Below is a recording of the service from St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Guelph where I gave a Christian Perspective on CPJ’s Give it up for the Earth! campaign. Photo credit: St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church website.
For our staff, CPJ is more than a place of employment. People who work at CPJ are drawn by the faith-based platform promoting and advocating for policies that will help develop a just society for Canada. Striving for public justice is a cause, a worthwhile ministry. CPJ is funded by thousands of donors, many of…
Communities of faith have continued to call on corporations and governments to practice restraint and respect. Growth at the expense of a healthy environment will only bankrupt all of creation.
The future to which we return must look different from the past. Not just in defending against an infectious virus, but also in resisting a society marred with poverty and ecological devastation.
Can we recognize the voice of Jesus in the young adult lament that is yearning for more active justice-seeking within their faith expression?
A pandemic requires people to take personal responsibilities. But it should not cause us to abandon our commitment to the common good.
The recent federal election shows that Canada needs a rejuvenated sense of community, and people of faith are called to be a positive influence in encouraging a society that strengthens community.
I couldn’t help but feel that this was an unconventional type of worship experience. The usual elements of worship were missing, but the love of creation and fellow humanity was evident.
Elections are confusing times. Candidates appeal to the best and worst of humanity. There are appeals to come together as caring communities. But calls for collective sacrifice make for weak campaign platforms.
CPJ’s new Executive Director Willard Metzger sat down with Karen Stiller from Faith Today to discuss the role of Christians in advocating for public justice and the common good.
“Even though we now have a decent picture of the planet’s climatological past, never in the earth’s entire recorded history has there been warming at anything like this speed – by one estimate, around ten times faster than at any point in the last 66 million years.”Throughout his piece, the author frequently writes about his existential fears in ways that incite urgent action. He also incorporates an array of concrete scientific evidence to shed light on the consequences of climate change. Heat deaths, food shortages, poisoned air quality, the spread of plagues, and refugee emergencies are only a fraction of an endless list of terrifying repercussions of our climate-affected future. Not only has the Great Barrier Reef already been bleached to an unrecoverable state of extinction, but the melting Arctic permafrost also continues to leak methane gas at an unprecedented rate. Wallace-Wells suggests that while some regions are currently faced with the tangible damages of climate change, everyone will inevitably face deadly ramifications by the end of 2100 if no urgent action is taken by the Earth’s inhabitants now. Despite an alarming prognosis of a potentially unlivable Earth, this book is an impactful call to action that highlights our dire need to strive towards reversing the destructive direction in which our planet is heading towards. In response to Wallace-Wells’ message, Citizens for Public Justice also stands firm under the belief that combating environmental degradation is a crucial duty for all people, as it directly responds to the Biblical mandate to protect and care for God’s sacred creation. As such, we encourage all people of faith to join us as leaders of climate justice through personal environmental stewardship, prayer, advocacy and a God-centered living that reflects the love that God has upon His creation.Reviewed by Leila Edwards Canada’s national narrative, in contrast to that of our American neighbours, tells a story of global peacekeepers, apologetic citizens, and liberal multiculturalism. Nowhere is our purported difference to the U.S. witnessed more than in conversations about race and racism. The axiomatic belief in Canada’s multicultural values and historical innocence is often used to dismiss the experiences of racialized Canadians and camouflage the white supremacy inherent in Canada’s systems and institutions. The Skin We’re In actively contests Canada’s national narrative by following a year in Black encounters with and resistance to white supremacy. Desmond Cole raises a wide range of stories and experiences including microaggressions in employment, anti-Black racism in education, the oppression of Indigenous Peoples, and violent police brutality. He presents the stories and experiences of Black Canadians in a way that validates; it makes our stories accessible and our emotions palpable for readers. I enjoyed that Cole uses an intersectional approach to analyzing white supremacy and anti-Black racism. He places a spotlight on the stories of the Black queer and trans community, neurodivergent Black people, Black migrants, and Black women. Further, he consistently reminds readers that these stories are neither ahistorical nor individual. He weaves the history of anti-Black racism in Canada throughout each chapter, demonstrating that contemporary experiences are a mere continuation of state violence and oppression towards the Black Canadian community. What I feel is most important is that Cole recognizes Canada as an ongoing settler-colonial project, relying on land theft and genocide of Indigenous Peoples. He respectfully illustrates the distinctions and parallels of Black and Indigenous oppression throughout Canada’s history. Importantly, he also identifies the Nations and treaties that govern the geographies in which the stories of anti-Black racism are situated. Overall, The Skin We’re In forces readers to encounter Canadian settler colonialism and white supremacy by telling the stories of Black people throughout history, up to contemporary times. This book forces readers to confront Canada’s historical and contemporary narratives and reflect on what exactly is being celebrated.Reviewed by Mike Bulthuis
“Things happen in life that tear us apart, that make us into something capable of hurting other people. That’s all any of the darkness really is – just love gone bad. We’re just broken-hearted people hurt by life.”Such was the insight shared by one of Jesse Thistle’s prisonmates, a powerful reminder to us as readers, of our shared—and interconnected—humanness. And a crushing acknowledgement of the missed and misplaced love Thistle had experienced over too many years. Thistle had been hurt by life. In From the Ashes, Thistle recounts his story as a Cree-Metis man, from his first few years in Saskatchewan to Ontario, where he now resides. It’s a story of hope, but also abandonment, trauma, and addiction—and the painful internalization of a shame projected onto him by others. He seeks out ways to recreate the missed presence of his mother’s touch and longs for word of his dad’s whereabouts. He tries to exercise control and self-determination where he can, as destructive as it may be. Too often, we see failed systems: crisis supports unavailable through his job because of wait periods, the collection of over $3,000 in various fines, or the challenge of leaving hospital— still with a serious leg infection—without a place to go. He writes, “that was supposed to be the plan: get arrested and go to jail, so I’d get taken care of, so my foot could be fixed, and so my life would be saved.” Ultimately, Thistle’s journey shifts. His determined spirit, his desire to make right, a promise he makes to his dying grandmother, a supportive and loving partner, and an invitation to reconnect to his Cree-Metis past—each come together to carry him forward. Upon visiting the remains of his maternal grandparents’ home in Saskatchewan, Thistle writes, “I remembered them; I remembered who I was.” Not all stories shift in this direction, but From the Ashes helps us understand the work needed—both systemic and within each of us—to break the patterns of homelessness, discrimination and addictions—and to light the darkness of love gone bad.Reviewed by Natalie Appleyard Mikki Kendall writes from the perspective of a cis-gendered, able-bodied Black woman who grew up in poverty in the United States and is now a published author with two degrees. She speaks from her experiences of domestic violence, of single-parenting, of living through more miscarriages than live births, and of now having a healthy marriage and two children going through middle school and college. Where she cannot speak from personal experience, she shares her research and learning from and about those whose identities and experiences are different from her own. While her personal anecdotes lend insight and empathy to the reader, she consistently pulls away from an individualistic focus to the experiences, needs, and strengths of the community. “It’s not a question of ‘Why can’t they do what you did?’” she writes, “It’s a question of ‘Why can’t we give everyone else the same support and access?’ That’s the battle feminism should be fighting.” Kendall turns the gaze of those in positions of privilege who self-identify as “feminist” to frequent blind spots that compromise equity for all who present as feminine and their communities. If you have never heard of, or examined concepts such as respectability politics, fetishization, corporate feminism, carceral feminism, or the place of disability rights within feminism, prepare to have your mind and heart opened. The need to “do the work” has been a consistent message for would-be allies, particularly in the past few months. This book is an excellent resource for those willing to take up the call.Reviewed by Willard Metzger COVID-19 has revealed aspects of our society that need repair. We have the opportunity and responsibility to establish a healthier and more sustainable norm. The Inner Level is a good entry into this debate. The book questions the notion that healthy societies are the outcome of enshrining individual freedom. According to the broad research provided, the greater the gap between the rich and the poor, the unhealthier the society will be. Inequality increases stress, anxiety, depression, and addiction. And these are not just ailments experienced by the poor. Inequality damages us all. Relying heavily on psychology, but presenting a breadth of accumulated research, the book reveals how inequality affects how we think, alters how we feel, and influences how we behave. The conclusions might elicit critiques of oversimplification. Will all the ills of society really disappear if equality is achieved and maintained? Yet even the skeptic must acknowledge that given the economic growth that has brought us “unprecedented luxury and comfort, it seems paradoxical that levels of anxiety have tended to increase rather than decrease over time.” Wilkinson and Pickett propose a way to foster more egalitarian societies in terms of income, class, and power. The authors invite us to abandon the false sense of wellbeing generated by materialism and replace it with a way of life that is more fundamentally consistent with our human need and responsibility for healthy community. As communities of faith, guided by commandments to care for the ‘other,’ such a vision should be easy to embrace.Reviewed by Stephen Kaduuli Scholarly practitioner Catherine Baillie Abidi and social anthropologist Shiva Nourpanah have masterfully woven together the key terminologies and concepts that relate to refugees and forced migration. This book is a compilation of contributions from refugee activists, scholars, and practitioners. Although its focus is on Atlantic Canada, this easy-to-read 144-page book contains some universal terms and concepts that are relevant to the rest of Canada and the whole world. The A to Z guide proceeds from activism and advocacy through to “Generation Z” (youth). Apart from defining or explaining certain terms, it outlines processes and procedures asylum seekers go through once in Canada. Marianela Fuertes gives a historical overview of how the world took on the role of protecting refugees and the law concerning the right to seek asylum. The guide discusses several topics including the hot button issue of racism. In contextualizing the Safe Third Country Agreement, Katie Tinker provides the lived experiences of asylum seekers who cross the border into Canada from the U.S. The major omission is Canada’s acclaimed Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program which should have been a standalone topic since the largest number of resettled refugees come to Canada through it. Although it gets too academic in discussing some issues, I would recommend this guide to all settlement practitioners, private sponsors, and advocacy groups. Universities, colleges, and high schools introducing students to refugee and forced migration issues would find this guide very useful. It can also be useful in generally debunking negative rhetoric about refugees in Canada.Reviewed by Erin Pease Refugee Countdown unfolds during an unprecedented period in Canada’s recent past, immediately following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s rise to power in 2015 and his ambitious campaign to expedite the resettlement of 25,000 Syrian refugees. In addition to describing an atypical Canada-U.S. sponsorship alliance, Bob Cowin focuses on the experience of the sponsors before the refugee family set foot in Canada. The journal-like style makes for easy reading. Its pages shed remarkable and honest light on the spectrum of emotions, practical considerations, and settlement and integration issues (the good, the bad, and everything in between) that can manifest while preparing for “arrival day.” The book effectively evolves the conversation from one of program participation as an act of global citizenship into an exercise in how sponsorship challenges sponsors to embrace their human agency to feed the human family, both literally and figuratively. The result is that the sponsors learn and receive and grow in return, becoming more human in the process. Subsequent print editions would benefit from including a forward to situate this sponsorship story within the more formal, contextual, and technical domain of Canada’s federal resettlement program and enlightening the reader as to the different sponsorship program streams, related program requirements, and processing distinctions. Doing so would allow for a more constructive comparison and debate when considering similar publications on the market. For anyone interested in a window into the messy, complex, beautiful, and hope-filled world of refugee sponsorship in action in church halls and living rooms, this book is for you!Reviewed by Keira Kang Many people worry about the climate crisis and want to drive positive change, but often feel restricted in their inability to influence society and government leaders. That’s how 15-year-old Swede Greta Thunberg felt. Until one day in the fall of 2018, when she decided to take to the streets of Stockholm and march in front of the Parliament building, all alone, urging leaders to act on the climate crisis. In a matter of weeks, her lonely vigil garnered widespread support from youth and leaders around the world. From the World Economic Forum to the United Nations Climate Change Conference, this book is a collection of eleven powerful speeches made by Greta Thunberg, a now global climate justice activist and Time’s 2019 Person of the Year. Through her lived struggles with Asperger’s syndrome, obsessive compulsive disorder, and autism, Greta shares how her disabilities have gifted her the unique ability to see the climate crisis as a “black and white” issue. Enraged by the hypocrisy of world leaders, Greta fearlessly points to the stark irony of large decision-makers who are aware of temperatures rising, forests burning, and ice caps melting, but intentionally turn a blind eye by continuing to invest in the oil industry. Urging political figures, global businesspeople, and youth that there are absolutely no grey areas when it comes to climate change, Greta’s message is loud and clear: We must act now, and no one is too small or too powerless to make a difference.Reviewed by Karri Munn-Venn I was feeling a little uneasy as I began Naomi Klein’s On Fire. It felt simultaneously like too much in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, and that it would be not quite enough with all that has changed in the brief period since the book’s publication. Thankfully it was just right. I’ve read several of Klein’s previous books. They are consistently well-researched, engagingly written, and informative. Previous volumes, however, had an ideological edginess to them that I worried would alienate the people who had the most to learn from Klein’s analysis. It may have been here too, but I didn’t hear it. In this collection of a decade’s worth of essays and presentations, Klein expresses grief, fear, and a deep well of hopefulness as she reflects on pivotal moments in the push for climate justice: meeting Pope Francis, the election of Donald Trump, the 2017 B.C. wildfires, the rise of Greta Thunberg and the youth climate movement, and calls for a Green New Deal in the U.S. and Canada. Her writing resonates with me, in part, I think because I’ve written about some of the same events and I’ve navigated a similar grief. I’m a part of her “we,” and I too see an abundance of potential in the vast social movements around the world that are calling for transformative change not only to address the climate crisis, but the interconnected crises of racism, inequality, poverty, and greed. A worthy read.Reviewed by Leona Lortie Wild Hope is a beautiful collection of short stories exploring the beauty of creation, framed in an invitation to act. The stories of endangered animals featured in each chapter, which draw us into worlds of amazing complexity and dire threats, are woven together with stories of humans who passionately care about their future. Through each week of Lent, readers discover the realities of four animals on the brink of extinction, grouped in sets describing the source of their common suffering. The animals, representing a wide range of species and environments, all suffer from factors which can be traced back to human intervention. These factors include a changing climate, population growth, and maybe most devastating, complacent human minds. Intricately and intimately, their stories strike at the heart of the predicament of our interconnectedness. In the introduction, Boss invites the reader to consider what the future for most of these creatures steeped in uncertainty might tell us about our collective future. Because of wild hope and a lot of unrelenting hard work, animals like the takhi, having been saved, nursed, and protected, are once again found in the wildness of Mongolia. Through these stories, Boss inspires us to learn more about endangered species, but even more importantly, she aims to invite us and spark in us the wild hope that drives the passion of those humans who take on the seemingly impossible tasks of saving animals from the brink of extinction.Reviewed by Andriata Chironda The Ungrateful Refugee is an exile narrative that includes personal reflection and accounts of others’ stories of flight. Dina Nayeri’s own story tells of how, together with her mother and brother, she fled Iran in the late 1980s. Her family was eventually resettled in the United States. This was after the family faced persistent persecution for apostasy after her mother converted from Islam to Christianity. The book shows how storytelling is key to formal recognition as a refugee and an important step to social inclusion and acceptance in the receiving country. Refugees must tell compelling stories and supplicate before state, refugee protection officers, and humanitarian organizations. Nayeri’s account and stories destabilize and critique assumptions and dichotomies that subsist in mainstream discourse about refugees. One assumption is that “unlike economic migrants, refugees have no agency,” that they “can be pitied,” and that they are “rescued cargo” who must continue to “prove, repay, transform.” On the flip side, “if you dare to make a move before you are shattered,” Nayeri writes, “your dreams are suspicious [and]… you are reaching above your station.” In this dichotomous frame, refugees are compelled to contain their hopes and dreams and perform a particular role: the grateful refugee. They “can’t acknowledge a shred of joy left behind or they risk becoming migrants again.” However, an “ungrateful refugee” recognizes and escapes this false dichotomy, in life and discourse. Storytelling offers a space for self-determination—to define one’s humanity beyond the confines and limits of categories and saviour tropes—and a means to participate in the new society as equals seeking “friendship, not salvation.”Reviewed by Chloe Halpenny As a leftie and basic income supporter, I began Hugh Segal’s Bootstraps Need Boots skeptical and curious. In this memoir-meets- case for basic income, the former Senator brings his personal and political experiences into the conversation, resulting in a read that is both enjoyable and informative. Opening with an anecdote about his cherished childhood toy box being donated to a neighbour by his father for firewood, Segal leaves readers doubtless that his fight against poverty is a sincere one. Here enters basic income, an idea supported by the author due to his desire not to address the symptoms of poverty, but rather the cause: a lack of money. Resurfacing throughout the book, basic income captures Segal’s imagination from his time at university at a PC Party conference until the book’s conclusion, where he reflects—mournfully—on the Ford government’s premature cancellation of the Ontario pilot. In this way, readers get the sense that the book isn’t merely a rallying call for basic income, but also one against the hyper-partisan politics that impede change. Bootstraps Need Boots may not be for everyone. It’s best read with some background on poverty, basic income, and Canadian politics. Moreover, it requires a certain level of comfort with disagreeing, be it on political ideology or the best tools to combat poverty. For those who do crack the cover, Segal presents a book of bridges: between autobiography and policy, left and right, and frustration and hope. One thing is for sure: the book has heart.This book provokes questions about how (and why) we settle for failure: the failure of our society to ensure people’s rights and dignity are honoured, the failure of our current “solutions” to homelessness to bring about real social inclusion, and even the presumed “failure” of people who are marginalized by our social structures and systems. Thankfully, it is also a book that offers an alternative way forward. Dej combines hours of observations, interviews, and focus groups with an extensive review of related studies and philosophical theories to develop and defend her thesis (and it does read like a PhD thesis) that current approaches to homelessness actually entrench individuals’ social exclusion, rather than bring about social inclusion, even if they acquire housing. Dej uses the concept of “redeemable but never redeemed” to illustrate how people who are homeless act as consumers of programs, services, and largely, psychotropic medication, that provide them with a sense of empowerment and hope that if they work hard enough and follow the rules, they can “fix” themselves and achieve social inclusion. Participating in these programs also gives them access to certain privileges. The Catch-22, Dej contends, is that these very programs actually cement social exclusion by placing the blame and responsibility on the individual while simultaneously undermining their autonomy. In doing so, there is no recognition or dismantling of the external structures that cause and perpetuate homelessness and social exclusion in the first place. Dej recommends rights-based approaches to programs and legislation paired with peer-led and peer-run services to both prevent and end homelessness and social exclusion in Canada.Seth Klein’s A Good War, is a book about solutions. Big, broad, whole-of-society, our-house-is-on-fire-and-we-must-act-like-it pathways to a better future. He asks, “If climate change is truly an emergency (and it is), how must we respond?” and “What lessons can be drawn from the ways that Canada has responded to emergencies in the past?” Ironically, A Good War was released just a short time before the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic. And you know what? Some of Klein’s war-inspired recommendations played out—demonstrating that as a country, we do have what it takes to rise to the challenge. In a word, this book is genius. It is supremely well researched and wonderfully readable. The stories shared are compelling and engaging. They are political and they are personal. They are rooted in historical experience and steeped in science. They are also deeply practical. And in their practicality offer hope for the future of our shared planet. It is no longer a question of what to do in the face of climate catastrophe, but how do we create the “emergency mindset” necessary to take sufficient action. What I most appreciated about A Good War were the “20 key takeaways” presented in the book’s closing pages (pp. 366-368). Here are some of the highlights: 1. Treat the climate crisis as the emergency that it is. 2. Recognize that voluntary measures aren’t enough. 3. Spend what is necessary to win. 4. Create the necessary economic institutions and crown corporations. The approach presented in A Good War is a holistic one that will serve to address long-standing societal inequities. Some takeaways speak directly to CPJ’s work as they call on the federal government to: 5. Invest in climate and social infrastructure. 