I recently heard the story – as told by the Anglican National Indigenous Bishop, Mark MacDonald – of a Lakota elder, who, upon hearing a proposal to develop a list of “green” scripture passages, replied, “But isn’t the whole Bible about caring for creation?” This perspective, one that sees environmentalism at the heart of Christian action,…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ottawa, ON: June 1, 2017 — The HUMA Parliamentary Committee has released a report on its recent study on poverty reduction strategies. The report, Breaking the Cycle: A Study on Poverty Reduction, summarizes what the committee heard its six-month study from the testimony of 162 witnesses and 74 submitted briefs. It outlines five areas of focus, including: income security; education, training, and employment; housing; mental health; and communities and neighbourhoods.
Even as the Ontario government moved to enact new labour laws and increase the minimum wage to $15, experts agree there is no quick fix to protecting workers from the threat of poverty. “When we look at poverty statistics, there are an awful lot of people who are working and are living below the poverty line,” said…
By Asha Kerr-Wilson and Bolu Coker
When we think of the Syrian refugee crisis, political unrest and terrorism immediately come to mind. Very rarely do we ever think of climate change and poverty as casual factors in this crisis, or in our current global refugee situation. It’s not an obvious connection many of us have made. A closer look at these links is necessary to ensure we can address the ever-evolving conflict situations of our times.
As people of faith, called to care for those most vulnerable, we want to see a budget that is grounded in strong social commitments that address urgent needs and set out long-term commitments to improving lives. So, is this government paying attention to people in need?
OK, how would you respond? You’ve just been asked for advice on how to end poverty in your community. What can you suggest? CPJ has endeavoured to simplify the process, making it easier for you to share your concerns and ideas with government in just a few minutes. No poverty plan will be immediately perfect, all-encompassing, or successful. But…
With Budget 2017, Finance Minister Bill Morneau has made tentative financial commitments to key priorities identified in their consultations on housing and climate change, though not on international development.
However, 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 these problems for our children to resolve.
By Jeff Morrison on March 23, 2017
From the Catalyst, Spring 2017
The link between access to safe, affordable, sustainable housing and poverty alleviation is clear.
Without access to decent housing, it is extremely difficult to pursue education, maintain employment, or raise a family. Safe, affordable housing allows individuals and families to work, which helps to ensure that they can break the bonds of poverty.
From the Catalyst, Spring 2017
At CPJ, we’ve decided that the best way to participate in Canada’s 150th anniversary is to renew our resolve to work for public justice and the flourishing of God’s shalom in the land. 2017 is an historic moment, worthy of our every effort to show what love looks like in public.
There is perhaps no better way to do this, than by ensuring our federal leaders complete the development and implementation of a robust poverty reduction plan.
Government plan includes cautious forward movement for low-income Canadians and refugees FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Ottawa, ON: March 22, 2017 — Federal Budget 2017 inches forward but requires Canadians to continue to wait for full measures that address poverty in Canada and climate change. “With Budget 2017, Finance Minister Bill Morneau has made tentative financial commitments to key…