Extraordinary Hope: 50th anniversary reflection
This is the fourth online reflection posted in honour of CPJ’s 50th anniversary.
Month: April 2013
Refugee Health: Churches Need to Speak Out
On June 30, 2012, the federal government made drastic cuts to health care being provided to refugees by the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP). This program includes coverage for medication, eye care, dental care, prosthetic devices, and wheelchairs. Now provinces and refugee sponsors, many of whom are churches, are forced to cover these expenses.
Loving our neighbours: Brief on Income Inequality
Reducing inequality by lifting Canadians out of poverty
Brief to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance Study of Income Inequality in Canada
The Finance Committee has finally started its study of income inequality. Prior to these hearings, CPJ submitted a brief to the committee entitled ‘Loving our neighbours.’ We shared with the committee that Canadian churches and faith communities are concerned about income inequality and believe that all spheres of society, including the federal government, have a role to play in ensuring everyone has access to a life of dignity, well-being, and opportunity.
Building Public Justice Together
This article originally appeared in the Spring 2013 edition of the Catalyst.
By Lee Hollaar
Last month our church dedicated a Sunday offering to the local food bank. It was a pleasure to think and act locally, without losing a perspective of what needs to change globally. The very next day the same food bank’s director was on radio explaining the challenges the organization is facing. Clients’ needs for services have gone up substantially. Complicated by other demands of “competing” organizations in the community, donations of both cash and food were down. The commitment to serving people had to come first, he said. If funds didn’t arrive shortly, services would need to be cut further. They were doing everything possible to meet the needs of the voiceless poor.
“Income, Wealth, and Inequality”
The “Income, Wealth, and Inequality” report is an in-depth look at a range of topics including income trends, the impact of inequality, and the growing concentration of wealth.
New ‘Proud to Protect Refugees’ campaign is launched
This article originally appeared in the Spring 2013 edition of the Catalyst.
Refugee health: Churches need to speak out
Today on Refugee Rights Day, the Canadian Council for Refugees is launching the Proud to Protect Refugees campaign with CPJ’s support. The campaign is asking organizations to make a public declaration of their support for refugees and people seeking support in Canada. Citizens for Public Justice has also sent a letter to Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney, asking him to rescind the cuts to the Interim Federal Health Program.