6. Develop a rigorous just transition plan. 7. Embed the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples into law. 8. Be ready to welcome tens of thousands of climate-displaced people annually. A Good War is a unique and inspiring call to action. I am excited to be a part of the movement that will ultimately bring this vision to fruition.How should the church respond to the large number of refugees around the world? In Refuge Reimagined, Mark and Luke Glanville show how a Biblical understanding of kinship calls Christians to welcome refugees in their communities and advocate for refugee rights nationally and internationally. The book opens with a rich discussion of kinship in the Old Testament and Gospels. The authors reflect on how foreigners are treated and do not shy away from challenging Biblical passages. Of course, relations between community members and “outsiders” were different at that time: our modern world has defined nation-states, demarcated borders, passport control, migrant detention, and refugee camps. However, the authors argue the ethic of welcoming displaced persons as in the Bible should influence actions and politics today. In later sections of the book, the authors explore how Christian theology should inform our response to refugees. They contrast the Biblical principle of inclusive kinship with the actions of politicians who exclude refugees. The authors call churches and nations to embrace a calling to public justice that celebrates diversity and is not afraid of refugees and migrants but rather welcomes, as kin, individuals who seek safety in a new land. The book contains frequent examples that bring the scholarly analysis to life. This includes a focus on Kinbrace, a Vancouver organization that houses and supports refugee claimants as well as other examples of refugee advocacy in North America and Australia. Overall, the book is a deeply researched account of how the Bible calls us to respond hospitably to individuals seeking a better, more secure, future.The Response of Weeds is both striking and evocative. While a brief read, Bertrand Bickersteth paints a concise and poetic picture of the experience of being Black on the Prairies. Raised in Alberta, Bickersteth effortlessly relays the experience of feeling like a foreigner even in a place that one is intimately acquainted with; the sideways glances, the assumption that one is an outsider, the questions of “where are you really from,” will all resonate with readers of colour. With themes of invisibility and erasure, the book explores how Black Albertans, and by extension, many non-white settlers in Canada, can feel othered—at once overlooked and simultaneously conspicuous in places and settings that are not always as welcome as they claim to be. Bickersteth remarks on Canada’s discomfort with confronting historical issues of race, with not-so-subtle mentions of settlers looting Indigenous lands and jabs at those who insist upon “colourblindness.” Indeed, a sense of Indigenous solidarity is woven throughout the book, which names the failed treaty promises and overall mistreatment of several Indigenous Nations on the prairies, including the Cree, Piikani, and Sarcee. Notions of belonging and questions of how to define “home” when one has been displaced are present throughout the book. Ideas of a fragile sense of social cohesion are also unearthed, with the author remarking on how Canadians may espouse peace and harmony while failing to respond to cries for racial and social justice. Some historical context is needed for readers, as Bickersteth weaves in the experiences of prominent and lesser-known Black Albertans, including John Ware and Henry Mills. Overall, this is an excellent book for those curious about the perspectives of the “outsider within” or simply anyone wondering what it’s like to be Black in Canada.The Interfaith Social Assistance Reform Coalition (ISARC) recently engaged in a project of community hearings on poverty, meant to produce a report on the state of poverty in Ontario and a tool to help the public understand the multi-faceted complexity of the problem—and potential solutions. I spent around a decade of my life living with poverty or just on the edge of it. Over the years since, I’ve read many different reports on poverty. At best most of those reports proposed only vague solutions and didn’t involve the people most likely to have the best handle on what is actually needed: people living with poverty. That is why Overcoming Ontario’s Poverty Pandemic stands out. The report is rooted—in tangible ways—in the experiences of people currently living with poverty. The authors held community meanings where they asked concrete questions about access to food, housing, healthcare, transportation, and overall quality of life. The introduction opens with the wisdom of Mahatma Gandhi that poverty is the worst form of violence. Naming poverty as a form of violence is necessary for any honest look at its impact; without placing the violence of living through poverty at the very heart of the report, it would fall short of what is needed. Importantly, the end of the report acknowledges that centering the voices of people with lived experience of poverty is not in itself a solution to the problem. It offers multi-prong solutions, which include specific increases to social assistance rates and minimum wage, concrete numbers of affordable or supportive housing units that must be built, support for anti-poverty organizations, and the necessity of a Guaranteed Basic Income. As with any report, there are weaknesses. The report would have been stronger had it included questions to reflect the reality of systemic racism and social ills such as homophobia and transphobia. More meetings, across a wider spread of communities and regions, also would have improved the report’s quality, however, the pandemic made that impossible. Overcoming Ontario’s Poverty Pandemic is a good starting point for readers to understand the violence of poverty in its complexity, and to engage in education and advocacy.One of the surest paths to success on a complex issue is to find common ground with allies in adjacent areas. That makes Evelyn Forget’s Basic Income for Canadians a fantastic reference for anyone concerned with the economic shifts resulting from an effective response to the climate emergency. Rapid decarbonization done right is about opportunity and gain, not loss and pain—an all-in response to the climate crisis would create tens of millions of jobs and trillions in economic activity this decade. But the shift away from carbon means change and disruption for workers and communities whose livelihoods depend on fossil fuels. That reality has prompted much of the climate community and the trade union movement to focus on a just transition to steady, well-paid jobs as the fossil era winds down. Too often, though, the idea of a transition produces deep anxiety for people who quite reasonably wonder whether they’ll make as good a living in their next job, and what safety net they’ll be able to count on in the meantime. A basic income helps answer those questions, and Forget’s guidebook helps connect the dots. She presents a lucid explanation of the concept, filled with practical, real-life examples of how a basic income delivers the autonomy, respect, and dignity that must be a bottom-line entitlement for everyone. For decades, climate advocates have been fighting for a transition that is just and equitable for all. Basic Income for Canadians is an essential tool in the toolbox to make it happen.The pandemic has revealed significant issues related to the ways that many seniors are cared for in our society. Much has been exposed regarding overworked and underpaid staff and the undignified conditions that are experienced in many institutionalized care settings across our country. André Picard in his book Neglected No More provides in-depth research on these longstanding yet urgent issues and explores how the intersections of ageism, sexism and racism leave many at an increased risk of being unable to access quality, dignified care that they need. Picard not only lays out the problem, but he also points us toward many possible solutions for improving access to quality care options that are required to meet the diverse needs of our current and future elders. As a community social worker, I have seen many struggles that older adults face in their day-to-day lives as they strive to ‘age in place’ within their communities for as long as they’re able. What I appreciated most about this book are the many examples of policies around the world that encourage elder-friendly communities and promote quality, dignified care for seniors regardless of their socio-economic status. From increasing the time given for crosswalk signals, to increasing support for caregivers, Picard highlights many structural level changes that can help people live in their communities longer and reduce dependency on and time spent in institutionalized care. Included among these examples is the need for strengthening home care coordination, improving access to community supports, and increasing affordable, supportive housing options. I recommend this book to everyone as it highlights how we all have a role to play in improving the lives of Canada’s elders.What Does Justice Look Like and Why Does God Care about It? is part of the Small Books of Radical Faith series published by Herald Press. Judith McCartney is pastor at Soul House, a congregation in Toronto focusing on those disenfranchised from the church. Judith and Colin are also co-founders of Connect City, an inner-city community outreach ministry. Their rich experience provides the backdrop for this persuasive and passionate read compelling people to live out the call of Jesus for seeking justice. Using examples from both the Old and New Testaments, the McCartney’s help readers to develop a biblical understanding of justice and explain why seeking justice is so important to God. The book does a good job of revealing how our culture encourages individuals to focus on themselves and disregard others and the environment in which we all share. They suggest that the church has been influenced by Greek Gnosticism resulting in a view of God that is primarily concerned about matters of spiritual health while largely disinterested in physical well-being. McCartney’s offer a description of God’s shalom that includes a vision for spiritual, physical, intellectual, and mental health. This vision of God’s shalom is the driver for followers of Jesus to engage fully in seeking justice. The book is written in a way that is easy to understand and intended for small group processing and discussions. For those interested in clearly intersecting their faith with social justice, this is a very encouraging read.Finding Refuge in Canada: Narratives of Dislocation is a collection of stories that provide insightful perspectives from refugees, settlement workers, and refugee advocates. This book provides technical language and historical and political underpinnings that contextualize Canada’s evolving immigration policies. In so doing, these narratives emphasize the human toll that refugees endure, covering topics about arriving in Canada, how Canada responds to refugees, and the struggle for inclusion. The balance of information and narratives makes this book both informative and compelling. Through each narrative, it becomes evident that Canada’s current refugee system is flawed, fragmented, and unable to manage the current backlog and continued influx of refugees. This collection dispels myths about refugees and invites readers to question and challenge Canada’s policy responses toward refugees. This collection is a call to action for those in positions of privilege and power to learn and understand the nuances and complexities involved in a process that has life and death consequences. I would recommend this book to settlement workers, private sponsors, advocacy groups, students, and those interested in learning more about Canada’s refugee determination system and Canada’s varied responses to refugees throughout recent history. While this book makes a strong case for refugees and policy reform, it did not include the voices of those who could not communicate in English, and so misses out on their contributions.Harsha Walia’s Border & Rule: Global Migration, Capitalism, and the Rise of Racist Nationalism, offers a timely categorical takedown of the artificial and increasingly indefensible notion of the settler nation-state. Contemporary forces like the climate crisis and the coronavirus pandemic have irreversibly disrupted the free-market economy and socio-political status quo. Walia speaks to these phenomena and provides alternative ways to imagine our lives beyond the existing state of affairs. Every reader will have their assumptions questioned and perspectives stretched upon engaging with this book. This book will infuriate liberal centrists. It will be discarded and laughed at by conservatives, the alt-right, and libertarians. The argument Walia delivers will be dismissed as socialist fantasy, and as overly utopian in practice. Yet, these are the dismissals that have upheld generations of nationalist protectionism and stifled structural change—the same dismissals that have aggressively reduced global migration and ensured the suffering and deaths of countless racialized bodies fleeing undemocratic regimes, settler occupied regions, and unlivable environments facing ecological collapse. Appropriately, Walia asks us to consider a more harmonious way to live. Walia reimagines a new global community, free from the suffocating clutches of capitalism and imperialism, and far beyond the violent anti-migrant protectionism forced upon past generations. Simply put, this deeply researched book offers us a blueprint for a better world.By Simon Lewchuk and Brad Wassink This past spring, Parliament passed Motion M-315, asking the Standing Committee on Finance to study income inequality in Canada. There are now indications that the committee will devote only one meeting—a mere few hours—to the study. So much for the will of the House. So much for an issue of growing concern for Canadians. Why would they be resistant to do the job? Why doesn’t inequality rate an equal opportunity for debate and action among Canadian Parliamentarians? This time last year, the House Finance Committee devoted a fulsome nine meetings to its study on tax incentives for charitable donations. You’d think an issue as important as income inequality would at least merit the same amount of consideration. This apparent lack of concern from our leaders should be cause for alarm. It’s not because the 99 per cent need another venue to rail against the one per cent. We cannot pin all the blame for our socio-economic ills on the rich; to do so is myopic and misguided. Simply focusing our attention on this group will not get the job done. Yes, income inequality is a serious threat to the common good and our collective wellbeing. But the people hardest hit by inequality are the poorest 10 per cent in our country, and this is something that 100 per cent of us have a responsibility to address. Poverty leads to multiple other inequalities, including disproportionately poorer health outcomes, lower academic achievement, food insecurity, precarious housing and family stress and instability. Consider, for example, a 2010 study in Hamilton, Ont., where researchers discovered a 21-year life expectancy gap between low and high income neighbourhoods (65 and 86 years, respectively). Growing income inequality, especially for the lowest 10 per cent, makes a life of dignity and equality of opportunity increasingly elusive. Canadians can argue about the causes of and solutions to income inequality, but one thing remains certain: we all have a collective responsibility to care for the least well-off in our society. We need not strive for absolute income equality, an impossible and undesirable scenario where everyone’s income is the same. But we can reduce inequality by raising the incomes of the lowest 10 per cent, so that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy a full, healthy life. One of the ways we can do this is through our collective institutions, namely government. We have numerous policy options at our disposal—including fair and progressive taxation, improved income security programs, investments in secure and affordable housing—that could help build a more equal country and improve the wellbeing of the poorest Canadians. If a measure of a society is how it treats its most poor and vulnerable, Canada’s elected officials would do well to give this issue the discussion it deserves.By Simon Lewchuk and Brad Wassink Ten months after MPs voted to study income inequality in Canada, the House Finance Committee finally held their first of three meetings on the topic last Tuesday. And while three meetings isn’t much, it’s better than one, which is what the committee is said to have originally planned on. The credit goes to the civil society organizations and concerned Canadians who spoke out and demanded that the committee give more time and attention to this important issue. It seems the MPs were listening, at least partially. But lest we get too excited about this small victory, one needs only to have been at last week’s meeting to question whether the Finance Committee is really interested in a serious, balanced discussion or mere theatrics and partisan posturing. Last time we checked, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, the C.D. Howe Institute, the Montreal Economic Institute and the Fraser Institute (who got two witness spots) weren’t exactly representing the interests of the common Canadian. And they certainly aren’t the go-to places for those concerned about the opportunities of the poorest 10 per cent in our country, the people we should focus our attention on first in any discussions about inequality. Yet these are the groups the House Finance Committee chose to set the tone. Luckily, TD Bank’s chief economist, Craig Alexander made a point to bring the poorest 10 per cent into the conversation when he told the committee that “what we have is a problem at the low end of the income scale; there are barriers to growth. We have nine per cent of Canadians living in poverty, that’s three million Canadians.” Low income severely limits the opportunities and life chances of poor Canadians. For an issue that is as hotly debated and contested as income inequality, this is one of the few indisputable facts. As a society, we’re simply not doing enough to provide the poorest among us with a decent chance in life and a measure of dignity. Not to worry, some of the committee’s witnesses said, we can count on social mobility to provide better fortunes tomorrow for those who might find themselves in poverty today. Putting aside the questionable methodology used to make this claim, and the fact that mobility will never be possible for some, we can’t assume that this will be the case unless policy makers get serious about raising the incomes of poor Canadians. Citizens for Public Justice’s “Income, Wealth, and Inequality” report, released last week, highlights that the poorest 20 per cent of Canadians have experienced a 26.2 per cent drop in market incomes over the last 30 years. The driving forces behind this trend have been varied, including losses to the manufacturing sector, the rise in precarious employment, and downward pressure on wages. While market forces are partly to blame, public policy has been failing poor Canadians by reinforcing these trends. Canada’s tax-benefit system now offsets less than 40 per cent of market inequality, compared to more than 70 per cent prior to the mid-1990s. Even after we take into account the impact of taxes and transfers, the 2010 average family income for the poorest 20 per cent was only $27,300 per year, with many people living on amounts well below that line. Here are some ways we could enhance federal tax benefits already in place, and develop programs the government has the structure to implement, in order to increase the incomes and opportunities of Canada’s poor. Recently, UNICEF released a report on children’s well-being that ranked Canada 17th out of 29 rich countries, and gave us a below-average grade for child poverty. Last week’s slate of witnesses were in general agreement that lone-parent households are in particular need of assistance. Rather than dooming them and their children to a life of poverty, we could give them a better start by increasing the Canada Child Tax Benefit from its current maximum of $3,582 to $5,400 per child for low-income families. Most of it could be paid for by ending benefits such as the Universal Child Care Benefit and the Child Fitness Tax Credit, which put money in the pockets of high and upper-middle income Canadians but have little social value. For the many poor Canadians who are able to work, rather than trapping them behind the “welfare wall” we could further encourage workforce participation by enhancing the Conservatives’ own Working Income Tax Benefit (WITB), as Diana Carney of Canada 2020 recommended in her testimony, so that all working Canadians below the poverty line would qualify. This would do a great deal to help lift working-age adults out of poverty to a life of greater opportunity. We could also imagine a bold new program for poor Canadians with severe disabilities rather than tinkering with the broken patchwork of social assistance benefits they currently rely on. Establishing a basic income program at a level above the poverty line for people with disabilities would eliminate the stigma, bureaucracy, and convoluted nature of current programs. If the Finance Committee wants to get serious about addressing income inequality and the concerns of Canadians, they need to start with the poor. The federal government has the policy mechanisms and funds at their disposal.Faith leaders and community groups across Canada are feverishly mobilizing to receive thousands of Syrian refugees. Meanwhile federal candidates are vying for air time with proposals to enlarge the numbers of people our country will settle.Citizens for Public Justice is urging that health services be restored for all refugees immediately. Cuts have an impact on the ability and willingness of sponsors to help due to added liability for costs associated with vision and dental care, prosthetics, medication and mobility devices, according to themFor several years, the UN and anti-poverty groups have been pushing for a national anti-poverty plan. Dignity for All: The campaign to end poverty in Canada has worked toward this goal, through broad consultation, since 2009. In February 2015 on Parliament Hill, the campaign launched a model National Anti-Poverty Plan. Based on our experience, here are five key characteristics any solid national strategy should include.Citizens for Public Justice was informed by the CRA that announcing how every MP voted on a motion to create a national anti-poverty strategy was considered political activity.Claudette Commanda, who teaches courses on First Nations issues at the University of Ottawa, spoke at CPJ’s 2016 Annual General MeetingCreation care is critical to the ministry of the national Anglican church. As a Christian, I know I am called by God to respond to the human and ecological devastation of climate change with love and justice. So, I continue to do my part.The urgent need for a long-term, well funded National Housing Strategy is clear. Over one in four households (27 per cent in 2010) spend between 30-50 per cent of after tax income on housing. 235,000 people in Canada experience homelessness each year, less than 20 per cent of whom end up on the street, while the rest are part of the “hidden homeless.”Many ecumenical organizations (such as The Canadian Council of Churches, KAIROS Canada, and Citizens for Public Justice) make environmental advocacy part of their work on justice.The World Day of Prayer and the Season of Creation have special significance for Canadians this year.Read Pierre Poilievre’s op-ed in the Ottawa Citizen: “Harper, not Trudeau Sr., actually reduced poverty” Read Darlene O’Leary’s letter to the editor: “No, Harper didn’t help the poor”As we approach the one-year anniversary of the historic Paris Agreement, the Canadian government is set to announce a national Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. This framework will determine how we, as a nation, respond to the climate crisis. For five fundamental reasons, I believe such action to be critically important.When we care about carbon, it’s easy for us to forget our own participation in the carbon cycle. Our conversations can quickly become polarized by accusations and empty statistics. When we care for carbon, we start by recognizing the goodness of all forms of carbon.Christians are called to privilege the voices and experience of those who live in poverty. Their voices must be the strongest in the work to end poverty.Groups concerned about man-made climate change are applauding Canada’s ratification of the Paris climate accord Oct. 5. “This is all very good news and we’re going to continue to push for more so we can see real meaningful action to address climate change and support the well-being of Canadians across the country,” said Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ) senior policy analyst Karri-Munn Venn. “We’re quite happy with the ratification of the Paris agreement and the fact the Paris agreement is entering into force at the same time,” said Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace advocacy and research officer Geneviève Talbot.This October, an important policy commitment has begun to take shape that could affect the lives of almost 5 million people in Canada, including 1.3 million children, who are suffering. It has been years since significant public policy on poverty has seen any movement. Yet recently, the Government of Canada took steps to begin consultations for a Canadian Poverty Reduction Strategy – a promise that was laid out in the mandate letters of ministers last year.Faith communities are an integral component in the struggle to overcome poverty, faith leaders told a conference on the subject. These communities can encourage conversations about several key issues, such as basic income, said Sr. Sue Wilson, co-chair of the board of the London Poverty Research Centre. Central to a new vision is seeing the person before you as a neighbour instead of a burden, she said.The bishops’ decision to abandon KAIROS is a defeat for social justice in Canada. The ability of Christian faith groups to speak together publicly on a range of issues, something that has been a crowning aspect of Canadian ecumenism for four decades, has now been dealt a massive blow. The decision of the CCCB to leave KAIROS is a manifestation of the lack of ecumenical grace in the church leadership of today. An Oct. 7 letter from CCCB President Bishop Doug Crosby noted three main difficulties for the bishops: that KAIROS emphasizes advocacy and “immediate action,” that the KAIROS board operates by consensus and then decision of the majority, and the lack of a mechanism by which the CCCB could opt out of certain KAIROS projects.Last month the bishops of Canada released a document that seemed to reiterate their belief in the role of ecumenical social action. In the first paragraph of “The Co-Responsibility of the Lay Faithful in the Church and the World,” they state that, “our response to God’s call is always lived out in harmony with the other parts of the Body of Christ.” But that same month, the bishops voted to withdraw from KAIROS, Canada’s largest ecumenical social justice organization, the same group that emerged from the ecumenical coalitions that the bishops had always helped form, govern and finance Now, many are struggling to comprehend the contradictions between our church’s history, our bishops’ words, and their deeds.The first ministers have delivered Canada’s climate plan. This is no doubt, a historic development. For the first time, Canada’s climate target is backed by an actual plan. And this plan is supported by (almost) all of the provincial and territorial premiers. Unfortunately, however, that’s about where the good news ends. The new climate framework is only a starting point for serious climate action.Canada will close its coal-fired power plants by 2030 as part of its strategy to cut greenhouse gas emission under the Paris climate accord, Environment Minister Catherine McKenna announced on Monday.
