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Posts by Citizens for Public Justice

Gerrit de Boer, Gerald’s brother-in-law

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…

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The Hon. John McKay, MP on Gerald

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…

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Mark Vander Vennen’s remarks, “For Gerald”

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…

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For a Celebration of Gerald Vandezande’s hope and life

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,…

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Tributes to Gerald Vandezande

Tributes to Gerald Vandezande, given at the funeral service in Toronto, July 21, 2011: Gerrit de Boer, Gerald’s brother-in-law The Hon. John McKay, Member of Parliament for Scarboro – Guildwood Mark Vander Vennen, “For Gerald” Calvin Seerveld, “For a Celebration of Gerald Vandezande’s hope and life”

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Gerald Vandezande – biography

Born on a snowy Christmas Day in 1933, in Ymuiden, the Netherlands, Gerald Vandezande lived his life reading and sharing the Gospel with others. Gerry, as he liked to be known, believed that as Christians it was our duty to integrate the teachings of the Bible into all aspects of our life. Gerry came to…

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Gerald: Accomplishments

If, as Martin Luther King Jr. wrote, the ultimate measure of a man is where he stands at times of challenge and controversy, Gerald Vandezande was truly an exceptional man. Gerry, as he liked to be known, never backed down from a challenge when it came to the causes he believed in. During his career…

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The passing of a CPJ founder, Gerald Vandezande

Gerald Vandezande (77) passed away peacefully in his armchair at home in Scarborough, ON early on the morning of Saturday, July 16, 2011. Gerald was one of the founders of Citizens for Public Justice in 1963, and continued to be involved as an active member and supporter all the days of his life. He worked…

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Budget 2011: Take Two

On June 6, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty introduced a new 2011 Budget. (The March Budget was not adopted before the government was defeated in the House of Commons). The June Budget only contained two new provisions: the elimination of the subsidies for political parties and a $2.2 billion transfer to Quebec in support of tax harmonization. Because the June Budget is essentially the same as the March Budget, we re-offer here our commentary on the March Budget.

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Press Release: Cautious Speech from the Throne Fails to Address Poverty

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ottawa, ON: June 3, 2011 – The Speech from the Throne heralding the start of the 41st Parliament held no surprises, a few bright lights and some important gaps.

Citizens for Public Justice greeted with pleasure the commitment to permanently enhance the Guaranteed Income Supplement for Canada’s seniors. It was also encouraging to see the acknowledgement of several key Aboriginal issues, namely access to clean water and the need for improvements to education.

“We were glad to see that the new government realizes the import

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