May 2012
Read the letter
The Chair of CPJ’s Board, Mark Huyser-Wierenga of Edmonton, has written to Alberta Premier Alison Redford to encourage her government to move forward with development of a poverty reduction strategy for her province.
This award-winning article looks at the values that make us see oil as a necessity, with devastating impacts on the enviroment and vulnerable peoples.
Pundits have written this budget off as modest, and even better than expected after all the hype over predicted austerity measures. Finance Minister Flaherty himself emphasized that cuts to spending are much smaller than the reductions in the mid-1990s.
In truth, Canadians are about to lose a lot more than pennies in a budget that delivers substantial and politically symbolic cuts. In combination with unilateral changes to federal-provincial transfers, actions taken in the budget are designed to further erode the presence of the federal government in the lives of Canadians—a strategy that translates into the laying off thousands of public servants and elimination of key public programs.
“Mr. Speaker,
I rise today to place into our national record my commendation of a very extraordinary Canadian; a man who was not only a champion of justice, a voice for the voiceless, and a man deep and compelling faith, but a mentor and cherished friend. His name was Gerald Vandezande.”
It has not been easy for Gerry in the last years. Sometimes in conversation he would tap the side of his head to get that thought out. But even with that, Gerald was still phoning politicians, involved with social advocacy groups, helping family. Gerald was driven by His God, driven by social responsibility. But social…
Gerry referred to me with his slight Dutch lilt as his brother, so I am pleased to be asked to say a few words in tribute to “my brother” today. You know, when Gerry called or visited, you knew he was going to bring “an ask,” and that whatever he asked you were going to…
Wynne, Jan and Paul, Karen and Steve, Gerald and Wynne’s grandchildren, extended family and friends: Gerald asked me to share a few memories and reflections at this event, and I am honoured to do so. My friendship with Gerald began in 1981 in Pittsburgh, where I was living at the time, when Gerald left the…
An unusual person has left our company on this earth, he who was a relentless, indefatigable and blessed peace-maker. Gerald changed the direction of my life for good, as he did for many others. So as friends and acquaintances we mourn the loss of Gerald with you family members who will now miss husband, father,…