Ignoring the call for justice is simply not an option for followers of Christ. On this International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on October 17, I celebrate the release of Canada’s Poverty Reduction Strategy with my fellow advocates and the Chew on this! Dignity for All Campaign, which is working towards a poverty-free Canada.
Deep poverty is our country’s national shame. There are 5.8 million Canadians living in poverty.
The Canadian government needs to speed the processing for refugee claimants and raise the number of government-sponsored refugees, say advocates. Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ) and the Canadian Council for Refugees both argue the level of Government Assisted Refugees (GAR) is too low, and should match that of the Privately Sponsored Refugee program.Faith communities need to continue serving the poor, but even more important, let’s remain vigilant to ensure that political promises to reduce poverty do not simply go up in smoke.Faith communities need to continue serving the poor, but even more important, let’s remain vigilant to ensure that political promises to reduce poverty do not simply go up in smoke.How should churches deal with politics? Christian Reformed members are no strangers to this incandescent question. Many promote public justice as individuals but oppose any institutional church activism. Others believe the denomination should “advocate” but not “lobby” for social justice—but the distinction is not always clear.Climate politics are shaping up as a federal election issue in a partisan scenario cautioned against by Pope Francis in Laudato Si’, his 2015 encyclical on the environment.The nation’s churches and church members have been active on social justice issues over many decades, a Lethbridge audience was reminded Thursday. But Joe Gunn outlined how they’ve been quietly working across denominational lines – though a younger generation of Canadians knows little about their positive impact. Gunn, executive director of Citizens for Public Justice, said evangelical Christians – 11 or 12 per cent of the population, he noted – are often in the headlines for their opposition to abortion, updates to sex education or LGBTQ rights. But positive Christian initiatives go unreported.After 10 years at the helm of Citizens for Public Justice, Joe Gunn, 64, is leaving Feb. 11 to head up the new Oblate Centre at Saint Paul University in Ottawa.The Dignity for All campaign has written to Minister Jean-Yves Duclos, the Member of Parliament responsible for Canada’s poverty reduction strategy, with recommendations to strengthen Bill C-87, An Act respecting the reduction of poverty. Along with partners, we are calling on the government to align Canada with our obligations under international human rights law to ensure we meet the first Sustainable Development Goal (SDG): to end poverty by 2030. This Bill comes at a critical moment in Canada’s history. With the upcoming federal election later this year, we urge the government to pass legislation for the poverty reduction strategy before this session ends.The Catholic Register The Ottawa-based ecumenical justice organization is getting that message out through its Give It Up For the Earth! campaign. The Lenten campaign encourages people to give up some of their personal and household greenhouse gas emissions. It’s the third year Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ) has run the campaign asking people to go beyond giving up chocolate, coffee and the usual run of vices for Lent by delving deeper and “provoke a little more thoughtfulness and a little bit more consideration of how they’re living and how they’re living out their faith,” said Karri Munn-Venn, senior policy analyst with CPJ.Lenten discipline is not only for individuals; some parishes practice it as a community as well. In 2018, 11 Anglican churches in Canada, for example, took part in “Give it up for the Earth!”, a campaign that encourages participants to take measures reducing their contribution to climate change, and to call for changes to government policy, according to Kari Munn-Venn, senior policy analyst at Citizens for Public Justice, the Christian social justice group behind the initiative.How to start making change: An introduction to lobbying for the causes you care about. Ottawa public policy organization Citizens for Public Justice says that letters and emails count the same, but that phone calls can be more influential.Too many people still live below the poverty line, said Darlene O’Leary, social policy analyst with Citizens for Public Justice. “There are still millions living in poverty,” said O’Leary, and the idea that we need to wait until 2030 to see dramatic results (a 50-per-cent reduction in poverty as per goals of the federal government’s poverty-reduction strategy released in August), “That’s a long time to wait.”Darlene O’Leary, socio-economic policy analyst for Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ), agrees that the current MBM provides somewhat of a distorted look at poverty in Canada.
“The data is encouraging — however, it’s incomplete,” she told Global Citizen.
Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ) also objects to the government’s new strategy because it “would further limit the welcoming nature they claim Canada is proud of.” “The use of language that suggests potential claimants are not genuine in their reasons for seeking asylum or that they pose a threat of exploitation to our system is concerning,” said CPJ.Now in its third year, Give it Up for the Earth! is centred on a pledge to individual climate action, and a call for more far-reaching national climate policy. Christians across Canada collect postcards and signatures as a demonstration of support for increased federal government action. In the Christian season of Lent, “people give up coffee, candy, but there’s not a whole lot of depth to that. This campaign offers a deeper level,” CPJ’s Senior Policy Analyst, Karri Venn-Munn says. “This year’s campaign challenges the Federal government’s continued financing of the fossil fuel sector, which is inconsistent with the Paris goals.” The Paris climate agreement is the 2015 landmark international accord aimed at combating climate change. Speaking about the recent federal budget, Karri remarks that there seems to be an effort to hold on to what the government has already put in place so far: “they see real risk in losing the steps forward that have been made, and it seems to me, that this concern gets in the way of doing more and of communicating what has been done so far.”Two holidays fall on April 22 this year – Easter and Earth Day. While 2.2 billion Christians joyfully celebrate the resurrection of Christ, an estimated billion people will mark Earth Day in what has become the most widely celebrated secular holiday in the world. Earth Day began in 1970 as a counter-cultural, advocacy-oriented day focussed on environmental protection in the United States. But despite its activist origins, Earth Day – in Canada, at least – has seemed more attuned to platitudes and park clean-ups than serious environmental protection.The Canadian Council of Churches (CCC); Citizens for Public Justice; and KAIROS, an ecological justice and human rights mission, created the production jointly. “We received submissions from over 15 churches and organizations with close to 20 voices,” said KAIROS executive director Jennifer Henry in a letter of thanks to participants.Darlene O’Leary, socio-economic policy analyst with the Ottawa-based advocacy group Citizens for Public Justice, agrees with the human-rights approach. She notes that federal initiatives such as investments in housing, the Canada Workers Benefit, and the Child Tax Benefit are having a positive effect on lived poverty.CPJ’s new Executive Director Willard Metzger sat down with Karen Stiller from Faith Today to discuss the role of Christians in advocating for public justice and the common good.According to a provincial break-down by Citizens for Public Justice, Manitoba has the highest poverty rate in Canada, with one-in-five currently living below the poverty line. That translates to 25% of children living in poverty and it’s forced 115,000 Manitobans to rely on the province’s Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) programs.This week, CBC News released results of their pre-election online survey, in which the opinions of 4,500 Canadians were sought out. The most notable findings of the survey were that 76 per cent of the respondents agreed that Canada should do more to encourage skilled labourers (through the immigration system’s economic stream) to immigrate to the country, 57 per cent said Canada should not be accepting more refugees, and 24 per cent said too many immigrants are visible minorities. Photo by chapay is licensed under CC BY-NC-SARefugee rights are one of five main themes addressed by Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ), “a national organization of members inspired by faith to act for justice in Canadian public policy.Access to justice, particularly for the most vulnerable persons in society, is a key issue in policy debates in Canada. Refugees are persons who have fled from traumatizing circumstances and need the legal system to facilitate the establishment of their refugee claims. Photo by witwiccan is licensed under CC BY-NC-SACanadian voters will select a new government in a few months, joining nearly 2 billion citizens around the world participating in elections this year. Appeals to the “everyday” citizen have been widespread, as candidates around the world have attempted to present themselves as the sole representative of the disenfranchised.In its spring budget, the Ontario government cut Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) funding by $133 million and said it will no longer provide provincial funds for refugee and immigration cases. LAO is mandated to promote access to justice for refugee claimants among other vulnerable Ontarians. The cuts would mean that claimants would have been denied timely representation by legal counsel. Their inability to access representation would have jeopardized their refugee claims to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) because it is a complicated process that requires knowledge of the Canadian legal system. It would have resulted in inefficiency, backlogs and disruption in the administration of justice.The Oct. 3 Catholic election debate will be just one of a number of efforts to influence the tone, content and nature of Canada’s political conversation throughout the election campaign. Those efforts include:
• A new 32-page guide to Catholic social teaching and the 2019 election from Catholic Charities of Toronto and Catholic publisher Novalis;
• An extensive social Gospel guide for voters by the ecumenical Christian social action group Citizens for Public Justice;
What does a just Canada look like? That’s the question that will be asked Wednesday, when Citizens for Public Justice brings its fall election tour to Winnipeg. “We want to ask what kind of country we want to be part of,” Karri Munn-Venn, senior policy analyst for the Ottawa-based organization, said of the goal of the free public tour. For CPJ, three important issues in this election are the climate emergency, eliminating poverty in Canada, and refugee rights, she said. During the event, which will be held 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m. at Marpeck Commons at Canadian Mennonite University (500 Shaftesbury Blvd.), participants will also be able to meet Willard Metzger, CPJ executive director.“I agree with some of the commentary from election night that what we will be seeing is that the parties are going to be forced to work together and there will be a need for more dialogue and more public involvement in making decisions,” said Natalie Appleyard, a socio-economic policy analyst with Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ).
In 2017, I began coordinating Give it up for the Earth!, the Lenten climate justice campaign run by Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ). This campaign combined personal actions to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and a call on our government to match and exceed these actions with policy changes.
Every year since then, I took steps to reduce my family’s carbon footprint. We dealt with plastics in the kitchen and bathroom, reduced our consumption of red meat, and continued our practice of using public transit, shopping locally, and eating in season as much as possible. The actions inspired by Give it up for the Earth! were part of a larger commitment to doing things differently to make a difference.
Alongside my personal journey, I have also joined my voice with thousands of people in Canada calling on the federal government to make policy changes that will move us further and faster towards the Paris temperature goals. Over the past four years, we’ve asked them to put a price on carbon (and they did!), to end subsidies to the fossil fuel sector, and to invest in a just, inclusive transition to a green economy, to name a few.
Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland unveiled in her first budget as finance minister a plethora of spending initiatives, many of which focused on environmental concerns that have been at the forefront of demands by groups such as For the Love of Creation, an initiative that brings together environmental and religious organizations including Catholic groups to lobby on behalf of action to address climate change. In the budget, $101 billion in new spending was earmarked for the next three years to help transition to a green economy, which religious groups and social justice organizations have been calling for in what they have labelled a “just transition.” While the many “green” aspects of the budget are being applauded by organizations such as the faith-based Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ), an Ottawa-based spokesperson for CPJ said the government could and should have gone further down that road. “Investments in clean transportation, energy efficiency, adaptation and mitigation and resilient agriculture are all key,” said CPJ senior policy analyst Karri Munn-Venn. “Unfortunately, by coupling these measures with extensive supports to the oil and gas sector it becomes clear that the federal government has yet to grasp the severity and urgency of the global climate crisis or the devastating ramifications of inadequate action.”Advocates say government support programs let too many people fall through the cracks. Natalie Appleyard, a policy analyst at the advocacy group CPJ, said one key problem is that government support programs, such as the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, leave too many people out. “Our system works well for the people it was designed for, but it’s not doing anything to improve the conditions for people who were already marginalized,” said Appleyard. “Throughout the pandemic, we’ve seen how things like the CERB have really helped people weather this storm, but the fact remains that many people who are most marginalized by our systems weren’t even eligible.”Most of those displaced by climate change will remain in their home countries or regions, but many will leave. As a temperate northern country, Canada will be seen as a haven for these climate refugees. “Climate migration is going to be a serious problem if the world does nothing,” said Stephen Kaduuli, a refugee rights policy analyst at CPJ. Canada and Alberta have reaped the tremendous benefits of fossil fuel production for decades while the long-known consequences are primarily borne by others. Many experts, including Kaduuli, argue that Canada thus has a “moral obligation” to provide safe-haven for those forced to flee their homes due to extreme weather events or unlivable conditions. But we can also expect that the ugly side of our society that targeted Syrians will reappear, given that the earliest and largest numbers of climate migrants are likely to be from places in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. “They will mostly be racialized people, so the same conditions will apply,” Kaduuli added. “There will be racism, xenophobia, calling them names.”The Ottawa-based Citizens for Public Justice said passage of Bill C-15 is important but more must be done going forward. “Getting Bill C-15 across the finish line is, in many ways, just the beginning,” said CPJ in a statement. “The work of aligning Canadian laws with the UN declaration is the next critical order of business. We will continue to follow this legislation and engage with government leaders to make sure the commitments outlined in this bill are acted upon.” Photo by festivio is licensed under CC BY-NC-SAIn Canada, as the urgency around the climate has grown, many faith communities are beginning to take more concrete political action that goes well beyond their religious convictions, says Karri Munn-Venn, senior policy analyst at Citizens for Public Justice, a Canadian organization that fights for social and environmental justice through a lens of faith.Let’s take advantage of the unprecedented heat wave we have all been experiencing. Email your MP now to demand decisive action. The House of Commons website enables you to find the name and contact information for your MP just by entering your postal code.
The Citizens for Public Justice website provides tips on what to write and other relevant advice as well as a sample letter. If nothing changes, this past heat wave will be just the first of many we can expect in the future.“Nothing to see here, folks!” wrote Karri Munn-Venn, senior policy analyst at Citizens for Public Justice. “In a highly anticipated announcement about Canada’s new emissions reduction target, Environment and Climate Change Minister Jonathan Wilkinson said, well, nothing.”In 2016, Saganash tabled a private member’s bill in Parliament to endorse the UN declaration. It died in the Senate. Last December, building on Saganash’s efforts, the Liberal government introduced Bill C-15. In mid-June, it became law, mandating the government “to take all measures necessary to ensure the laws of Canada are consistent with” UNDRIP. Saganash was a keynote speaker in May at a conference organized by Citizens for Public JusticeBlack refugees from Africa still face barriers to integration and long processing times. (Photo: Charles Krupa/AP Photo)Between April 2019 and March 2020, 138 infants and children were held in immigration detention. A recent report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Amnesty International Canada found that Canada’s refugee system has been tarnished over the last decade by the incarceration of tens of thousands of individuals in immigration detention, many of them in provincial jails. Immigration detention transgresses human rights, criminalizes, grossly mistreats, and stigmatizes these families. In response, more than 160 religious organizations and leaders signed a statement coordinated by Citizens for Public Justice calling for the federal government to abolish immigration detention.“Yes, the budget needed to be rewritten. It’s time to take federal-sized responsibilities seriously.” wrote Natalie Appleyard, CPJ’s Socio-Economic Policy Analyst, and Maryo Wahba, Communications Coordinator at CPJ. “Christians in Canada would do well to reflect on what criteria we are using to evaluate government spending decisions. Otherwise, it can be difficult to contextualize spending announcements, particularly when we’re dealing in billions of dollars and deciphering partisan spin. The question is not simply how much is being spent, but how well is it being spent, and to what end.”“This would not be the crisis that it will be for folks if we had adequate social assistance rates and support for people with disabilities, if we had enough affordable housing for people, if we had pharmacare in place,” Appleyard said. “We can’t blame this affordability crisis on climate change mitigation, or even just on inflation.”
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Canadian churches have made a huge impact on key justice issues over the past 50 years on education, economics, refugee sponsorship, the environment, domestic violence, public health care, women’s rights, and the cancellation of the debts of Global South countries.
A new book from CPJ’s Joe Gunn features interviews with ten key people who have been active in social justice struggles across Canada for many years. How did Christians from varied ecumenical backgrounds work together to help end apartheid, admit refugees from Chile and Indochina, defend Indigenous Peoples’ rights, promote economic justice, and more?
These wonderful stories from tireless labourers for justice present relevant lessons for today. Their words and experience inspire a direction and model for faith-based action for social and ecological justice today – and in the years ahead.
Current leaders of justice ministries will find guidance from these accounts, as well as inspiration from the newer generation of activists who reflect and act upon them.
Journeys to Justice features interviews with:
The book concludes with three reflections on where we go from here by David Pfrimmer, Christine Boyle, and Leah Watkiss.
Joe Gunn, CPJ’s former executive director, sat down with Sebastian Gomes at Salt + Light Media to discuss the impact of churches on social justice movements in Canada and CPJ’s latest book Journeys to Justice.
Watch Now-Rev. Susan C. Johnson“The prophet Micah reminds us of our responsibilities to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God. In our work to ‘do justice’ many of us experience periods of discouragement or despair. I encourage you to read and study ‘Journeys to Justice: Reflections on Canadian Christian Activism’ in order to be encouraged and reinvigorated in God’s call to work for justice. Together, we can make a difference!”
-Elizabeth May“Activists for social justice and climate action will find new allies in this volume. If they didn’t already know the rich history of Canadian Christian activism, Joe Gunn’s compilation of this movement’s great history and closing essays from great young leaders in ministry provide an invaluable lesson. And hope for the future.”
-Rev. Canon Dr. Alyson Barnett-Cowan“Through interviews with leaders in the Christian social justice movement in Canada, this volume both provides a valuable history of what has been accomplished, and remains to be accomplished, and introduces a new generation to the call to serve justice through theological reflection and action.”
-Mgr. Paul-André Durocher“Reading this book has given me a new appreciation for the impact that men and women of faith have had-and can have-on vital social issues in Canadian society. I encourage all Church leaders to read it and share it with others: this inspiring, challenging and encouraging text calls us all to renew our commitment to God’s Reign of justice, peace and joy here and now.”
Every October, CPJ releases our report on poverty in Canada. It highlights the unequal effects of poverty on racialized people, single-parent families, single seniors and adults, children, persons with disabilities, and Indigenous peoples. We also report on poverty rates of provinces, territories, and communities across Canada.
Earth’s average surface temperature has increased by over 0.85°C since the industrial revolution. This is concerning because although earth’s climate has always fluctuated, the rate of climate change has increased dramatically due to human activity as societies have industrialized.
CPJ’s research highlights the concerns of refugees, advocates, and sponsorship agreements holders in Canada. A Half Welcome, CPJ’s 2017 report on private sponsorship issues in Canada, highlights refugee sponsorship agreements holders’ top concerns with federal government policy.
CPJ’s research report, “Taxes for the Common Good,” is a series of six fact sheets highlighting the positive role taxes play in a democratic society and summarizing up-to-date information on the costs and opportunities afforded by various federal tax policy options.
Stephen Kaduuli joined Citizens for Public Justice in April 2019 in the newly-created role of Refugee Rights Policy Analyst. He served with devotion, care, and conviction until his untimely death from COVID-19 in April 2021.
CPJ, along with Stephen’s family, wish to honour his dedication and passion for refugee rights by establishing a permanent fund to help enhance and deepen CPJ’s refugee work.
Stephen was a kind man with a gentle spirit and unmatched vocational dedication to refugee rights. He was a dedicated researcher and brought a depth of compassion, insight, and experience to CPJ’s policy research and advocacy. His heart to serve refugees and those oppressed and his devotion to fair and just policies for all newcomers was truly inspiring. CPJ was made better by having Stephen on the team. He was a tremendous blessing to all who knew him or were touched by his work
We invite Stephen’s friends, people in Canada dedicated to refugee rights, and CPJ members to contribute to a fund to support CPJ’s refugee rights work.
Donations may be made online on the form below.
