About Us

Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ) is a national organization of members inspired by faith to act for justice in Canadian public policy.

How do we move Canada towards the kind of society we want? One where no child goes hungry ... where care for the Earth becomes a way of life ... where refugees are treated fairly ... where no one lives in poverty … where Aboriginal people can rise up from their marginalized status.

It’s a tall order. That’s why for more than 45 years over 1500 justice-oriented Canadian Christians, along with dozens of local churches, religious orders and others, have joined their voices as Citizens for Public Justice to have a real impact on the society we share.

CPJ defines public justice as the political dimension of loving one's neighbour, caring for creation and achieving the common good. Public justice is particularly the responsibility of government and citizens. It involves seeking out and implementing just policies that allow everyone to live in dignity and participate in society.

We invite you to help us to be a hope-filled presence in Canadian public affairs by joining your voice to ours.

Vision and Mission

We are a faithful response to God’s call for love, justice and stewardship.

We envision a world in which individuals, communities, societal institutions and governments all contribute to and benefit from the common good.

Our mission is to promote public justice in Canada by shaping key public policy debates through research and analysis, publishing and public dialogue. CPJ encourages citizens, leaders in society and governments to support policies and practices which reflect God’s call for love, justice and stewardship.

Our History

CPJ has a long history of speaking out for public justice across Canada. From the early beginnings in the 1960s, to regional offices in the 1980s, to our move to our nation’s capital in 2007, CPJ has been an active voice in Canadian public affairs.

Our history includes many people of different backgrounds coming together to speak with one voice. Explore our history below – and join us as we move forward in the next chapter of CPJ.

Our People

CPJ is made up of over 1500 members across Canada, who support and encourage CPJ’s staff. The Board of Directors is composed of 12 elected members representing all regions of Canada. We also have volunteers who generously give of their time and join our voices together throughout the country.

Join your voice to ours today – become a member, take time to volunteer, talk to one of our staff members, or take on a leadership role as a member of the board!

Our Values

We live in a country that provides us with immense opportunities. As citizens, we are called to participate in the public sphere and encourage our governments to adopt just policies. As Christians, we are called to live out our response to God’s call to love, justice and stewardship. This response is at the heart of public justice.

CPJ defines public justice as the political dimension of loving one’s neighbour, caring for creation and achieving the common good. Public justice is particularly the responsibility of government and citizens. It involves seeking out and implementing just policies that allow everyone to live in dignity and participate in society.

Governance & Finance

CPJ is funded through the donations of members, church communities, religious congregations, and other supporters. Our elected 12-member board of directors represents all regions of Canada. Board members can sit a maximum of two 3-year terms.

Each spring, CPJ holds an Annual General Meeting for members to come together to discuss CPJ’s work and vote in new board members. Join this dialogue – become a member and strengthen CPJ’s voice.

Careers

At this time we have no employment opportunities available. Strengthen our voice – join us by becoming a member or volunteering in a variety of ways, or, if you’re a recent university graduate, check out our internship possibilities.

Privacy policy

Thursday, October 2nd, 2008

Citizens for Public Justice is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your personal information. To comply with privacy legislation, we have developed this Privacy Policy. Any personally identifiable information about you will be treated in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Read more »

CPJ celebrates 45 years and heralds next chapter

Tuesday, August 19th, 2008

Giving thanks for 45 years of God’s faithfulness and looking ahead to CPJ’s new presence in Ottawa characterized CPJ’s 2008 Annual General Meeting. Read more »

AGM explores tar sands and public justice

Tuesday, August 19th, 2008

CPJ’s 2008 Annual General Meeting featured guest speaker John Hiemstra discussing the oil sands and public justice. This article briefly outlines his talk. Read more »

Life as a CPJ policy intern

By Trixie Ling | Monday, August 18th, 2008

Looking back at my year at CPJ, it is amazing to reflect on the many things I have done and learned and the friendships I have made during this time. My internship experience has helped me to better understand complex social and economic issues and to frame these issues through a public justice lens. As CPJ’s first policy intern, I worked with a great new group of young and enthusiastic staff who are passionate about integrating faith and public life. I will walk away from this wonderful unique policy experience with the tools I need to pursue further education and continue working for justice in the area of policy and advocacy. Read more »

Welcome, Joe!

Tuesday, August 5th, 2008

CPJ members, board and staff are delighted to welcome our new executive director, Joe Gunn, to the CPJ team. Joe comes to CPJ with much experience in advocating for justice in Canada and internationally. Join us in extending a warm welcome to him! Read more »

Taking up the mantle – CPJ gives thanks

By Visitor | Friday, June 20th, 2008

In this 45th anniversary year, we look back with thankfulness to the many different people who helped lay the foundations for CPJ and public justice in Canada. From the founding members to our new supporters, CPJ has been blessed with many dedicated, strong voices for justice. Read more »

CPJ Board announces new Executive Director

Tuesday, April 29th, 2008

The Board of Directors of Citizens for Public Justice is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Executive Director, Joe Gunn. “We are very excited about Joe’s vision for CPJ,” said Janet Wesselius, board chair. “His extensive knowledge of Canadian justice issues will complement the in-depth research CPJ has already done.” Read more »

Time to ensure housing for all

Thursday, February 21st, 2008

A growing number of Canadians today face concerns of housing affordability and feel the impact of inadequate housing and homelessness. CPJ believes governments are responsible for protecting the rights of their citizens and for promoting the well-being of communities by investing in affordable housing and providing necessary funding and infrastructures. There is a great need for strong political leadership to create a comprehensive housing strategy that ensures all Canadians, regardless of income, have access to affordable housing. Read more »

Towards a guaranteed livable income

Tuesday, February 19th, 2008

CPJ believes that an income security program, or guaranteed livable income (GLI), would ensure that everyone in Canada has access to the basic necessities of life, while respecting dignity and encouraging participation in society. Read more »

Public Justice for citizens, governments, and CPJ

Friday, December 21st, 2007

CPJ’s principled approach to public policy is captured in the concept of public justice. Rooted in Scripture, public justice unfolds in human history as God continues with redemptive work in creation. It provides norms for decision-making, not a recipe book for good government, a formula for a just society, or a list of isolated moral issues for Christians to address. Read more »