A selection of just what was said Wednesday as Finance Minister Bill Morneau tabled the Liberal government’s second federal budget: “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 them for our children to resolve.” — Joe Gunn, Citizens…
In a twist on the traditional practice of giving something up for Lent, Anglicans across Canada are pledging to make personal lifestyle changes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions—and challenging the federal government to match them by pursuing policy changes to fight climate change. Fourteen Anglican churches have agreed to participate in Give it up for the…
Lent might well be the most challenging season in the Christian calendar. Advent is about anticipation of things to come. Christmas and Easter are both celebrations of good news. But Lent? Lent is a season of sacrifice. It is a time when we are challenged to make sacrifices in our lives to make room for God’s presence…
Lent, the 40 days leading up to Easter Sunday, has long been associated with the need for conversion, to return to the roots of our faith, and to act more deeply from our shared spiritual convictions. This has traditionally been done in three specific ways: by prayer, fasting and almsgiving. These three activities are still…
Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ) is welcoming the launch of a national consultation as one of the first steps in developing a Canadian Poverty Reduction Strategy. Darlene O’Leary, CPJ’s socio-economic policy analyst, said she hopes “the process allows for strong engagement by the public.” “We have been calling on the Minister to ensure that the…
Canada will celebrate its 150th year as one of the world’s most blessed countries. An incredibly diverse and hard-working population has transformed our expansive geography of plentiful natural resources into one of the world’s most wealthy societies. But our forbearers also colonized the original inhabitants and discriminated against women, social minorities and various groups of newcomers as they arrived…
“The concerns with the new administration are that the United States will take a step back from the responsibility to support the Paris Accord that the previous administration seemed willing to do,” said Joe Gunn, executive director of Citizens for Public Justice.
Our world is taking uncertain turns. Countries are becoming more insular and inhospitable to refugees and those fleeing terror. The United States has suspended all refugee admissions from Syria indefinitely. This is disheartening, because the Syrian crisis keeps producing many refugees who need safety. This leaves Christians with a greater responsibility to welcome refugees.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is abandoning his long-held promise to change the way Canadians vote in federal elections. Citizens for Public Justice said in a press release: “Our electoral system must address the needs of the most vulnerable in Canadian society and ensure that everyone can contribute to our democratic system. A system of proportional…
The prime minister’s “diversity is our strength” tweet sent the message that “regardless of [their] faith,” those seeking refuge will find an open door to Canada as the one in the U.S. temporarily closes. So far, the potential for a working relationship with the U.S. doesn’t appear to have been jeopardized by Mr. Trudeau’s tweet. Mr. Trump…