You can also mail a cheque to our office at 334 MacLaren Street – Suite 200, Ottawa, ON K2P 0M6. Please make the cheque payable to “Citizens for Public Justice” with a note on the memo line indicating “Stephen’s Fund.”
Stephen was an invaluable member of our CPJ family. As our first full-time Refugee Rights Policy Analyst, Stephen brought a depth of compassion, insight, and expertise to cultivating our policy research and advocacy.
Stephen leveraged his background as a social worker and demographer to bring together a passion for data and for people, grounded in his experiences working with displaced persons in his home country of Uganda. He was passionate in his commitment to justice. He built strong collaborative networks, where he will be missed greatly.
Here at CPJ, we will miss his broad smile and deep chuckle. We will miss going out for shawarma together. We will miss the understated and thoughtful way in which he shared his perspectives.
We invite you to share your condolences and remembrances of Stephen in our guest book below. These will also be shared with Stephen’s family.
May your soul rest in our hearts and live forever
I only recently learned of Stephen's passing and I was very sad and shocked to hear this news. I interviewed Stephen last spring as part of my Master's thesis research, and he immediately brought forth such a joy and passion for his work and a deep caring for those around him. He exemplified the ability of Canadians to create a welcoming home for others, irrespective of immigration status. I know he is leaving a legacy which I hope others can draw inspiration from.
I am certain he will be remembered for his inspiring activism, open heart, and thoughtful written analysis. My sincerest condolences to his loved ones during this difficult time.
I was fortunate to work with Stephen at the Diocese of Hamilton. He was a dedicated member of the Refugee Sponsorship and Resettlement team. He was such a pleasant person to be around. Someone you wanted to listen to and learn from. He used his gifts to help others and brought so much light to his community and those in his presence.
His light still shines.
Stephen was kind to description u will be missed
my sincere and heartfelt condolences to my dearest friend Stella and the rest of the family. may the good Lord comfort you on this trying moment. Dad was such a loving person. he is surely resting in heaven with the angels.
RIP Dear Stephen. You will be dearly missed. Special prayers towards your dearest family. We pray for God's comfort and strenght throught this trying time. RIP my brother in Law.
This is a time that no words can express what is really felt by myself and family plus friends.
Daddy, was the most awesome person known and my heart feels so torn, broken and stretched but i am heavily missing him, so is Mum and my siblings.
Thank you so much CPJ staff, we greatly appreciate each and everyone of you for standing with us in this difficult time.
Daddy ,i pray for you to rest handsomely in Heaven and may your legacy live on.
Love,
Sandra
It is with profound shock that I Leary of Stevens passing but I believe he is in a better place with his Lord. R I P
To Mrs Kaduuli and the children. My name is Mabel Fuyana and I am Jane Ndungu.
Heartfelt Condolences on the untimely passing of your dear husband and father.
Thank you for sharing cherished memories of a rich and blessed life you shared with this remarkable man who was a selfless and true Servant of the Lord. May those sweet memories and love you shared with him comfort and strengthen you through Him who is the true and only Healer and Saviour Lord Jesus Christ. Rip Steve.
Mabel
It's really, really sad to learn about Stephen's death. He was a very jolly person, who never judged others. Always had a smile on his face. Will really miss him - Kalungi
Sincere condolences to the family. My prayers are with you. May God give you the grace to battle such a difficult time. May he RIP.
Sending the family of the late hugs and love during this trying time.may the lord take you through
Thankful for his life and the course he has laid on others
2 Timothy 4:6-8. I have fought the good fight, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all of them also that love his appearing.
Stephen was a good man. It is heartbreaking to accept that he is gone! We pray for Susan, the children and all his close family members and friends. RIP.
I was greatly saddened to hear of Steve's sudden passing. The last 2 weeks have been rough and I cannot even begin to imagine what his family is going through. Steve was a dear friend of mine and my family's. I will remember Steve for his wit, and zest for life, always ready to celebrate/share life's milestones. He was also a dedicated public servant with a deep sense of duty, and passion for social justice. To Steve's family, I pray that the Lord continues to comfort you during this difficult time. To Steve, Rest in peace dear friend, and may your memory be a blessing to your family, friends, colleagues, and those whose lives you touched!
Dear Stephen, my friend, I still can't quite believe you are gone. I am grateful for the time we had working together, and so very sad that that time was cut short. Thank you for your kindness, your conviction, and your dedication to CPJ and to refugee rights. Thanks too for your thoughtfulness and sense of humour. I wish I had known that you were a scrabble player... it would have been nice to play a round or two. To Susan, Sandra, Stella, Samantha, and Jonathan, my heart aches for you all as you navigate this sudden loss. It is my hope that you will find comfort and peace in our Creator, and in the community (from all over the world) that is standing with you now. If ever there is anything I can do, please don't hesitate to reach out. May he rest in peace and in power.
My sincere condolences on your tragic loss.
Prayers,
Nancy Harvey
Co-Chair of the Creation Matters working group of the Anglican Church of Canada
So sorry to hear of Stephen's passing. Keeping CPJ and the family in my prayers. The Rev. Marian Lucas-Jefferies, Diocesan Environment Network, Anglican Diocese of NS & PEI.
On behalf of Faith & the Common Good, I extend my deepest condolences to Stephen's family and his CPJ family. His commitment to refugees was inspiring. May Stephen rest in peace and power.
I am very grateful to have come to know Stephen and to learn from his wisdom and experience. He was a gracious and generous man, and he will be greatly missed.
My deepest condolences go out to Stephen's family. Stephen was a wonderful soul and I will always remember his passion for refugee advocacy, for being a thoughtful mentor, and his warm and caring smile.
We will miss your insightful discussions. Till we meet again. Rest In Peace, Stephen
It is really sad,to you loss you Mr kaduli,may your soul rest in peace and strengthen your family ameen
RIP dearest Stephen, may the good lord strengthen my sister Sue ,Jonathan & the girls
So sorry to hear of your loss of such an important and beloved colleague. My heart is with the CPJ community today.
CPJ believes in a well-functioning Canadian democracy that promotes public engagement. This includes reforming our electoral system to better reflect voter intentions, establishing clarity on political engagement of charities, and renewing our parliamentary process.
But democracy is more than a quick trip to the polls. After elections, democracy (and citizens with democratic values) cannot take a vacation. It’s important to engage in political activities year-round.
CPJ calls on our members and all citizens to engage in the democratic process. CPJ has long advocated for a system of proportional representation in Canada and has engaged with the electoral system and its implications for politics from the very beginning of its work. CPJ supports Fair Vote Canada in its work to achieve proportional representation in Canada.
CPJ is in favour of electoral reform, working to engage the electoral system and its implications for politics from the very beginning of its work. CPJ believes that introducing proportional representation to our electoral system would make it fairer for the representation of views, respecting the reality of pluralism in Canada.
CPJ has long advocated for a system of proportional representation in Canada. Join the call for the federal government keep its commitment to introducing a proportional representation system for Canada.
Keep up-to-date with the latest news and views from CPJ on democratic reform by reading the articles written by CPJ staff and citing CPJ’s work.
Interested in getting your church engaged in anti-poverty discussions and reflections? Check out a few of CPJ’s resources to continue or initiate the conversation.
Use CPJ’s resources to engage your faith community in reflection and action towards climate justice. These sermons, prayers, hymns, activities, books, and learning resources are centred on responding to God’s call to faithfully support the flourishing of creation.
Want to help your church engage with refugee issues in Canada and beyond? Use these resources to highlight current issues involving refugees today, create discussion points, engage in direct action, and gain a deepened understanding of the Biblical call to welcome the stranger.
CPJ’s song, Let Justice Flow, was written by Doug Romanow for our 30th anniversary in 1993. You can purchase the score here.
To mark the Season of Creation and lend support to Global Climate Action Week, CPJ is hosting aa week-long national prayer chain. Prayers for Creation begins on Friday, September 20 at 12noon and will continue until 4pm on Friday, September 27, 2019. You are invited to commit to an hour of prayer for the flourishing of creation. Please use these sample tweets to let people know that you are participating in Prayers for Creation. Simply click to tweet, or copy and paste the text into your preferred social media.
Refugees just want to take advantage of Canadians’ generous social programs.
Refugees are forced to flee their homes, with some leaving behind good jobs. Most are eager to work but may first have to learn a new language and wait to process their work permit, this can take many months.
Refugees might pose a security risk to Canada.
Refugees flee from violence in search of safety. They go through very rigorous security checks before entering Canada.
Refugees jump the queue over other, more deserving immigrants.
Refugees are forced to flee their homes while economic immigrants have the ability to chose where and when to move. Canada recognizes this by having completely separate programs for refugees and economic immigrants. There is no queue.
Most refugees are in Western countries.
Most of the world’s refugees are in the Global South and only a few are found in Canada and western countries. The countries dealing with the biggest flows of refugees are not western countries, but countries like Pakistan, Iran and Uganda.
There is a border crisis.
There is no border crisis – The number of refugee claimants entering Canada has risen over the past year, but Canada experienced a similar increase in 2001. Most of those crossing the border, come through one place, Roxham Road in Quebec, and declare themselves to Canadian authorities. Security checks are expedited for these claimants, ensuring those who enter in this fashion do not pose a security threat. The government has also increased the capacity of border officials and refugee adjudicators.
Canadian border crossers are illegal.
Irregular entry is not illegal – Asylum seekers have the legal right to cross the border and enter Canada to make a refugee claim. The right to make a refugee claim is protected in Canadian law which builds on it’s international obligations. The Refugee Convention stipulates that no country will return a refugee seeking asylum. Canadian law stipulates that it’s not illegal to cross a border informally, if that person presents themselves to border services without delay. Canadian border crossers are not illegal because they present themselves to border officials. Asylum seekers are crossing irregularly – between ports of entry – but that is not illegal. They are doing so because the Safe Third Country Agreement.
Refugees take jobs from Canadians.
Refugees create jobs and expand the domestic market. Lebanese refugees who came to Nova Scotia in the ’60s and ’70s are now successful business leaders and have created wealth, jobs, and increased tax revenue.
Immigrants don’t take jobs away from Canadians but increase jobs for all by stimulating the economy. They are eager to contribute to building Canada into a prosperous country for all. In fact, as Canada’s birth rate continues to remain low and the aging labour force nears retirement, the integration of immigrants and refugees helps to maintain a stable economy.
Refugee healthcare costs are a burden for Canadians.
The cost of healthcare for refugees and refugee claimants is only a fraction of that of other Canadians. Health care costs are disproportionately for the elderly: the average age of refugees is much lower than of Canadians.
Refugees receive more financial support than pensioners do.
Refugees do not get more financial assistance from the federal government than Canadians pensioners do. Refugees come to Canada in a variety of different ways. Privately sponsored refugees are financially supported by the sponsoring citizens and are not eligible for any social assistance. Government-sponsored refugees will receive only minimal financial support from the federal government for up to one year to meet basic food and shelter costs. Refugee claimants in Canada receive Interim Federal Health, limited legal aid and in some provinces such as Ontario, some social assistance.
Refugee claimants are abusing Canada’s generosity.
Canada has a legal obligation to provide protection to refugees and to respect their rights under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It is not a matter of generosity. Canada has a history and a strong tradition of social justice and human rights.
Canada doesn’t need more immigrants.
Canada depends on immigrants – unlike many other countries, it actively seeks out and recruits economic immigrants. Business groups estimate that if Canada were to close its doors to immigrants, our economy would shrink significantly.
CPJ advocates for a holistic, rights-based suite of federal policy recommendations to alleviate and eradicate poverty in Canada. Our policies are developed in consultation and collaboration with a variety of partners, including those with lived experience of poverty and other forms of expertise in poverty-related issues and human rights.
CPJ’s climate justice positions are rooted in an understanding that our economy, ecology, and society are interdependent. As Canadians of faith we have a responsibility to protect the earth and care for and all of creation.
Canadians take pride in our country’s multiculturalism. To truly embrace it, we need a new approach to how we treat those who seek refuge within our borders. Public justice means enacting policies that promote refugee resettlement and supporting refugees after they arrive in Canada.
Each year, CPJ submits our recommendations for the federal budget to the House of Commons Finance Committee. Once the budget is released, we respond with analysis that outlines the impact of the budget on low-income Canadians, ecological justice, and refugee rights.
CPJ’s public justice framework supports the notion that taxes are an important contribution to the common good. The majority (75%) of Canadians believe taxes are good because they pay for important things that contribute to a positive quality of life.
CPJ is in favour of electoral reform, working to engage the electoral system and its implications for politics from the very beginning of its work. CPJ believes that introducing proportional representation to our electoral system would make it fairer for the representation of views, respecting the reality of pluralism in Canada.
Citizens for Public Justice is excited to host Tony Campolo in Vancouver this winter. Willard Metzger, CPJ’s executive director, will join Tony for an evening exploring “Why Christians should be involved in seeking social justice.” Together, we’ll look at how churches can work towards ending poverty in Canada, seeking climate justice, and protecting refugee rights.Poverty is about bad personal choices.
Poverty is a complex and multifaceted reality. It is rooted in systemic barriers, structural injustice, inequity, and social exclusion. People living in poverty often experience discrimination based on gender, racialization, disability, and other forms of exclusion that prevent full engagement in society. In addition, a weakened social policy foundation leads to rights violations, including a lack of access to safe, affordable housing, healthcare, education, secure employment, healthy food, adequate childcare, and income supports. Indigenous peoples in Canada experience high rates of poverty as part of the enduring and continued legacy of colonization, forced relocation and residential schools, and ongoing racism and intergenerational trauma. People who experience multiple barriers, such as racialized women who are single parents, racialized persons with disabilities, etc. are particularly vulnerable to deep poverty.
Poverty is not a real problem in Canada.
Recent data show that between 3.4 million people or 9.5% of the population (according to the Market Basket Measure, 2017) and 4.6 million people or 12.7% of the population (according to the Low-Income Measure, after tax, 2017) live in poverty in Canada. Though recently declining, child poverty in Canada is still persistent (9% MBM/12.1 % LIM-AT 2017), almost 30 years after the 1989 unanimously supported Parliamentary motion to end child poverty in Canada by the year 2000. This is particularly concerning in Indigenous and racialized communities, that experience higher poverty rates, and which may not be accessing the Canada Child Benefit and other social programs.
The best solution to poverty is a job.
Many people living in poverty are employed. The problem is that the jobs are precarious – they are inadequately waged and are lacking in benefits and security. Many people end up working multiple low-wage jobs that still do not cover essential costs. Others have to choose between precarious work and inadequate social assistance if they cannot find affordable childcare, housing or transit. Still others have challenges finding work that is accessible, which is a barrier to persons with disabilities. In addition, systemic barriers and discrimination mean that some are excluded from employment or cannot work in their fields.
People living in poverty already get enough support.
A broad suite of social programs is essential to support those living in poverty. This includes income security, affordable and safe housing, access to healthcare, secure employment, food security, and affordable, high quality childcare. There have been some improvements recently with the launch of the federal poverty reduction strategy (PRS) and the national housing strategy (both recently legislated). In addition, programs like the fully indexed Canada Child Benefit, the updated Canada Workers Benefit, etc. are having an impact. However, more coordination with all levels of government, including Indigenous governments and communities, is essential to ensure that programs are adequate and responsive to immediate needs. Many regions of Canada are experiencing a housing crisis. Indigenous communities continue to face multiple crises involving access to safe housing, water, education, childcare, healthcare, jobs, etc. And social assistance and disability assistance rates across the country are shamefully inadequate.
A charity response is sufficient to address poverty.
Charitable efforts to support people living in poverty are often very important to meeting immediate needs and also to creating a sense of community and belonging. However, charities are often not able to address the systemic roots of poverty, though many are engaged in advocacy to promote strong social policy. Food bank use has been rising in Canada since 2008, and many cannot continue to operate with increased demand. Food banks do not solve food insecurity, just as shelters do not solve homelessness. A comprehensive approach is needed to address the complexity of poverty.
Poverty is too complicated to eradicate, and any effort would cost too much.
Poverty is complicated, but a comprehensive strategy that involves all levels of government, including Indigenous governments and communities can lead to its eradication. The Dignity for All campaign spent years consulting with anti-poverty, policy, and faith-based groups, as well as academics to develop a model national anti-poverty plan for Canada. The current federal poverty reduction strategy (PRS) requires additional programs, funding, more ambitious targets and timelines, and data analysis to be effective. However, it is now legislated and soon an advisory council will be in place to monitor its progress. As for the cost, poverty already costs Canada billions of dollars, due to increased healthcare needs, social breakdown costs, as well as the costs of a fragmented and inadequate policy responses. A comprehensive, adequately funded strategy can have social and economic benefits.
Poverty does not affect me.
Everyone is affected by poverty. Millions of people in Canada struggle day after day to get by, and this has broad social, cultural, and economic ramifications. However, the important point is that every person has dignity, and our social policy must reflect this. We have a moral obligation to ensure that our society includes everyone and that no one is left to suffer on their own. We all have a role to play in ending poverty in Canada.
Updated on November 22, 2022
The climate has always been changing; what’s happening now is no different.
Climate refers to atmospheric conditions over a long period of time: years to centuries. The climate we experience results from complex chemical, physical, and biological processes that interact with complicated social and political structures. As creatures and citizens of both ecological and political societies, our impact extends to all organisms with whom we share the safe harbor of Earth’s climate. Although earth’s climate has always fluctuated, the rate of climate change has increased dramatically due to human activity as societies have industrialized. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports that Earth’s average surface temperature has increased by roughly 1.1°C since the industrial revolution. (In 2014, they had estimated a rise of about 0.85°C).
Canada’s emissions are a relatively small part of global emissions, so what we do doesn’t really matter.
According to the most recent data available, Canada emits about 1.6 per cent of total global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Though a seemingly small percentage, this puts us among the world’s top ten emitters. We’re also in the global top ten for historic emissions (cumulative emissions since the industrial revolution) and emissions intensity (GHG emissions per unit of gross domestic product-GDP). When it comes to per capita emissions, however, we rank fifth in the world. In other words, Canadians produce more greenhouse gas emissions per person than just about anywhere else is the entire world.
If that weren’t bad enough, both current and historic emissions will contribute to warming for centuries to come. As both a heavy-emitter and a wealthy nation, Canada has a responsibility to play a leadership role in addressing climate change. We also have sufficient resources to invest in emission reduction and alternative energy. In doing so, has the privilege to act as a global role model.
Carbon pricing is an ineffective tax-grab.
Based on the polluter-pays principle, carbon pricing requires that polluters to pay for damages caused to the natural environment by their activities. Carbon pricing internalizes many of the environmen-tal and societal costs related to the production and consumption of goods and services (which prices previously ignored) and adjusts overall prices to reflect the true environmental cost. William Norhaus, the 2018 Nobel Prize winner, champions the effectiveness of carbon pricing; by signalling the carbon intensity of industrial practices, goods, and services to producers and consumers, it incentivizes innovation towards less carbon-intensive choices. In Sweden, for example – the country with the world’s highest carbon price – the economy grew by 60 per cent between 1991 and 2016, while emissions were reduced by 25 per cent.
In order to effectively reduce Canadian GHG emissions, carbon pricing must be part of a larger suite of policies including – but not limited to – direct regulation of the oil and gas sectors in the short and medium term. For carbon pricing to be implemented justly, it must be done in a way that does not place further strain on low-income individuals and households. That means that a portion of carbon pricing revenues should be rebated to people with low-income to mitigate the increased cost of goods and services, while still raising awareness about the cost of consumption.
Climate change is a conspiracy. The science of climate change is unclear.
The work of the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) represents a global scientific consensus. The most recent IPCC report was produced by over 90 climate scientists from 40 countries and consolidates more than 6,000 scientific references. NASA also reports that “multiple studies published in peer-reviewed scientific journals show that 97 per cent or more of actively publishing climate scientists agree [that] climate-warming trends over the past century are extremely likely due to human activities.”
Canada’s economy cannot survive without a thriving fossil fuel sector. Workers need oil and gas jobs in order to support their families.
