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From coast, to coast, to coast, for over sixty years, Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ) has been inspired by faith to act for social and environmental justice in Canadian public policy. ‘Give it up for the Earth!’, CPJ’s annual Lenten environmental campaign, brings faithful communities together to commit to individual carbon reductions, to call for a just transition towards a sustainable and equitable economy, and to champion policies that will preserve the beauty, complexity, and life-sustaining nature of God’s creation. ‘Give it up for the Earth!’ is not simply a campaign; it’s a national movement driven by faith, hope, and the unwavering belief that together, we can build sufficient momentum towards climate justice in Canada. Your participation is a profound testament to elected officials that faith communities are not just concerned about the state of the planet, but are also committed to a mission of stewardship, fiercely determined to safeguard the intricate harmony of nature that is essential for the flourishing of all creation.

CPJ joins other Canadian faith-based communities to call upon Canada to develop and implement A National Plan for Asylum with Dignity. As a signatory to both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 1951 Refugee Convention, Canada must ensure that it is upholding the rights of those fleeing persecution. Show your support by signing our Inter-faith Campaign for asylum with dignity.

Let’s unite our voices for Asylum with Dignity! CPJ is calling for broad inter-faith support to advance the rights of refugee claimants. Canada maintains the reputation as a global leader in refugee resettlement. However, refugee claimants – those who seek protection at our borders or from inside the country – face significant challenges upon arrival. Individuals fleeing persecution are left with inadequate housing and social support leaving them to navigate a complex and daunting system on their own.

We are calling on all faith leaders, religious organizations, and members of faith communities across the country to join this campaign! We demand the implementation of a comprehensive plan that addresses critical gaps in the reception and support of refugee claimants.

Did the 2024 Federal Budget pass CPJ’s “public justice test”? The answer is no: important steps were taken, but not at a sufficient level of ambition to change the status quo – and certainly not enough to fulfill the budget’s stated promise of “fairness for every generation.” In this brief analysis, we elaborate on key highlights related to CPJ’s priority areas.

On Wednesday, May 1st, CPJ helped organize a press conference at Parliament Hill to address recent developments regarding immigration detention – specifically, the proposal in the Federal Budget to use federal prisons to detain immigrants solely for administrative reasons.

Asvini Uthayakumaran emphasizes the necessity for a comprehensive housing plan for refugee claimants that is informed by organizations working directly with those seeking asylum in Canada.

CPJ’s Public Justice Internship Program provides a university graduate with the opportunity to explore the meaning of public justice and join us in Ottawa for a one-year, paid internship.

Listen to the interview with CPJ’s Natalie Appleyard on “The Moment” podcast. The conversation explores ways we can move from scarcity and surveillance to solidarity in responding to poverty in Canada.

Willard examines the Christian concept of Easter, focusing on the inseparable link between death and resurrection as central to understanding and experiencing true transformation.

CPJ’s 2023/2024 Public Justice Intern, Asvini Uthayakumaran, wrote a reflection piece for Kentro Christian Network on the rationale behind the collaborative International Development Week events with International Justice Mission Canada and World Renew.