What we do

In keeping with its mission to promote public justice in Canada, CPJ shapes key public policy debates through research and analysis, publishing and public dialogue. CPJ also encourages citizens, leaders in society and governments to support policies and practices which reflect God’s call for love, justice and stewardship.We often work with other organizations and coalitions on specific concerns.

Research and analysis

CPJ analyzes key issues of Canadian public life, frames a way of looking at those issues, and then, through research, develops for consideration alternative policy options based on our mission, core values and public justice framing. We present these alternatives to citizens and decision makers in a wide variety of fora.

Activities include:

• researching and writing background papers which explore key policy issues, put them in context, and suggest possible alternatives;
• maintaining dialogue with academics, students, policy experts and service providers;
• organizing policy conferences, consultations, and workshops;
• learning from the experience and expertise of coalition partners.

Publishing and Public Dialogue

CPJ also engages with and encourages citizens, leaders in society and government policy makers through publishing and public dialogue.

Activities include:

• publishing the Catalyst, a quarterly newsletter on issues of public justice in Canada;
• publishing Election Bulletins during federal elections (and on a limited basis those provincial elections where local members take the leadership);
• publishing major research papers, policy briefs, background papers, summaries, opinion pieces, book reviews;
• publishing articles in other publications;
• publishing Ola!, a monthly electronic newsletter;
• maintaining and constantly developing an informative, resource focused website – www.cpj.ca;
• holding regular public meetings, workshops, conferences, seminars, consultations, and round tables;
• communicating the results of our research and analysis with government policy-makers, including civil servants, MPs and parliamentary committees, primarily at the federal level;
• when appropriate, engaging in non-partisan political activity to seek a change in public policy;
• engaging the media (both mainstream and religious) with submissions and interviews;
• promoting opportunities, and creating opportunities, for citizens to engage the political process.

Over the years core documents have been developed outlining our vision:

• Public Justice for citizens, governments, and CPJ
• Guidelines for socio-economic development
• Guidelines for Christian political service and Charter of social rights and responsibilities