Canada’s resource-based and carbon-intensive economy has historically experienced cycles of boom and bust as global economic conditions shift and commodity prices rise and fall. The move towards a low-carbon economy offers a tremendous opportunity to rebuild towards a more robust, more sustainable, and healthier future. Despite challenges in the short-term, climate action has the potential to create more diverse well-paying jobs and assist in moving away from the devastating boom and bust pattern.
Studies by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and the International Labour Organization show that dollar-for-dollar investing in renewables and energy efficiency creates more jobs than conventional energy projects. A shift to clean technology development promises tremendous economic and health benefits to Canadians. Research by the Conference Board of Canada highlights Canada’s “competitive edge” in the wind and solar power, energy-efficient turbines, and waste management.
So, while workers do need good jobs to support their families, these need not necessarily be oil and gas jobs.
If everyone does their part to reduce personal and household emissions, we’ll be fine.
Personal, household, and church greening is important to be sure. It reduces carbon emissions and other pollution, lessening the impacts of our lifestyles. Greening also sends market signals to the business community that citizens want sustainably produced goods and services. Similarly, it supports environmentally conscious businesses, providing living models of ecologically sensitive economic development. Finally – and most importantly – individual actions to reduce emissions create psychological changes in how we see our relationship with the Earth and prepare us for the deep social and economic changes that we urgently need to take.
Given the scale of the problem, however, we need a system-level, policy-driven response. In other words, in order to stay within the scientifically determined global temperature limits, government action is imperative.
Larger countries like China and India aren’t taking action, so anything Canada does is irrelevant.
Yes, China leads the world in GHG emissions. It consumes more coal than any other country in the world. At the same time, it is a world leader in solar energy manufacturing and installations (second only to Germany). China has implemented an emissions trading system that sets targets for emission reductions by province since 2020 and has a mandatory renewable energy certificate scheme that sets targets for renewable energy for each province as well. The market share of electric vehicles in China is, as of 2022 13.3% compared to 3.5% in Canada.
And India? India is among just a handful of countries around the world that have climate and energy policies that are compatible with the Paris temperature targets of 1.5 – 2 C of warming! Investments in renewable energy have now surpassed investments in fossil fuels, putting India on the leading edge of renewable energy. They are also on track to hit targets for non-fossil power years ahead of schedule. Unfortunately, coal remains heavily subsidized and though the coal tax has been doubled three times since 2010, it still sits at a meagre US$3.2 per tonne.
The individual strengths and weaknesses of these highly populated countries must also be contextualized historically. Because of our historically high emissions, Canada now owes a debt to the rest of the world. Neither China, nor India, to say nothing of the majority of the Global South carry such a debt.
Finally, given that we share one planet, and one atmosphere, holding out and waiting for others to lead only serves to aggravate the crisis we collectively face. Canada should be a leader in climate policy, not a follower.
If global warming were real, it wouldn’t still be so cold.
The weather, as we experience it in our day-to-day living, is the condition of the atmosphere over a short period of time (illustrated by the small grey circles on the graph below). By contrast, the climate is the average weather of a place over many years (illustrated by the solid black line).
One of the characteristics of climate change is more extreme weather events – floods, fires, storms – that are often related to both extreme heat and extreme cold. The key is how temperatures (and the weather more broadly) fluctuate over time. In this regard, the average is undoubtedly on the rise.
Climate change is a future problem that will only impact far away places.
Climate change is happening here, and it is happening now. The April 2019 report, “Canada’s Changing Climate” identified a striking range of impacts already being experienced in Canada – particularly in the far north and along coastal regions. Namely, , more snow and rain in winter, glacial melt, flood risks, and seasonal shifts. It is also clear that no part of the country is immune to climate impacts. A warmer climate will “increase the severity of heatwaves and contribute to increased drought and wildfire risks.” At the same time “more intense rainfalls will increase urban flood risks.”
Climate change is a partisan issue.
Neither Elections Canada, nor the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) define climate science as a partisan issue.
According to the CRA, “A charity may carry out [public policy dialogue and development activities] that support or oppose a law, policy, or decision of government that a political party or candidate also supports or opposes. A charity can do this at any time, inside or outside of an election period, as long as in doing so the charity does not refer to or otherwise identify the political party or candidate.”
Under the Elections Act, Elections Canada, regulates both “partisan advertising”, and “issue-based election advertising.” Partisan advertising is explicitly aimed at promoting or opposing a party or candidate; issue-based advertising refers to “the transmission of a message to the public during an election period that takes a position on an issue with which a candidate or registered party is associated, without identifying the candidate or party in any way.”
As Canadians, we are part of the problem of climate change. As people of faith, we can be part of the solution. God calls us to love and care for all the Earth. To respond to the human and ecological devastation of climate change with love and justice.
CPJ is an active member of For the Love of Creation: a faith-based climate justice initiative that unites 35 national churches, Catholic religious orders, and faith-based organizations under a single banner.
The FLC faith-in-action campaign (that was set to run until October 4, 2021) has been put on hold due to the September 20 federal election. Nevertheless, we encourage everyone to take action to reduce GHG emissions, engage in acts of solidarity with justice-seeking communities, and participate in the critical dialogue about Canada’s role in addressing climate change. Educational events are being planned over the coming weeks and we are also looking forward to the United Nations Climate Change conference (COP26) taking plan in November.
If you would like to engage more deeply in the process, please consider applying to be a member of the COP 26 Virtual Ecumenical Delegation.
Take Action!
Dignity. Everyone living in Canada should have confidence that their human rights are respected and that they can live their life with dignity. Children must have the freedom to enjoy all the opportunities of a safe, healthy childhood with access to culturally appropriate education, health care, and homes. No child should have to wonder whether they’ll have food to eat, a safe place to sleep, or whether their feelings, thoughts, and dreams matter. As they grow to be adults, they must have opportunities that build confidence to face the challenges of life, knowing that they won’t be refused service or turned away from a job, an apartment, or any public space, based on socio-economic status, race (including Indigeneity), gender, immigration status, sexual orientation, or (dis)ability. Everyone, young and old, should feel they are part of a community, take pride in their accomplishments, and know that they are valued as a person.
At the heart of ending poverty in Canada is upholding this inherent value, rights, and dignity of every person-each created in the image of God-regardless of their social position or how much they “contribute” to the economy. To date, Canada has committed to reducing poverty by 50 per cent (compared to 2015) by 2030, but the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) call on governments to “end poverty in all its forms everywhere.” Poverty is itself created and sustained by systems that deny the rights and dignity of people and communities; in order to build a new future, we need new systems.
Social Inclusion. Black, Indigenous and people of colour are equal members of society. They, along with women, newcomers, members of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community, youth and the elderly, and people living with disabilities, should have the same opportunities and enjoy the same rights and well-being as White, cis-gendered, straight, working-aged, able-bodied folks. Systemic barriers, prejudice, and racism must become a thing of the past. It is essential that communities, workplaces, social institutions, and governments honour the diversity and contributions of all members of Canadian society and uphold their socio-economic and cultural rights.
Equity. Canada is a country with great wealth and resources. Our federal policies, programs, and tax system must work in tandem to ensure a more equitable distribution of wealth and well-being among people in Canada. Critical investments are needed for universally-accessible social programs, affordable housing, and other infrastructure. These should be financed via progressive tax policies that contain corporate and individual accountability measures. Canadians for Tax Fairness estimates that a four per cent increase in federal tax on personal wealth over $750,000 alone would yield $1 billion annually.
Governments, civil society, and the private sector must all cooperate in building a just future. This includes upholding minimum standards based in human rights and operating according to principles that are both environmentally and economically sustainable.
Democratic Participation. Confidence and participation in our electoral system are essential facets of a functioning democracy. While opportunities to engage in the democratic process abound year-round, elections serve as a unique moment to reflect and propel the changes we need to create a more just society.
In our current “winner takes all” system, voters who cast their ballots for unsuccessful candidates or parties can often feel like their perspectives go unheard. A system of proportional representation could combat feelings of disillusionment, ensure that all voices are heard-including individuals experiencing poverty, Indigenous Peoples, and others disproportionately marginalized-and guarantee that every vote counts.
Democratic reform has the potential to reignite political engagement by better reflecting the preferences of all voters.
Indigenous rights and reconciliation. First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people should be celebrated both as the First Peoples of this nation and as caretakers and knowledge keepers since time immemorial. It is critical that the inherent human rights and also treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people and communities be honoured and upheld in all laws, policies, and practices across sectors and jurisdictions. Just like Western science, Indigenous experiences and ways of knowing must also be recognized and valued throughout policy development, implementation, and evaluation.
The well-being of Indigenous Peoples must be considered a national priority, closing the gap in health and socio-economic outcomes of Indigenous and settler populations. Specifically, this should include an end to all boil water advisories and disproportionate rates of incarceration, violence, and child apprehensions, as well as measures to ensure access to healthy, culturally appropriate food; quality education; training and employment opportunities; and affordable and appropriate housing in Indigenous communities so people aren’t forced to leave.
Indigenous Peoples must have access to traditional lands and waters, exercising the right to free, prior, and informed consent over the use of these territories. It is paramount that Indigenous nations are respected as sovereign, equal partners in the nation-to-nation relationship with the Government of Canada and that treaty rights be honoured.
Building on the passage of the “United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act” in June 2021, it is imperative that the Government of Canada follow through on its previous commitment to enact the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 Agenda, the Truth and Reconciliation Commisson’s calls to action, and the calls to justice of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
A Welcome Home. Newcomers to Canada must be welcomed as equals, with respect for their human rights, culture, knowledge, and experience. Detainment and separation must be replaced with supports conducive to a sense of safety and opportunities for socio-economic security, including safe and affordable housing. Reuniting families would be made a priority.
Newcomers should have access to good, secure employment, as well as supports for those outside the workforce. Opportunities should be provided (with the necessary supports) to learn English or French. Education and professional credentials obtained internationally should be recognized and supports to bridge any gaps with Canadian certification requirements should be provided. Broader Canadian society must recognize and honour the contributions of refugees, refugee claimants, temporary foreign workers, and immigrants. Access to services and benefits should not be tied to immigration status. Everyone-but especially political leaders-would recognize the essential nature of immigration in addressing labour shortages, rebuilding the economy, and assisting in paying off our national debt.
Climate stability. An honest response to the rapidly accelerating impacts of the global climate crisis requires governments, industry, and society at large to respond ambitiously to the scientific imperative of reducing GHG emissions and a compassionate but expedient phasing out of the fossil fuel sector. The interruption to “business as usual” of the COVID-19 pandemic has made space to consider creative, strategic alternatives aligned with a decarbonized future.
This does not mean turning our backs on workers-quite the contrary. The way forward requires significant investment in a fulsome, just transition to a more equitable and sustainable economy: one that upholds the rights of Indigenous Peoples, integrates racialized and disabled people, AND that includes funding for skills development, retraining programs, clean infrastructure and industrial development, as well as early retirement options to guarantee the livelihoods and well-being of former fossil fuel workers. In other words, a just transition to a green economy that supports all people and all of creation.
Canadian climate action must also recognize our responsibility for our historic emissions and the harm that has been caused internationally. Rapid decarbonization could serve to lessen the potential of extreme weather events, but a lot of damage has already been done.
As part of its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, the Government of Canada set out to: “Demonstrate leadership, at home and abroad, in shaping a sustainable and resilient future that promotes prosperity, partnership, peace, people and the planet, while ensuring that no one is left behind.” Let it be so.
CPJ offers engaging resources that encourage faith communities to reflect and take action towards ecological justice.
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Sermons and small group studies can help foster healthy dialogue about the causes and consequences of climate change. Please note that the sermons included below were first written ahead of 2015 United Nations climate talks in Paris, but many of the themes explored remain relevant today.
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If you’d like help, CPJ is available to speak in churches. We can join you in person or via Zoom – keeping things carbon neutral – to offer prayers, a workshop, or a climate justice homily.
Contact Karri Munn-Venn at karri@cpj.ca or 613-232-0275, x. 223 to make arrangements.
Please, pray and act for climate justice – and engage your faith community in the same! We hope that these materials will serve as a guide as you express gratitude for the gift of creation, pray for those impacted by climate change, and also to pray for the leaders charged with making the policies that will shape our future.
Wondering what on earth we’re doing? Looking for an inspiring, relevant, and practical resource on ecological justice?
Living Ecological Justice: A Biblical Response to the Environmental Crisis is a faith-based learning tool for Canadian Christians trying to live out the justice mandate to care and advocate for creation. It follows on the successful Living Justice, which was praised for being both inspiring and usable.
The book is organized around three themes: Protecting What We Love, The Biblical Case for Creation Advocacy, and Towards Abundant Life for All Creation.
When the last federal election was called in 2019, no one could have imagined the events that would define the next two years:
The strain placed on our society, economy, and ecology by the COVID-19 pandemic revealed several overlapping crises. At the same time, it demonstrated the political machinery’s capacity to respond swiftly, compassionately, and collaboratively in the face of an emergency.
Though the potential impact of a fourth wave is uncertain, a majority of Canada’s adolescent and adult population has been fully vaccinated (73.3 per cent as of August 18). Most jurisdictions in Canada are several phases into their reopening plans, and many are feeling like life is getting back to normal.
Unfortunately, for far too many in Canada, a return to “normal” means a daily struggle to afford basic needs and have fundamental human rights respected.
Are you looking for more ways to get involved? Visit our events page for information and registration details for our pre-election events.
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The 2019 federal election will present a fresh opportunity for people across Canada to shape the kind of country we want to be.
As we prepare to cast our votes, it’s essential we consider the collective interests of fellow citizens and non-citizens, as well as those beyond our nation’s borders.
Coupled with the privilege of exercising our democratic rights is a duty to care for others. At Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ), we believe this is a responsibility particularly for people of faith, who are called to love those around us. We view public justice as the “political dimension of loving our neighbour.”
As we engage with people across the country throughout the election period, we’ve prepared this election bulletin to help you participate in the political process in a meaningful way. We hope that in this time of increased division, voters will continue to keep in mind the common good.
Through informed and thoughtful political engagement, we will help to define the Canada of tomorrow.
Participating in Democracy READ MORE Ensuring Climate Justice READ MORE Ending Poverty in Canada READ MORE Upholding Refugee Rights READ MORE
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Each year, on October 17, people across Canada gathered in their communities for Chew on This! an annual event to mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
Engage in CPJ’s climate justice calls to action and campaigns. As an expression of love for God’s awesome creation, tell your MP that you, as a person of faith, want meaningful climate action – consistent with the principles of the Paris Agreement – to reduce GHG emissions and address climate change.
Use our advocacy resources to call for just refugee policies in Canada, including an end to the Safe Third Country Agreement between Canada and the U.S. and the removal of travel loan repayment for resettled refugees.
CPJ has long advocated for a system of proportional representation in Canada. Join the call for the federal government keep its commitment to introducing a proportional representation system for Canada.
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CPJ staff are available for speaking at events, workshops, and meetings of your organization, church, school, or community group. Please contact us for more information at cpj@cpj.ca, or 613-232-0275, using the extensions listed below.
For donations, contact Michael at donations@cpj.ca or 613-232-0275 ext. 230.
For media inquiries, email Maryo at media@cpj.ca.
“The Intern Exchange” is CPJ’s inaugural podcast where our interns share opinions, stories, and policy recommendations on issues they are personally passionate about!
Episodes include discussions on intersectionality, climate justice, and refugee rights.
Hosted by Keira Kang.
In the lead-up to Canada’s 2019 federal election, the Dignity for All (DfA) campaign sat down with experts across the country to explore a comprehensive set of policy changes.
Over a 6-session series, we tackled a comprehensive set of issues, including early childhood education care, health, income and food security, jobs and employment, and housing and homelessness.
Hosted by Michèle Biss.
Democratic participation is highlighted around election time, yet the opportunity to engage in the democratic process exists year-round.
Citizens are entitled to voice their concerns and to have these concerns heard. As people of faith, we recognize that the tools of democracy allow us to care for the needs of our neighbours.
To be active and engaged citizens, we should remain informed about policy developments by staying up-to-date with news, contacting leaders in government about topics of concern, and engaging respectfully with those in our communities – especially with those who hold differing views from our own.
Along with our benefits as citizens is the responsibility to leverage our positions so that the interests of the marginalized are considered and upheld. It’s also our responsibility to make sure we are tuned-in to current events throughout the year so that we can discern fact from fiction and be informed voters come election day.
Healthy democracies require strong participation alongside solid representation. In our current first-past-the-post system, not all the votes that are cast are reflected in the political breakdown of elected representatives.
Although the call for electoral reform created momentum for change in the 2015 federal election, little movement has been made to strengthen the integrity of Canada’s democracy.
To develop public policies, adequate time, consideration, and public consultation must be undertaken to maintain democratic integrity.
Despite this, concurrent governments have continued to pass bills with multiple policy changes, known as omnibus bills. These changes often lack the necessary consideration of public interest. Elected officials must know that voters expect better.
We need thought-out policymaking processes that implement true public dialogue.
Widespread misinformation in online spaces has raised concern over the integrity of democracies around the world. Thankfully, the Canadian government has taken some proactive steps to counter the threat of foreign interference and the spread of false information in the upcoming election.
Through the creation of the Security and Intelligence Threats to Elections (SITE) Task Force, the government aims to identify and respond to incidents of foreign interference in Canada’s democratic process. SITE will work to: enhance citizen preparedness, improve coordination across government departments, monitor foreign actors, and call for greater accountability from social media platforms.
Still, as at all times during the year, it’s important that voters be aware of the validity of the content they consume online in the lead-up to the 2019 federal election. While it’s not possible to prevent all sources of media manipulation, and while not all false information is malicious or intentional, people can avoid pitfalls by exercising caution in online spaces.
Some good practices when engaging online include: reading articles before sharing them, taking time to look up the websites, publications, or individuals from whom information originates, engaging with a variety of perspectives and news channels, and verifying claims against official political party platforms and public statements.
Voters should be critical of news that comes from unknown media outlets, that lacks legitimate or verified sources, as well as information that is inflammatory or that aims to elicit strong emotional responses.
Rather than dismiss or distrust news outlets outright, remember that journalism serves an essential role in the health of our democracy, and we each have a role to play in advancing media literacy.
Polarization is on the rise in democracies around the world. Fear of “the other,” or xenophobia, often motivates politicians and voters alike to move towards exclusionary and isolated politics.
In our current social media landscape, it’s easy to exist in echo chambers that drive people further and further away from one another.
But, as people of faith, it is imperative that we resist the urge to “other” those around us. We do not live in a world of “us” versus “them,” but rather, in a shared community on a shared planet.
The Bible implores us to love one another, which means loving those with whom we disagree just as much as we are to love those that think and vote like us.
In a climate of increased polarization, let’s reject the politics of division, fear, and name-calling, and instead recognize that respectful dialogue, even when holding opposing viewpoints, is indeed how we are called to live as people of faith.
Published books by CPJ staff and partners related to justice, faith, and Canadian public policy.
Canadian churches have made a huge impact on key justice issues over the past 50 years on education, economics, refugee sponsorship, the environment, domestic violence, public health care, women’s rights, and the cancellation of the debts of Global South countries.
A new book from Joe Gunn features interviews with ten key people who have been active in social justice struggles across Canada for many years. How did Christians from varied ecumenical backgrounds work together to help end apartheid, admit refugees from Chile and Indochina, defend Indigenous Peoples’ rights, promote economic justice, and more?
Wondering what on earth we’re doing? Looking for an inspiring, relevant, and practical resource on ecological justice?
Living Ecological Justice: A Biblical Response to the Environmental Crisis is a faith-based learning tool for Canadian Christians trying to live out the justice mandate to care and advocate for creation. It follows on the successful Living Justice, which was praised for being both inspiring and usable.
The book is organized around three themes: Protecting What We Love, The Biblical Case for Creation Advocacy, and Towards Abundant Life for All Creation.
Looking for a resource to discuss, reflect, and take action on poverty in your community?
