Month: June 2010

Reforming Canada’s refugee policies: Consultation required!

Refugee policies are complicated, require sensitivity, and stir up much emotion. As a result, it is crucial that the public be involved in the development of such policies to provide various viewpoints and options. But with the recent refugee bill public debate was only held during the amendment process, not in the drafting of the legislation. Eventually all parties and many refugee advocacy organizations accepted the amendments, recognizing that there were some improvements, but still cautious about the prospects for future refugee cases.

Fast at the expense of fair?

Rebekah Sears looks at the proposed changes to the refugee system, questioning whether they emphasize Fast at the Expense of Fair? Rebekah notes several conditions the proposed changes need to meet in order to ensure the system remains fair.

Beauty, Wonder and Belonging

Parliament of Canada

Sheila McKinley, osu, read Beauty, Wonder and Belonging: A Book of Hours for the Monastery of the Cosmos, appreciating the book’s aid in reflecting prayerfully each day.

Press Release: CPJ lauds new bill calling for poverty elimination strategy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ottawa, ON: June 16, 2010 – Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ) praised a new private member’s bill tabled in the House of Commons today calling for a federal poverty elimination strategy. The bill was tabled by Tony Martin of the New Democratic Party and seconded by Mike Savage of the Liberal Party and Yves Lessard of the Bloc Québécois.

Moving beyond “We’re sorry” to a legacy of change and hope

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.