Budget 2017 moves ahead cautiously on poverty and climate

Budget 2017

Positive steps that lack needed urgency for low-income Canadians and refugees

With Budget 2017, Finance Minister Bill Morneau has made tentative financial commitments to key priorities identified in their consultations on housing and climate change, though not on international development.

However, the government’s spending priorities fail to understand the depth of the problems of poverty in Canada, climate change, and the concerns of refugees and newcomers – leaving these problems for our children to resolve.

Refugees Are a Blessing to Canada

By Martha Wiebe on March 23, 2017

From the Catalyst, Spring 2017

For nearly 40 years, Ottawa Mennonite Church has sponsored refugees from around the world. The experience has been overwhelmingly positive. They have not only contributed to the life of our congregation but also to our community and our country.

A Made in Canada Housing Strategy

Housing Strategy

By Jeff Morrison on March 23, 2017

From the Catalyst, Spring 2017

The link between access to safe, affordable, sustainable housing and poverty alleviation is clear.

Without access to decent housing, it is extremely difficult to pursue education, maintain employment, or raise a family. Safe, affordable housing allows individuals and families to work, which helps to ensure that they can break the bonds of poverty.

An Ice Road to Reconciliation

Pikangikum

From the Catalyst, Spring 2017

Climate change affects the lives, lands, and cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples more directly and dramatically than most Canadians. But many communities in the more isolated and northern regions go unseen and unheard. Climate justice is a part of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

One road to get us there may well be made of ice and serve a small Ojibway Nation in northwestern Ontario.

Budget 2017 inches forward on poverty and climate

Budget 2017

Government plan includes cautious forward movement for low-income Canadians and refugees FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Ottawa, ON: March 22, 2017 — Federal Budget 2017 inches forward but requires Canadians to continue to wait for full measures that address poverty in Canada and climate change. “With Budget 2017, Finance Minister Bill Morneau has made tentative financial commitments to key … Read more

On Canada 150, What Are First Nations Kids Losing Out To?

On Canada’s 150th What Are First Nations Kids Losing Out To?

By Jennifer King & Cindy Blackstock on March 23, 2017

From the Catalyst, Spring 2017

As the federal government prepares to spend half a billion dollars to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday, First Nations in northern Ontario are mourning the loss of three young girls to suicide. These tragedies could have been prevented if Canada provided equitable mental health and other children’s services on reserve.

Because It’s 2017…It’s Time to End Poverty in Canada

ChewOnThis 2016

From the Catalyst, Spring 2017

At CPJ, we’ve decided that the best way to participate in Canada’s 150th anniversary is to renew our resolve to work for public justice and the flourishing of God’s shalom in the land. 2017 is an historic moment, worthy of our every effort to show what love looks like in public.

There is perhaps no better way to do this, than by ensuring our federal leaders complete the development and implementation of a robust poverty reduction plan.

St. Patrick’s Anticipatory Interruption

By Shawn Sanford Beck on March 15th, 2017

From the Catalyst, Spring 2017

Nestled in the liturgically purple lenten desert is a tiny green shard of resurrection.

Like a verdant weed sprouting up in the newly-ploughed spring garden mud, the feast day of blessed Patrick feels like it should belong to the Paschal season, rather than the penitential 40 days which precede it. I’m drawn to St. Patrick’s Day as a parable: a tiny, homely hologram of the power of the Spirit to break in where she is not expected, an anticipatory interruption.

“Climate Change Is Eating Us”

Parliament of Canada

By Thea deGroot

This February, my husband, Art and I had the privilege of participating in a Tanzania tour with Farm Radio International, a Canadian charity supporting broadcasters in developing countries to strengthen small-scale farming and rural communities providing impact programming, broadcaster resources and training.