Living Justice: A Gospel Response to Poverty is a book for Christian faith communities trying to live out the justice mandate to love the stranger, the widow, and the orphan, and to seek just relations within society. It is a resource for people interested in learning more about the situation of poverty in Canada, exploring the Christian call to respond, and searching for ways to engage and create change. It includes reflections, discussion questions, activities, and prayers that will provide insight into the situation of poverty in Canada, the challenges and opportunities we face as a society, and actions that we, as Christians, can take.
The Advent of Justice was first published in 1993 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the CJL Foundation and Citizens for Public Justice CPJ. Responding to God’s call for love, justice, and stewardship, the CJL Foundation and CPJ have been at the forefront of research and advocacy in areas such as poverty and unemployment, economics, and social justice, aboriginal rights, refugees, energy policy and the environment.
The republication of The Advent of Justice by Wipf and Stock Publishers celebrates more than 50 years of faithful witness for justice by CJL and CPJ.
To mark the Season of Creation and lend support to Global Climate Action Week, CPJ hosted a week-long national prayer chain. Prayers for Creation began on Friday, September 20 and continued through Friday, September 27, 2019. People across Canada prayed, an hour at a time, alone and in community. Here are some of the prayers they shared:
“Thank you for the invitation to join with many others in this hour of prayer for Creation. On Thursday evening, Sept. 19, I had joined an ecumenical group of people for an Akathist Prayer Service hosted by our Ukrainian Catholic Church in Saskatoon. It is a beautiful prayer of praise and thanksgiving. I spent the first 15 minutes slowly praying this prayer. Then I prayed Sr. Marlene Kelly’s prayers of intercession received from your CPJ email and other intercessory prayers found on websites. I practice centering prayer twice a day so, spent the last 15 minutes of my hour resting in the silence.” –Anonymous
“My hour of prayer for climate justice and creation was from 5-6pm on Friday Sept 20th in London, ON.
I spent it walking my dog in nature, on our daily trail. My faithful friends and I call the woods our church, our place of worship (amongst others) because it is like Mother Nature’s outdoor cathedral. It is an environmentally sensitive area (ESA) but already developers have encroached upon the surrounding land, tragically typical of the ongoing and insatiable onslaught of climate INjusticessecondary to ‘capitalism’ and ‘progress.’
For as long as the remainder of this forest is preserved, I can walk and pray to God about the peace, beauty and perfection of Creation (as exemplified by the woods), and express gratitude for this piece of heaven I get to ground myself in every day. I have been praying for years in these woods, especially for them to be preserved, so I have been inadvertently praying for climate justice all that time and didn’t even know it.” — kelly
“My family usually prays at 5:30 as a daily prayer, but on this day we will extend our prayer from 5:30-6:30 to pray for a better world, clean air and water for our kids. As a Muslim, it is in our scripture to take care of God’s creation which includes the very thing humans were created from which is soil.” — Halima
“I’m praying for creation this September because climate change is affecting people I care about. From Puerto Rico to the Bahamas to Bangladesh, lives are being lost, people are suffering, climate refugees are fleeing. God help us manage your gift, creation, in a way that allows the children of the world to thrive.” — SharonSummer 2020 – Vol. 43, No. 2
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We are saddened to inform you that Stephen passed away on April 15, 2021.
CPJ, along with Stephen’s family, wish to honour his dedication and passion for refugee rights by establishing a permanent fund to help enhance and deepen CPJ’s refugee work. To make a donation, visit The Stephen Kaduuli Memorial Refugee Rights Fund.Canada is a world leader in immigration and refugee intake. In 1986, the people of Canada were awarded the UN’s Nansen Refugee Award for their outstanding service to the cause of refugees. Canada’s private sponsorship of refugees program has been benchmarked and emulated by several countries including Australia, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
Yet there is much work to be done to ensure that refugees rights and fully respected in Canada, and around the world.
CPJ conducts policy analysis and public justice framing on a range of refugee rights issues to educate the public-especially churches-on the ever-changing landscape of refugee legislation in Canada. Through high quality research, policy monitoring, and publishing, we bring attention to the impact of legislative change on refugees and claimants, and on the groups that privately sponsor them to come to Canada.
We speak out against policies that disregard the rights and pre-migration experiences of refugees and newcomers to Canada. We also engage with parliamentarians to bring a public justice and human rights framework to the issues. CPJ communicates our analysis and framing through public presentations, writing, advocacy and workshops to audiences ranging from public officials, to the media, leaders in church and society and CPJ supporters.
With Reclaiming Protection, CPJ called for an overhaul to the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA), a policy that allows the Canada Border Services Agency to refuse most refugee claims made at the Canada-U.S. border. By rescinding the policy, Canada can better uphold its international obligations to refugees, as well as the rights of refugees to receive due process. In 2020, we collaborated with STAND-Canada to release Slamming the Door, a report on the legal challenges to the STCA and the overall US-Canada diplomatic relations.
In April 2017, CPJ released A Half Welcome, our report on private sponsorship issues in Canada which highlights refugee sponsorship agreements holders’ top concerns with federal government policy. In 2020, CPJ published Continuing Welcome: A Progress Report on A Half Welcome. It tracked progress on these concerns and ongoing gaps in Canada’s refugee sponsorship program.
CPJ provides timely analysis and research on refugee rights. CPJ is a member of the Canadian Council for Refugees, a national umbrella organization committed to the rights and protection of refugees and other vulnerable migrants in Canada.
CPJ conducts research a range of issues that explore the ever-changing landscape of refugee policy in Canada. Our research highlights the concerns of refugees, advocates, and sponsorship agreements holders in Canada.
Canadians take pride in our country’s multiculturalism. To truly embrace it, we need a new approach to how we treat those who seek refuge within our borders. Public justice means enacting policies that promote refugee resettlement and supporting refugees after they arrive in Canada.
Want to help your church engage with refugee issues in Canada and beyond? Use these resources to highlight current issues involving refugees today, create discussion points, engage in direct action, and gain a deepened understanding of the Biblical call to welcome the stranger.
CPJ and the Christian Reformed Centre for Public Dialogue have prepared an online action to support the recommendations in Continuing Welcome. Join us in encouraging Canada to continue deepening its commitment to welcoming refugees.
Keep up-to-date with the latest news and views from CPJ on refugee rights by reading the articles written by CPJ staff and citing CPJ’s work.
October 17 is the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Each year, CPJ co-leads the Chew on This! campaign, mobilizing people from across the country to call for ambitious federal action to end poverty in Canada.
With the legislation of the Poverty Reduction Act in 2019, the Government of Canada committed to a poverty reduction target of 50% of 2015 levels by the year 2030. Chew on This! organizers want to know, who are the 50% that will be included? Who are the 50% that will remain in poverty?
We can’t end poverty without ending inequity. This year, join CPJ and Chew on This! organizers across the country, calling on MPs and Senators of all political stripes to sign our pledge committing to establish specific targets and timelines to ensure our anti-poverty efforts are effective and equitable.
A biblical perspective on poverty must start with the recognition that all people are created in the image of God. Our love for God compels us to honour our neighbours’ inherent dignity and share in God’s work for justice and freedom from oppression.
In Canada, an estimated 5.9 million people live below the low-income level. Compared to other developed countries, Canada ranks 20th out of 34 OECD countries. Canada has the tools and resources to create positive, measurable change to put us on a path to poverty eradication. Recent progress – specifically on children’s and seniors’ poverty – confirms this capacity. Current initiatives, however, don’t go far enough to address existing needs, nor have they adequately reformed our systems to address the underlying causes of poverty and inequity.
CPJ works to research, develop, and advance federal policy measures that are intersectional, holistic, and based in human rights (consistent with our belief that all are created in the image of God). To do this, we collaborate with a wide range of partners across the country, centering the voices of people with lived experience of poverty and other forms of systemic oppression. Our policy work includes recommendations on measures of poverty, income security, housing, childcare, food security, health, tax fairness, jobs and training, and more. We also advocate for meaningful consultation and accountability mechanisms to ensure that people with lived experience of poverty are engaged in the design, implementation, and monitoring of federal policies and to ensure that governments are held responsible for their actions.
CPJ co-leads Dignity for All: The campaign for a poverty-free Canada, a non-partisan initiative calling for comprehensive, cross-sector solutions to poverty based in human rights. Our annual “Chew on This!“ campaign takes place on October 17, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, engaging people from coast-to-coast-to coast in calling for ambitious federal action to end poverty in Canada.
CPJ is also a member the National Steering Committee of Campaign 2000 and sits on an advisory group for the Canadian Poverty Institute. We were instrumental in bringing together the Interfaith Declaration on Poverty in Canada.
In 2012, CPJ helped establish the All-Party Anti-Poverty Caucus, a group of MPs and Senators who work across party lines to develop and promote policies for a more equitable Canada.
August 2018 saw an important win for CPJ and Dignity for All when the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development launched Opportunity for All, Canada’s first federal poverty reduction strategy. However, more work is required to strengthen the strategy.
CPJ continues to call for a stronger federal strategy that includes increased funding and accountability mechanisms. We engage regularly with the federal government alongside partner organizations and individuals with lived experience of poverty to ensure that implementation is timely, informed by meaningful consultation, and moves toward the ultimate goal of poverty eradication in Canada.
Every October, CPJ releases our report on poverty in Canada. It highlights the unequal effects of poverty on racialized people, single-parent families, single seniors and adults, children, persons with disabilities, and Indigenous peoples. We also report on poverty rates of provinces, territories, and communities across Canada.
In a country as wealthy as ours, 5.8 million people struggle to make ends meet: to pay their rent, feed their families, and address basic needs. CPJ and the Dignity for All campaign are calling for a national plan to end poverty in Canada.
Interested in getting your church engaged in anti-poverty discussions and reflections? Check out a few of CPJ’s resources to continue or initiate the conversation.
Each year, on October 17, people across Canada gathered in their communities for Chew on This! an annual event to mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
Keep up-to-date with the latest news and views from CPJ on poverty in Canada by reading the articles written by CPJ staff and citing CPJ’s work.
To the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change Our Earth is suffering. Natural systems are shifting, plant species are vulnerable, too many animals are at risk of extinction, and humans (especially in Northern communities and the Global South) are losing their lives and livelihoods to environmental degradation and disasters. Entire ecosystems, communities, and nations are struggling to survive. The global climate crisis is rooted in the same colonial systems and structures of exploitation and racism that shaped Canada’s history and continue to harm Indigenous Peoples today. To move forward in a good way, we must prioritize Indigenous autonomy, transform our economic and social structures, and create space for the voices of those who have been traditionally marginalized and continue to be particularly vulnerable to the climate crisis. During the season of Lent, I will Give it up for the Earth! by taking action to reduce my personal greenhouse gas emissions. Recognizing that honouring Indigenous rights is at the core of achieving climate justice, I am also committed to learning about and building relationships with the Indigenous communities on whose traditional territory I live, work, and play. But personal action is not enough. It is essential that Canada’s new climate plan include measures sufficient to meet and exceed our emissions reduction commitments, while also—as named in your mandate letter—promoting equity, resilience, and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. In recent years, the Government of Canada has taken important steps towards honouring Indigenous rights, reducing emissions, and effectively addressing the climate crisis. You have also committed to end subsidies to the fossil fuel sector by 2023. Yet we are far from achieving the Paris Agreement temperature goals. Mr. Minister, Canada needs to Give it up for the Earth! Will you follow-through on existing climate action commitments and also legislate a just transition that dismantles systems of oppression and inequality by centering Indigenous rights; promotes fairness and inclusion; and creates good, secure, green jobs? For the Love of Creation,Give it up for the Earth! is CPJ's annual Lenten faith-in-action climate campaign. CPJ is a proud member of the faith-based climate justice initiative, For the Love of Creation (FLC). We thank FLC for their collaboration. We also extend our thanks to the members of our climate advisory committee, whose insights and experience were instrumental in shaping this campaign. All letters submitted will be delivered to Ministers Guilbeault, Freeland, Wilkinson, and Miller, as well as the signatory’s Member of Parliament.
CPJ is pleased to be part of the For the Love of Creation leadership team.
For the Love of Creation – A Faith-based Initiative for Climate Justice is a collaboration of Canadian churches and organizations coming together on a journey of reflection, dialogue, discernment, advocacy, and action on the issue of climate change.
We aim to engage people individually and in community, as congregations and organizations, all across the country in a climate conversation centred on three themes:
For the Love of Creation was launched on April 22, 2020, to mark the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Read the launch statement and encourage your faith community to participate.
The biblical foundations for creation care unite spirituality with scientific, ecological, and political insights. Through a sense of wonder with creation, we are invited to seek God’s will for a flourishing ecological community. In the face of climate change, this need has never been more urgent.
Climate change is accelerating the extinction rate of plant and animal species, causing Northern glaciers to melt, and speeding up sea level rises. As a result, we are now witnessing global conflicts over natural resources, threats to agrarian and fisheries-based livelihoods, large-scale migration, poverty, and famine. Climate change also has disproportionately devastating impacts on low-income and marginalized people.
CPJ plays a crucial role in urging the governments in Canada to adopt better climate change policy. Through research, analysis, partnerships, and government engagement, we raise awareness about the urgent need for action. We often work with church and denominational groups to help them better engage in advocacy on climate justice. CPJ provides timely political analysis that is often referenced in the media and utilized by community groups across Canada.
With this vision in mind, CPJ regularly meets with parliamentarians to provide input on climate justice policies and legislation. CPJ is a member of Climate Action Network Canada, a coalition comprised of more than 100 organizations from across the country working together to advance solutions to managing our carbon pollution through sustainable and equitable development.
In 2013, we published Living Ecological Justice: A Biblical Response to the Environmental Crisis, a learning tool and action guide for Christians in Canada. It includes reflections from Christian traditions and offers discussion questions, small-group activities and prayers for people who desire to advocate for creation.
In 2017, CPJ launched, Give it up for the Earth!, an annual Lenten faith-in-action campaign. It is centred on a postcard with a pledge to individual climate action and a call for more far-reaching national climate policy. Give it up for the Earth! signaled to the government that global citizens – especially Christians living in Canada – are committed to making lifestyle changes in order to reduce our GHG emissions and that we want our government to match and exceed these actions with policy changes that will move us further and faster towards international climate change goals.
Then to mark the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, together with Canadian churches and faith-based organizations, we launched For the Love of Creation – A Faith-based Initiative for Climate Justice on April 22, 2020. For the Love of Creation is a journey of reflection, dialogue, discernment, advocacy, and action on the issue of climate change. We are working together to build healthy, resilient communities, and a better future for all beings in Creation. CPJ is pleased to serve as part of the leadership team.
Earth’s average surface temperature has increased by over 0.85°C since the industrial revolution. This is concerning because although earth’s climate has always fluctuated, the rate of climate change has increased dramatically due to human activity as societies have industrialized.
CPJ’s climate justice positions are rooted in an understanding that our economy, ecology, and society are interdependent. As Canadians of faith we have a responsibility to protect the earth and care for and all of creation.
Use CPJ’s resources to engage your faith community in reflection and action towards climate justice. These sermons, prayers, hymns, activities, books, and learning resources are centred on responding to God’s call to faithfully support the flourishing of creation.
Engage in CPJ’s climate justice calls to action and campaigns. As an expression of love for God’s awesome creation, tell your MP that you, as a person of faith, want meaningful climate action – consistent with the principles of the Paris Agreement – to reduce GHG emissions and address climate change.
Keep up-to-date with the latest news and views from CPJ on climate justice by reading the articles written by CPJ staff and citing CPJ’s work.
Winter 2019 – Vol. 42, No. 3 Download (PDF)Before the pandemic even started, 1 in 8 households in Canada were struggling to put food on the table. 5.9 million people were estimated to be living in poverty. While data for the most recent years is limited, we know that poverty and precarity have been exacerbated by COVID-19.
Poverty is a complex and multifaceted reality. Far from simply “falling on hard times”, millions of people living in poverty face multiple compounding systemic barriers based on their class, race or ethnicity (including Indigeneity), gender identity and sexual orientation, (dis)ability, age, family status, immigration status, and other forms of exclusion. This results in disproportionately high rates of poverty and disproportionately low levels of well-being among certain groups whose rights and interests are not prioritized or upheld by our current systems. For example, Indigenous Peoples in Canada experience disproportionately high rates of poverty as part of the enduring and continued legacy of colonization, forced relocation, and residential schools, as well as ongoing racism, violence, and intergenerational trauma.
Our existing laws and social policies create multiple, overlapping barriers for many people, such as kids with disabilities living in rural and remote areas, or a racialized single mom newly arrived in Canada with precarious immigration status. This challenges the narrative of Canada as a welcoming, inclusive society where all have equal opportunity to thrive, a Canada that champions human rights and equality.
Canadians also like to think of our country as a welcoming place for those fleeing war, violence, civil unrest, and persecution. Each year, millions of people leave family and friends, the lands they love, good jobs, and their material belongings in search of safety. When they finally arrive in Canada, many-especially those that enter the country at “irregular” crossings-are detained in prison-like conditions. Most refugees are eager to work when they arrive in their new home, but may first have to learn a new language and wait to process their work permit, which can take many months. Their education, professional credentials, and experience may not be recognized. They are also likely to face discrimination based on their language, ethnicity, or religion. These and other barriers to workforce entry often exacerbate the economic insecurity of refugee families. Canada must strive for real inclusion and opportunity for newcomers. We must also do our part to reduce the likelihood that people will be forced to leave their homes in the first place.
Increasingly, climate change is a driver of international migration. As of 2020, there were 82.4 million forcibly displaced people globally. Of these, 20.7 million are recognized as refugees by the United Nation Refugee Agency (UNHCR). According to the UNHCR’s 2020 Report, “In 2020 alone, disasters triggered 30.7 million new internal displacements around the globe… This is the highest figure in a decade and more than three times as much as the 9.8 million displacements triggered by conflict and violence.” The same report noted that “95 per cent of all conflict displacements in 2020 occurred in countries vulnerable or highly vulnerable to climate change.” Climate-related displacement and migration will continue to be a challenge for years to come and it is critical that Canada bases our response in human rights and acknowledges responsibility for our historic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
According to the most recent data available, Canada emits about 1.5 per cent of total global GHG emissions. Though a seemingly small percentage, this puts us among the world’s top ten emitters. It must also be remembered that these numbers don’t capture the emissions from all of the “stuff” that we import into Canada (China holds the bag for most of that). We’re also in the global top ten for historic emissions (cumulative emissions since the industrial revolution) and emissions intensity (GHG emissions per unit of gross domestic product-GDP). In other words, we bear significant responsibility for the climate crisis.
Now, in addition to the persistent impacts of rising temperatures in the Global South, the Arctic, and low-lying small-island states, the ravages of the global climate emergency are being more acutely felt across Canada. This summer’s “wildfire season” started early and has brought devastation across the country. The fire that destroyed the village of Lytton, BC and surrounding First Nations communities on June 30, continued to burn seven weeks later (when this bulletin was published). At the same time, thousands of people from remote Indigenous communities were being evacuated as fires also raged in northern Ontario and Manitoba.
Additionally, Indigenous homelands located in what is now Canada face continued threats from federal, provincial, and territorial government projects as well as corporate interests that continue to push for urbanization and resource extraction. This disregard of Indigenous rights to self-determination, the right to free, prior, and informed consent, and the traditional Indigenous stewardship of lands, has led to ongoing social and economic exclusion, inequity, and violence, as well as environmental degradation and land appropriation. These losses, of course, are about so much more than material belongings or personal claims of ownership.
Indigenous Peoples view nature with deep respect. Indigenous teachings are grounded in the interconnectedness of all creation. It is of paramount importance to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people and cultures to foster, appreciate, and preserve relationships with both the animate and inanimate; but these relationships are critical to non-Indigenous people and societies, too. Honouring our interconnectedness with one another and with all creation is central to ecological and economic integrity, fostering right relations between Indigenous Peoples and Settlers, and ensuring a holistic, just recovery from the pandemic.
Citizen engagement is key to creating change and the most fundamental way to participate is through elections. Yet during Canada’s 2019 federal election, just 67 per cent of eligible voters turned up to cast their ballot. Voter turnout can be impacted by several factors, including systemic issues like the inability to get time off of work or the inaccessibility of polling stations. Still, apathy remains one of the main reasons cited for not voting.
