50th Anniversary

This article originally appeared in the Winter 2013 edition of the Catalyst.​

​​For 50 years, Citizens for Public Justice has given voice and legs to my hopes and prayers for a more just Canada. I see CPJ as a little blue engine pulling a long train of carefully-considered policy recommendations over a mountain, undeterred by barriers of unjust legislation or misguided government priorities.

How fitting that CPJ celebrated our 50th anniversary of engaging faith, politics, and advocacy in Ottawa on November 1, All Saints’ Day! For half a century, CPJ members and supporters have pursued the inevitable connectedness between faithful Christian living and seeking justice in public policies. CPJ continues to “show up” and to “stand up” for…

This is the sixth reflection posted in honour of CPJ’s 50th anniversary. 

This is the fifth online reflection posted in honour of CPJ’s 50th anniversary.

This is the fourth online reflection posted in honour of CPJ’s 50th anniversary.

Murray MacAdam, a former Catalyst editor, contributes our third 50th anniversary reflection. Some of the highlights from his time at CPJ include negotiating a major compensation agreement with the Grassy Narrows band in northwestern Ontario and an interview with the late Ted Scott, one of Canada’s leading Christian social justice advocates. 

Kathy Vandergrift, our second 50th anniversary reflector, writes about how CPJ’s commitment to care for creation led to a strong role in introducing recycling to Edmonton in the late 1980s.

Harry was the first reflector in CPJ’s 50th anniversary year. Some satisfying legacies of his time as Executive Director were moving the office to Ottawa and creating year-long public justice internships.

In 2013 we celebrated CPJ’s 50th anniversary: a time to share and honour all the ways CPJ inspired and transformed public policy in Canada, to learn more about people whose courage and insight have led to lasting change, and to lift up visions for the future. Thank you to everyone who joined us in this celebration!