the theme of belonging and its impact on individual and community wellbeing. Citizens for Public Justice joined with leaders from various sectors to discuss issues of identity, citizenship, multiculturalism and reflect on ways to enable marginalized groups to fully participate in society. The keynote speakers and workshop panelists challenged us to think deeply about the complex issues of diversity and what it means to “belong” in Canadian society. Read more »
Recently, the Conservative government introduced amendments to the immigration act, claiming they will solve the application backlog. However, these amendments raise troubling questions about an accountability backlog. Giving the minister of immigration centralized power in selecting immigrants without allowing political debate strips transparency and fairness from the system for Canadians and potential immigrants. Justice demands that fairness and compassion be reflected in welcoming immigrants to fully participate in society. Read more »
The Bouchard-Taylor Commission, set up to examine accommodation and integration in Québec, released their report on May 22. Outlining ideas centered on the concept of interculturalism, the report’s recommendations have been met with mixed reviews. Ultimately, it seems to create more questions than it answers. 
On May 6, the Maytree Foundation held their 2008 Annual Leadership Conference, with the theme of belonging and its impact on individual and community wellbeing. Citizens for Public Justice joined with leaders from various sectors to discuss issues of identity, citizenship, multiculturalism and reflect on ways to enable marginalized groups to fully participate in society. The keynote speakers and workshop panelists challenged us to think deeply about the complex issues of diversity and what it means to “belong” in Canadian society. 
Recently, the Conservative government introduced amendments to the immigration act, claiming they will solve the application backlog. However, these amendments raise troubling questions about an accountability backlog. Giving the minister of immigration centralized power in selecting immigrants without allowing political debate strips transparency and fairness from the system for Canadians and potential immigrants. Justice demands that fairness and compassion be reflected in welcoming immigrants to fully participate in society. 