Governments and civil society alike have a tendency to try to address challenges one issue or program at a time, each with separate mandates, jurisdictions, and budgets. Unfortunately, this approach assumes that each challenge is distinct from the rest; it fails to acknowledge the fullness of people’s lives, the intersections of various identities and power, and the interconnectedness of our society, economy, and ecology. While more holistic measures may be more difficult or complex to develop, they also have the capacity to simultaneously address a range of issues. Energy efficient affordable housing, a basic income that supports an economy in transition, and subsidized childcare to encourage women’s workforce participation, are some examples of holistic policy approaches that address immediate needs and promote equity.
What is more, according to a recent survey by Ekos Research Associates, “Once the global pandemic is over, most Canadians say they expect the country to go through a ‘broad societal transformation,’ and believe Canada is on the cusp of ‘transformative change.'” Ekos president Frank Graves further elaborates saying that people “want the country to deal with deep, social-class and racial injustices and broad gender inequalities, which have been laid bare through the pandemic, but they also have ‘a sense of hope’ for the future. Most say Canada should be more ‘societally focused’ on health and well-being.”
Our success will be found in working together and tackling the root causes common to these multiple crises.
Day Hour Minute Second
We at International Justice Mission (IJM) Canada and Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ) are committed to supporting national and international policies that strengthen protection to survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV). During these 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, we want to draw special attention to the initiatives that Canada can support to provide protection for Central American survivors of GBV. Through the unique collaboration between CPJ’s expertise in Canadian policies, and IJM’s work and expertise internationally, specifically in the Northern Triangle of Central America (NTCA), we issue a call to the Federal Government on two fronts. First, we call on Global Affairs Canada to prioritize programming in the NTCA that addresses the root causes of GBV, and pervasive impunity in judicial systems. Second, we call on Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada to repeal the Safe Third Country Agreement with the US, which severely limits the ability of Central American survivors of GBV to access protection in Canada. We developed the case for these two policy recommendations in the November 30th event “Strengthening Justice Systems: Refugee Protection for Central American Survivors of Gender-Based Violence.” The event had the participation of leaders in civil society, government and academia, who explored Canada’s role in addressing GBV in the Northern Triangle. We compiled our main arguments and policy recommendations in the brief “A Call to Strengthen Canada’s Protection to Central American Survivors of Gender-Based Violence.” Substantive action to address GBV, and to tackle public justice issues at large, requires the collaboration of multiple actors. CPJ and IJM’s collaboration follows our shared commitment to provide comprehensive responses to issues, and to not only focus on the provision of refugee protection, but also on addressing the root causes of displacement. GBV is a significant driver of displacement worldwide, and specifically in the NTCA region. And the solutions that we propose can help Canada address it within and outside its national borders. Join this call for action by sending this shared statement and policy brief to the Minister Sean Fraser of Immigration and Minister Harjit Sajjan of International Development using the form provided below.Taxes are an important contribution to the common good. They raise the revenues used to pay for democratic institutions and to provide government programs and services.
Over the past decade, significant changes have been made to Canada’s tax system, including deep cuts to tax rates. The impact of these changes is a cause for concern, as taxes are one way that we as citizens fulfill our obligation to promote justice and to respect the right of all people to live in dignity. For governments, tax policy can be used to foster justice, and tax revenue can pay for infrastructure that benefits all and promotes an equitable society. Public justice also supports a progressive distribution of taxes, and transparent and accountable decisions from governments on taxation and spending.
Taxation policy is a critical component of CPJ’s work on poverty, climate justice, and refugee rights. You can find out more about our work on social investments and income security in the Poverty section. More information about carbon pricing can be found in the Climate Justice section.
CPJ is a founding member of the Canadians for Tax Fairness, a non-partisan organization advocating for fair and progressive tax policies aimed at building a strong and sustainable economy, reducing inequalities and funding quality public services.
CPJ’s research report, “Taxes for the Common Good,” is a series of six fact sheets highlighting the positive role taxes play in a democratic society and summarizing up-to-date information on the costs and opportunities afforded by various federal tax policy options.
CPJ’s public justice framework supports the notion that taxes are an important contribution to the common good. The majority (75%) of Canadians believe taxes are good because they pay for important things that contribute to a positive quality of life.
Each year, CPJ submits our recommendations for the federal budget to the House of Commons Finance Committee. Once the budget is released, we respond with analysis that outlines the impact of the budget on low-income Canadians, ecological justice, and refugee rights.
Keep up-to-date with the latest news and views from CPJ on taxation by reading the articles written by CPJ staff and citing CPJ’s work.
Thank you for your interest in Seeking Justice: In the City, In the Church!
People of faith across Canada are increasingly speaking up about the urgent need for climate action. Christians and faith leaders are recognizing that the world as we know it is changing. Many are starting to take bold steps to restore a sense of shalom in creation as an indivisible part of their faith convictions.
The range of climate change impacts for Canada’s far north and coastal regions is striking: glacial melt, flood risks, seasonal shifts, more snow and rain in winter, and hotter, dryer summers. Still, no part of the country is immune. Earlier this year, communities in several provinces and many First Nations experienced extensive flooding. An intense annual wildfire season in British Columbia is becoming the new normal. The March 2019 “Canada’s Changing Climate Report” indicated that a warmer climate will “increase the severity of heatwaves and contribute to increased drought and wildfire risks.” At the same time, “more intense rainfalls will increase urban flood risks.” Around the world, famine and natural resource wars threaten food and water security and contribute to increases in migration.
Climate change is leading to crisis, after crisis, after crisis. Those who are already socially and economically marginalized are the most vulnerable.
Climate change refers to the human-induced increase of atmospheric greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations beyond normal levels of variation. Although earth’s climate has always fluctuated, the average surface temperature has increased dramatically – by roughly 1°C – due to human activity since the industrial revolution.
Climate change is an issue that reaches to the core of who we are as people of faith and how we are to live in God’s world. As people of faith, we are called to respect the dignity of every human being as image-bearers of God. We all have a rightful claim to live in dignity, be respected by others and have access to resources needed to live out God’s calling. We also have a duty to act justly, care for creation and work for peaceful relations within society.
This must inform the way we live, work, and play. Future generations have a right to the abundance of creation; we cannot over-consume and deny our children’s children a healthy and secure life.
Indigenous peoples, leaders from low-lying island states, and youth around the world have stressed the moral imperative of taking far-reaching action. We must move away from a model that supports the devastation of the Earth and brings hardship upon the world’s most marginalized.
In a statement at the 2018 UN climate conference in Katowice, Poland, the World Council of Churches declared, “our faiths demand that we act for the protection of the vulnerable and as caretakers of Mother Earth.”
Ambitious action on climate change is not optional. A complete suite of federal measures is needed to address the climate crisis and set Canada on a path towards decarbonization by 2050. Canada’s future must be built on green energy.
To start, the federal government must implement measures that will meet Canada’s emissions-reduction target. Then, it must increase national ambition to a level consistent with no more than 1.5 C over pre-industrial levels.
The urgency of the situation requires that we use all the tools available.
Estimates of Canadian subsidies vary widely, ranging from$1.5 billion to tens of billions of dollars.
Regardless of the figure, research by the office of Canada’s Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development revealed that “inefficient subsidies to the fossil fuel sector encourage wasteful consumption, undermine efforts to address climate change, and discourage investment in clean energy sources.”
2018 Nobel Prize winner, William Norhaus, highlights four objectives achieved by carbon pricing. “It sends signals to consumers about which goods and services are more carbon-intensive; it sends signals to producers about which activities are most carbon-intensive and which are less carbon-intensive; it sends signals to propel innovation to find new, affordable alternatives; and finally, pricing is the best means to convey these signals within well-functioning markets.”
“The climate crisis has already been solved. We already have the facts and solutions. All we have to do is to wake up and change.”
Central to Canada’s way forward is a just transition towards a decarbonized economy. In a just transition, the weight of change that benefits everyone is not borne disproportionately by one group of people. It includes significant investments in low-carbon energy development and energy efficiency, as well as funding for skills development and retraining for workers. As such, it reduces emissions, creates good jobs, and supports communities. A just transition in-corporates a robust Employment Insurance program to assist those who find themselves temporarily out of work. It gives protection to the most vulnerable and increases social justice for all.
Canada has taken some important initial steps with the work of the Task Force on Just Transition for Canadian Coal Power Workers and Communities. In order to meaningfully reduce Canada’s emissions, it is essential that the lessons of this work – and corresponding resources – be expanded upon and applied to the oil and gas sector.
A shift to clean technology development, promises tremendous economic and health benefits to Canadians. Research by the Conference Board of Canada highlights Canada’s “competitive edge” in wind and solar power, energy-efficient turbines, and waste management. The United Nations Environment Program predicts that “green trade” internationally will grow to at least $2-trillion (U.S.) by 2020.
In October 2018, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) signalled the scientific imperative of transformational climate action, with the release of their landmark report on the implications of allowing global temperatures to rise 1.5 C over pre-industrial levels. Their research shows that the global community has less than a decade to dramatically change course and avoid catastrophic climate consequences.
Specifically, the IPCC says, “climate-related risks to health, livelihoods, food security, water supply, human security, and economic growth are projected to increase with global warming of 1.5 C and increase further with 2 C.”
Echoing the IPCC’s clear and urgent call to action, “Canada’s Changing Climate Report” lays out, in no uncertain terms, that Canada must immediately invest in a just transition towards a decarbonized economy.
It is abundantly clear that all of us need to do things differently. We need to consider how we consume, waste and navigate our landscape. We must also acknowledge that the scale of the climate crisis requires a collective response. It is no longer a question of what needs to be done, but rather how quickly we need to do it.
CPJ’s song, Let Justice Flow, was written by Doug Romanow for our 30th anniversary in 1993.
You can purchase the score (written music) below.
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If you have any questions about your order, please contact us at 1-800-667-8046 x.230 or send us a message.
Our volunteers are the glue of CPJ. Deeply committed to justice in Canada, our volunteers across the country support CPJ staff daily. We welcome you to join our work! Below you’ll find a list of volunteer positions at CPJ. If you are interested in getting more involved, fill out the form below. You can expect to hear back from a CPJ staff or board member within a week. [accordion openfirst=true clicktoclose=true tag=h3][accordion-item title=”Chew on This!” state=closed][accordion collapsed] Organize an event for Chew on This!, our annual outreach campaign on October 17, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Each years, dozens of communities and groups across Canada organize an event. The specifics are up to you, but each event will distribute a Chew on This! bag that includes and magnet, and food item, and a postcard that calls for Canada to develop a strong, national anti-poverty plan. When: Every year on October 17. Who: Anyone, including food banks, churches, schools, universities, and community groups. Time commitment: Depending on the size of your event, about 20-40 hours between August and October. [/accordion-item] [accordion-item title=”Give it up for the Earth!” state=closed] Give it up for the Earth! raises awareness about climate change, and collects signatures as a demonstration of support for increased federal government action. The aims of Give it up for the Earth! are (1) to raise awareness about climate change, and (2) to collect signatures as a demonstration of support for increased federal government action. How you do this is up to you. The event guide you will recieve has some ideas to get you started that fall into three categories of events: captive audience, community outreach, and online. You can choose one, do a combination, or come up with something else altogether. When: Every year during Lent (February/March/April). Who: Anyone can participate, including churches, schools, universities, and community groups. Time commitment: Depending on the size of your event, about 20-40 hours between January and March/April. [/accordion-item] [accordion-item title=”Volunteer at our Ottawa office” state=closed] Making telephone calls, preparing outreach mailing, and helping with data entry are just a few of the ways that our volunteers generously give of their time at the CPJ office. *Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteering in our Ottawa office is temporarily on hold. When: September – May. Who: Anyone interested in CPJ’s work and looking for a volunteer opportunity. Time commitment: A minimum commitment of once or twice/week for at least three months. [/accordion-item] [accordion-item title=”Special Events” state=closed] Being based in Ottawa makes it tough for CPJ to be everywhere we want to be. Our members represent CPJ as various events across Canada. You can volunteer to set-up a CPJ table at an event near you using our resources. Or help out at an event CPJ is organizing in Ottawa or elsewhere. When: Year-round. Who: Anyone interested in CPJ’s work and looking for a volunteer opportunity. Time commitment: As needed, based on events that are planned. [/accordion-item][/accordion]
Larissa Crawford
Bernadette Arthur
Dr. Evelyn Encalada Grez
Dr. Ingrid Waldron
Sarom Rho
Erin Dej
Victoria Levack
Monica Dudárov Hunken
Naaman Wood
Héctor Acero Ferrer
Billy J. Choi-Gekas
Check out a few of CPJ’s resources to continue or initiate the conversation.
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CPJ regularly facilitates workshops on faith, poverty in Canada, and public justice using Living Justice. Contact Natalie Appleyard for more information.
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Living Justice: A Gospel Response to Poverty was published in 2011 for Christian faith communities trying to live out the justice mandate to love the stranger, the widow, and the orphan, and to seek just relations within society. It is a resource for people interested in learning more about poverty in Canada, exploring the Christian call to respond, and searching for ways to engage and create change. It includes reflections, discussion questions, activities, and prayers that will provide insight into experiences of poverty in Canada, the challenges and opportunities we face as a society, and actions that we, as Christians, can take.
Living Justice explores poverty through theological perspectives of various Christian traditions – Anglican, Evangelical, Roman Catholic, Christian Reformed, Lutheran, Mennonite, Presbyterian, and United.
Living Justice is now available to download as a PDF.
Want to help your church engage with refugee issues in Canada and beyond?
These tools will equip your local church community to create a more welcoming Canada.
Use these resources to highlight current issues involving refugees today, create discussion points, engage in direct action, and gain a deepened understanding of the Biblical call to welcome the stranger.
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Christian Reformed Refugee Action
United Church of Canada Refugee Action
Observed around the world on June 20th, World Refugee Day (WRD) marks a key moment to acknowledge the tenacity of millions of refugees around the world and bring attention to obligations of the international community to respond to pressing global needs.
World Refugee Sunday, is held annually on the two Sundays failing on either side of WRD. Churches are encouraged to share stories of refugees around the world and explore the Biblical mandate to welcome the stranger.
The Refugee Highway Partnership, has provided resources on their website to equip churches as they engage in the topic of the world’s displaced people. As well, the Canadian Foodgrains Bank has created a package designed to inform prayer and worship services.
CPJ encourages congregations to consider how World Refugee Sunday might help them corporately advocate for refugees and fulfill God’s call to love our neighbour.
Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ) is a national, progressive organization of members who are inspired by faith to act for social and environmental justice in Canadian public policy. Our work focuses on three key policy areas: poverty in Canada, climate justice, and refugee rights. For more than 50 years, justice-oriented people of faith, along with churches and religious orders, have joined their voices as Citizens for Public Justice. Together, we’re working towards a better Canada.
CPJ defines public justice as the political dimension of loving your neighbour, caring for creation, and achieving the common good. We work to keep public justice front and centre in public policy debates.
CPJ works to research, develop, and advance federal policy measures that build equity and put us on a path to eradicating poverty in Canada. We collaborate with a wide range of partners across the country, centering the voices of people with lived experience of poverty and other forms of systemic oppression.
CPJ meets regularly with parliamentarians to provide input on poverty-related legislation. We specialize in providing timely political analysis on these issues; developing resources for public education and for Christian faith communities, in particular; and mobilizing people across the country in non-partisan advocacy campaigns.
CPJ plays a crucial role in urging the governments in Canada to adopt better climate change policy. Through research, analysis, partnerships, and government engagement, we raise awareness about the urgent need for action. We often work with church and denominational groups to help them better engage in advocacy on climate justice.
CPJ provides timely political analysis that is often referenced in the media and utilized by community groups across Canada.
CPJ is committed to the protection of the rights of refugees and other vulnerable migrants in Canada and globally. Through research, policy monitoring, and publishing, we bring attention to the impact of legislative change on refugees and claimants, and on the groups that privately sponsor them to come to Canada.
We communicate our analysis and framing through public presentations, writing, advocacy, and workshops to audiences ranging from public officials, the media, churches, the public and our CPJ supporters.
CPJ is convinced that Canada needs to engage in serious reflection on core values and faith perspectives and their implications for our public life together – the common good. Faith commitments – each person’s deepest commitments, whether formally religious in nature or not – shapes how each person interacts with our neighbours, our institutions, and our environment.
We believe that all ways of understanding the world, including those that begin with explicit faith commitments, must engage each other in the public square to help shape the common good. This must be done across faith and worldview differences, and also within them. In fact, people of faith often need to challenge each other about how specific political choices are consistent with their faith commitments. They need to influence the shaping of public values which can be the basis of policies contributing to the well-being of all and the integrity of creation. This open and respectful wrestling around core commitments needs to be the hallmark of democracy in a pluralistic country like Canada.
While bringing their deepest commitments out in the open into public life, people of faith must ensure that they are not used as fighting tools. Sometimes the temptation for people of faith, including those who hold to a secular faith, is to try to impose a sense of “just us” not “justice.” If we try to use the government to impose a particular religious point of view to the exclusion of others, faith commitments lose credibility and no longer enrich the common good.
For CPJ, our faith calls out beyond apathy or powerlessness. It calls us to a faith that opens us to our common humanity, our calling to love God by loving our neighbour also in our political life together. So together, we have donned the perspective of public justice. It is a vision which helps us not to be lured into false dichotomies, or black and white positions when they are not necessary. We see the need for healing steps to be taken. Real people are suffering real hardships that concrete policies and prophetic vision can alleviate. That’s the call of public justice, the calling from God for government, government which Romans 13 says is “for our good.” Justice for all – an economy of care – the joining together of all circles of society for the well-being of all and for the common good … Public Justice.
Faith and Public Life
Faith commitments – each person’s deepest commitments, whether formally religious in nature or not – shape how each person interacts with our neighbours, our institutions, and our environment. CPJ is convinced that Canada needs to engage in serious reflection on core values and faith perspectives and their implications for our public life together – the common good. Without such a debate, the public sphere will continue to be a place for individuals or groups to advance only their own particular interests rather than come to meaningful consensus on how to address important public issues.
One of the key components of a person’s and a community’s identity is the deepest convictions they hold which shape their private, but also their public life. Faith shapes the most basic questions of identity: Who am I? How did I get here? What is wrong in the world? How can it be fixed? The faith perspectives of Canadians, whether Aboriginal, Muslim, Jew, Christian, Hindu, Sikh or Humanist, shape how they participate as citizens in building and shaping a cohesive and inclusive Canadian society.
Some have argued that people must deny their religion, ethnicity, and culture to participate fully in Canadian life. Some have a deep distrust of religion and a tendency to regard public life as distinctly secular – having no room for faith perspectives. CPJ believes that differing faith convictions should be acknowledged as key elements of how individuals and communities can best contribute to the common good. Learning how to do that in a multi-cultural and multi-faith society is crucial to the common good.
CPJ’s contribution
CPJ’s uniqueness is characterized by its ability to play a vital role in the debate around the fundamental direction of our society. Our contribution includes not simply developing and promoting policy alternatives, but more specifically doing so in the context of the core values and principles which shape society and public policy. This unique approach enables us to speak to, and dialogue with, a broad cross-section of Canadian society.
CPJ is convinced that Canada needs to engage in serious reflection on core values and their implications for our public life together – the common good. There must be a recognition that all sectors of society – private, public and voluntary – share a responsibility for the common good. However, the public space for alternative voices advocating other goals and policies has shrunk in recent years. CPJ seeks to open up that space and give voice to those alternatives.
Without a debate about core values and the common good, the public sphere will continue to be a place for groups to advance their particular interests rather than come to meaningful consensus on how to address important public issues.
Given the current political and social climate, we believe more strongly than ever that Citizens for Public Justice has a vital role to play in the debate around the direction of our society. Our contribution includes both the development and advocacy of specific policy alternatives, and the promotion of core values and principles for public policy. In our experience, many Canadians, including key decision-makers, appreciate the unique perspective which CPJ brings to policy debates. We believe that one of our major strengths is the fact that we speak to, and dialogue with, a broad cross-section of Canadian society – and that, by and large, we are met with respect and with a real interest in the core values perspective we bring.
CPJ’s work is focussed on the point of intersection of public policies and core values. We combine practical expertise in public policy research and development with a profound understanding of the importance of spiritual and religious frameworks and core values. We are one of the few social justice organizations in Canada that combines policy analysis, development, and advocacy with an ongoing critique of these value frameworks and the active advocacy of alternative core values. In fact, CPJ’s Guidelines for Public Justice have been used, adopted, and built upon by a variety of groups and coalitions.
Our commitment to this basic framework enables CPJ to avoid the traps of partisanship, fashionable ideology, and the endless polarizations of left and right, religious and secular, Christian and non-Christian, evangelical and mainline Christian. Instead, we can forge new, creative ways ahead that contribute to the common good.
This approach also gives CPJ a unique role to play in coalitions. In our coalition work with non-religious organizations, CPJ is frequently called upon to inject a broader critique of values, and to propose alternative values that all participants can support. When working with faith communities, CPJ’s policy development expertise is especially appreciated, as well as our ability to articulate core values that unite rather than divide.
Having a carefully worked out and well articulated framework of core values also enables CPJ to move beyond critique and protest, to active advocacy of original proposals based on those core values.
Interaction with Faith communities
CPJ plays an important national role in linking faith and public policy issues. This occurs in a variety of ways. CPJ draws support, insight and values from faith communities, and in turn provides public education to faith communities. At the same time, CPJ functions as a catalyst for faith communities to become involved in the public policy process. CPJ is one of the only national, faith-based social justice organizations that are independent from any organized religious body.
CPJ arose out of and has been shaped by the ecumenical Christian tradition. Our public policy work is informed by the biblical values of love, justice and respect for the Creation. CPJ’s carefully articulated core values perspective allows us to speak to contentious and controversial issues without being swept away by partisanship or ideology.
In addition, our inclusive, pluralistic vision of society discourages parochialism, and enables us to work closely with a variety of faith traditions. Over the years, CPJ has developed strong working relationships across the whole range of Christian denominations, from conservative evangelical through mainline to the Catholic Left. We have also developed mutually beneficial, active partnership relationships with members of other faith communities, including Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim. CPJ today enjoys wide recognition, co-operation and support from Canada’s faith communities.
The religious aspect of CPJ’s work is becoming more important than ever. Today, many national mainline Christian churches are cutting back on staffing and resources for speaking to public policy. These churches’ voices, historically an important force for social justice, are being silenced. At the same time newer religious voices are being raised. Some, however, are more parochial. There is growing uncertainty today about the appropriate role of faith communities and their leaders.
With over 40 years’ experience in faith-based public policy work, CPJ is well positioned to play a key role in this situation. Independent, ecumenical and inclusive, CPJ can help fill the growing gap. CPJ has already begun to explore new opportunities for partnerships with churches and other faith communities.
Adapted from the “Advocating Creatively”
Advocacy-acting or speaking in favour of a policy, cause, or idea. “Political advocacy” means working to change government policy or legislation.
Brief-a document summarizing important information on a specific subject including the background and purpose of an advocacy campaign.
Demonstration-a public event (such as picketing, parading, etc.) displaying a group’s opinion toward an issue.
Petition-a formal request (bearing signatures of those making the request) that is addressed to a person or group of people in authority or power (such as the House of Commons). This request solicits an action on the part of the recipient(s).
Press Release-an announcement of an event or news item sent to the press by an organization, government agency, public relations firm, etc.
Cabinet-the executive decision-making body of the government (at both federal and provincial levels) that approves departmental drafts of government bills and proposes them to the legislature.
Cabinet Minister-member of the Cabinet chosen by the Prime Minister. Each Cabinet Minister is the head of one department, such as Citizenship and Immigration or Environment Canada.
Civil Service-those branches of public service concerned with all governmental administrative functions outside the armed services.
Constituent-a Canadian citizen represented by a Member of Parliament.
Governor General-the Queen’s representative in Canada (The Queen is Canada’s head of state).
House of Commons-the elected, lower house of Parliament. It is the principal means through which Canadians can participate in legislative decision-making.
Legislator-members of the federal or provincial legislature who writes and passes laws.
Legislature-the legislative branch of a federal or provincial government.
Member of Parliament (MP)-elected federal officials in the House of Commons. Each MP represents a riding.
Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP), Member of the National Assembly (MNA), Member of the House of Assembly (MHA), or Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA)-elected representatives serving in provincial or territorial legislatures. Different terms are used depending on the province or territory the representative serves (MPP-Ontario, MNA-Quebec, MHA-Newfoundland & Labrador, MLA-all other provinces and territories).
Opposition Party Critic-representatives from opposition parties responsible for presenting party policies on a certain issue and critiquing government policy on that issue.
Parliament-the legislative branch of the government, composed of the House of Commons andParliamentarian-a Senator or Member of the House of Commons.
Premier-the head of government of a province or territory. Usually the leader of the party with the most seats in the legislature.
Prime Minister-head of the government of Canada and the chairman of the Cabinet. The leader of the party with the most seats in the House of Commons.
Private Members Bill (PMB)– bills that are introduced in the House of Commons by an MP who is not a cabinet minister. These bills follow the same legislative process as a government bill, but cannot use government funds.
Riding/Constituency/Electoral District-a geographical area with representation by one Member of Parliament in the House of Commons.
Senate-the upper house of Parliament, meant to act as a check and balance to the House of Commons. Senators are appointed by the Governor General, on the advice from the Prime Minister. Senators can remain in the Senate until they reach 75 years of age.
Supreme Court of Canada-the highest court in Canada. The Supreme Court has nine justices and hears appeals from decisions of provincial courts.
Act-a law made by Parliament or a provincial legislature.
Amendment-a change to a piece of legislation proposed in a motion, a bill, or committee report.
Bill -a proposed act submitted to Parliament for approval. A bill becomes an act if it is passed (approved) by both Houses and receives royal assent.
Legislation-a term to refer to both laws and acts.
Royal Assent– after a bill has been passed by the House and Senate, this is the final step in the passage of a bill through Parliament. At this stage, the Governor General approves the bill on behalf of the Queen.
This diagram was adapted from Mr. Gilchrist’s Social Studies Blog (http://kgilchrist.blogspot.com/2011/04/april-29.html)
For a more information on how the government is structured, see Eugene Forsey’s How Canadians Govern Themselves.
At CPJ, we believe that we are called to follow Christ’s example by loving our neighbours, practicing justice and compassion, and being stewards of creation. We also believe that all people, as God’s image bearers, are created to live in dignity.
The Bible explains in Micah 6:8 what God requires of us: “to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Throughout the Bible, the well-being of the most vulnerable—orphans and widows—is used as a barometer of justice for a society. We can measure Canada’s success in following this call by examining the situations of our most vulnerable peoples.
Public justice is the political dimension of loving our neighbour. This means promoting the well-being of the vulnerable in all aspects of life—in our neighbourhoods, our churches, non-governmental organizations, community groups, and governments. Living out this call includes being active and engaged citizens—getting to know our elected officials, staying informed, and advocating for just policies.
To advocate simply means “to plead in favour of.” Any time you voice your support for a policy, cause, or idea you are advocating. This includes means speaking to those in power to influence decisions in the political sphere. Advocacy also means adding strength to the voices of marginalized and poor peoples, collectively creating a voice that cannot be ignored. If we want to exercise this kind of faithful citizenship, it means active engagement in public policy debates and dialogue with elected officials about issues of public justice.
As citizens of a democracy, we have both the right and responsibility to make a difference in the policies and actions of our government. Our political leaders have a responsibility to listen to the will of the people, and each of us has the responsibility to express our views through active citizenship. This means staying informed, voicing our opinions, and working for justice wherever possible.
We hope that this toolkit will be helpful to you in exercising yourprivilege to be an active and engaged Canadian citizen!
For a more information about public justice, see our document: Public Justice: What Does It Mean For Citizens, Governments, and CPJ?
ADVOCACY TOOLKIT
GETTING STARTED
DEVELOPING ADVOCACY STRATEGY
ADVOCACY HOW-TO’S
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
ADVOCACY TOOLKIT
GETTING STARTED
DEVELOPING ADVOCACY STRATEGY
ADVOCACY HOW-TO’S
Being well-informed is an essential part of advocacy. Find out as much as you can about the issue you are passionate about, what is currently being done about it, and the alternatives that have been proposed. The following are some places to begin your research:
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For access to government correspondence or documents pertaining to an issue, contact the government department responsible. You may be able to obtain this information informally, or you may have to submit a formal request under the Access to Information Act. If this is the case, you must fill out an “Access to Information Request Form.” There is a $5 processing fee
When you have spent some time researching your issue (along with the government’s position and the stance other organizations have taken), you will be ready to begin envisioning your advocacy activities. Being informed will give you confidence and credibility and will help you develop clear objectives and an effective strategy. You will also be able to anticipate objections to your cause so you can formulate counter-arguments to those who may oppose your view.
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ADVOCACY TOOLKIT GETTING STARTED DEVELOPING ADVOCACY STRATEGY ADVOCACY HOW-TO’S ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ADVOCACY TOOLKIT GETTING STARTED DEVELOPING ADVOCACY STRATEGY ADVOCACY HOW-TO’SInviting others to participate in your advocacy work is a good way to build morale and increase your influence. You may know others who are already concerned about the same cause, or you may invite others to learn more. You can also contact organizations that are already working on your cause or that may be interested in getting involved. Building relationships with others can facilitate information-sharing, and increasing your network of advocates will strengthen your campaign!
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Social media can be very useful for increasing your advocacy network. Learn more about social media in this toolkit.
Invite those who have personal stories to call, meet with, or write to MPs. This will give legislators a direct connection with those whom a piece of legislation affects, and it can be empowering for those who share their stories.
Coordinate Your Network:
Try to find potential allies within the government, and try to find common ground from which to start. Without compromising the firmness of your position, you can build relationships with people who may disagree with you. Through this connection, you can both gain a better understanding of different perspectives. Make small and respectful steps towards your goals.
Learn about Canada`s anti-spam laws before using email as an advocacy tool.
You can use email to raise public awareness about a specific issue. These emails should be specific and concise. They should tell about the situation and what those reading the email can do about it. Finish emails by asking people to share the message and take specific actions. Add a personal touch to the e-mail (copied and pasted messages are not as effective). Give people a reason to care about the issue you are concerned with. Educate your audience with concise information, and include resources for further investigation. Be direct with the point and tell them how they can help.
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You can email up to 2,000 people at one time with a free account using Mailchimp. This is a good resource for campaigning.
Building relationships with decision-makers puts you in a good position to advocate for change. By getting to know your representatives-your MP, MPP, MLA, MNA, city councillors or mayor-and building a reputation of credibility, you can open doors for the future. Below are some ways to develop positive relationships with your elected representatives.
See a sample letter (WORD | PDF)
A personal letter to your MP (Member of Parliament) can be an effective tool for change. Whether you are writing individually or with a letter-writing campaign, the following guidelines will help you know how to write an effective advocacy letter to an MP.
For information on addressing your letter, visit the “Styles of Address” webpage from Canadian Heritage.
An email is just as effective as a letter by post as Parliamentary staff handle both in the same way.
When sending e-mails to an MP or other elected representative, be sure to follow many of the same standards included in the “Writing a Letter to an MP” section (p.25). The email should be brief and focused, with the correct style of address for the representative. Be kind with language, and make sure to ask the representative to respond to your email.
Include your address and postal code so that the representative is aware that you are a part ofWhen MPs receive multiple letters on the same issue, they will pay more attention to it. If you have a large network, share your letter with others as a template. Encourage them to personalize the letter as much as possible.
Find contact information for your MP using your postal code, visit the Parliament of Canada’s website.
A petition is a good tool for a straightforward issue that has widespread support. There are fifteen minutes set aside daily in the House of Commons for petitions to be read. There is no debate following the reading of the petition, but the government is required to respond to your petition within 45 days. Your petition could spark interest among Members of Parliament or it could influence a debate already occurring in the House of Commons.
For questions about petitioning the federal government, call the Clerk of Petitions in Ottawa at 613-992-9511 or visit the House of Commons Petition Guide.
Do not be discouraged when you do not see immediate results. Political change is often gradual and comes when many citizens make continual contributions to the process.
An MP must first submit any petition to the Clerk of Petitions before it is read in the House of Commons. The form and content of the petition is examined to ensure it meets Parliamentary specifications. If the petition does not meet these standards, it cannot be read for the record. Therefore, it is important to follow the guidelines for an official petition to Parliament. You can send a draft petition (without signatures) to a MP to ensure that it is correctly worded and to find out if they are willing to read it in the House.
Using Your Petition:
A bill is passed through Parliament and eventually becomes law. In order to influence the legislative process, we need to understand what happens inside the Parliament of Canada.
Parliament of Canada’s LEGISinfo website provides information on bills currently undergoing the parliamentary process. This site gives you the text of the bill, major speeches that have been made about it, and its current status.
| Peace, order, and good governance | Immigration | Anything local or private in nature |
| Taxation | Agriculture | Direct taxation |
| International trade and commerce, communications & transportation | Pensions | Crown lands and natural resources |
| Banking and currency | Hospitals (health sector) | |
| Foreign affairs | Education | |
| Defense | Welfare | |
| Criminal law and penitentiaries | Municipalities | |
| Naturalization | Transportation and business | |
| First Nations | Administration of justice | |
| Unemployment insurance and old age pension | Property and civil rights |
Find more information on the levels of government and which level you should engage with your concern.
| Beforehand | Look for signs of new legislation. |
| Work with legislators to draft legislation. | |
| First Reading | Study the bill. |
| Share reasons for concern or support with others (the media, MPs, etc.). | |
| Ask for withdrawal of the bill if necessary. | |
| Second Reading | Same as for first reading, but also begin to ask for hearings in anticipation of committee stage. |
| Committee Stage | Lobby for hearings and suggest witnesses. |
| Recommend amendments. | |
| Make your views known to media and MPs. | |
| Report Stage | Make your views on the proposed amendments known to the media and MPs. |
| Third Reading | Encourage MPs to vote for or against the bill. |
| Senate (Same process as above) | Repeat above process in Senate. |
PMB’s are bills that are introduced in the House of Commons by an MP who is not a cabinet minister. These bills follow the same legislative process as a government bill, but cannot use government funds. Few private member’s bills become law. For more information on PMB’s, visit The Parliament of Canada’s website.
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Forsey, E. How Canadian Govern Themselves, Parliament of Canada (PDF)
Longhurst, J. (2006). Making the News: An Essential Guide for Effective Media Relations. Ottawa, ON: Saint Paul University Press.
Milne, G. (2007). Making Policy: A Guide to the Federal Government’s Policy Process. Ottawa, ON.Apathy is Boring-a Canadian organization that uses art and technology to educate youth about democracy. They envision a Canada where youth are active decision-makers at all levels of the democratic process. Visit their website at www.apathyisboring.com
Canada Revenue Agency: regulations for charities doing advocacy work. Visit CRA’s webpage on Political Activities at bit.ly/cra-political
Community Toolbox; University of Kansas-“Tools to Change our World” at ctb.ku.edu/en
Craftivism (craft+activism) is a non-traditional way to draw attention to the policy or issue using artwork.
Nonprofit Tech for Good-for helpful ideas on how to best use social media for advocacy at www.nptechforgood.com
Parliament of Canada LEGISinfo website-provides information on bills currently undergoing the parliamentary process at www.parl.gc.ca/legisinfo.
Political Advocacy Toolkit for Teens; Florida Youth Commission (PDF) retrieved from bit.ly/teen-toolkit.
UNICEF Advocacy Toolkit (PDF)Figuring out what to do about a particular issue can be the most challenging-and important-part of a campaign. The most effective advocacy strategy uses a diversity of methods-or tactics. The tactics you choose will depend on the issue and the political context. The following chart will help you decide your tactics for action.
| Action | Why choose this action? | Potential Outcomes |
| Calling Your MP | The issue is familiar enough to the legislator, and to you, that you can get your point across in a five-minute conversation. | Making a direct connection with your MP. Having an impact while using little time and resources. |
| Meeting with Your MP | Effective even if the issue is not well known to the legislator and even if you do not have a large support network. If you have a petition to present to the legislator, it is a good idea to schedule a meeting in which to present it. | A very effective method to get your message across to the MP. You may learn more about the MP’s position and how the MP can help you in your cause. |
| Writing a Letter to Your MP | You would like to clearly communicate to your MP the issue and what you would like to have done about it. | A well-written and thoughtful letter can bring the issue to the MP’s attention. He will know that you have spent the time to research the issue and contact him. |
| Letter-Writing Campaign | You have a good-sized support network. |
If the MP receives a large volume of letters, she will know that there are many people concerned about this issue. |
| Writing a letter to a Cabinet Minister | You desire to see change in government policy (rather than in legislation). | Gives you access to the head of the relevant department, as well as access to the Cabinet. |
| Meeting with Civil Servants |
Legislation is passed, but it needs to be implemented by a government department. You desire change a government regulation or program. | Gives you access to those influencing and implementing legislation. |
| Writing a One-Page Brief | You anticipate contact with decision makers, media, and the public, and would like to send a consistent, accessible message. | Provides your campaign with consistency and clarity. Gives others a quick way to find out about your campaign. |
| Preparing and Submitting a Petition | The issue is straightforward (essentially a yes/no question) and has widespread support. | Demonstrates public concern for the issue.Can be read in the House by your MP and can influence Parliamentary debate. |
| Organizing a Public Meeting | The issue affects many people but is also largely unknown. You would like to have a community discussion, or facilitate a debate between two officials. | Builds public awareness and support.Makes elected officials and policy-makers take note. |
| Organizing a Demonstration | There is need for widespread exposure to the issue. | Draws attention to the issue and gains public support. A quick way of demonstrating popular support for the cause to politicians. |
| Working with the Media | You would like to bring attention to a relatively unknown issue.
You would like to comment (positively or negatively) on a newspaper article. You would like to make a public statement about what the government is, or is not, doing about an issue. |
Raise public awareness on the issue.
May impact the way the local media handles an issue. Can catch the attention of your MP, especially if you challenge him directly in your piece. You can also write a piece in support of your MP’s position, which will encourage him to continue what he is doing. |
| Using Social Media | You would like to educate your network about this concern/issue. You would like to mobilize supporters of the issue. | You can organize, communicate, and mobilize more efficiently and effectively. |
If you are knowledgeable about specific issues (poverty, climate change, refugees, etc.), you could consider improving public awareness as your tactic. This could mean leading a small group study in your church or university. Awareness is the foundation for effective action.
Charitable organizations should consider government regulations on advocacy before developing a strategy. According to Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) Guidelines for Charities, a charitable organization cannot devote more than 10% of its total resources per year to political activities. Charities can participate in political activity if they are non-partisan (not supporting one political party over another) and connected to the charity’s purpose.
What Does CRA Consider “Political Activity”
For more information about regulations for charities doing advocacy work, visit CRA’s webpage on “Political Activities.”
See a sample letter (WORD | PDF)
A one-page brief is a useful tool to communicate your message to MPs, the media, and others. The one-page brief summarizes the problem, the background information, and the solutions that you propose. This is a good resource to bring to a meeting with an MP, to give to the media (for instance, if you are holding a media-covered event), or for anyone who is interested in learning about your issue.
A one-page brief is particularly helpful if you are working with others on the issue. Having key ideas summarized in one page will help to maintain consistency within your group or organization. If one page is not enough to cover the essentials, it may spill over to a second page. Anything longer than two pages will probably not be read in full.
For more information on political activism, see Amanda Sussman’s book, The Art of the Possible.
Civil servants are an important part of the policy process. They play a key role in preparing options beforehand. Once legislation is passed, it is up to the appropriate department to implement these changes.
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There are several reasons to contact a civil servant. The department may delay the implementation of important legislation. You may also have concerns about the way in which the legislation is implemented. In these cases, it may be helpful to contact a civil servant who can put the legislation into action in the desired way.
The best way to find out who to contact is by looking at an organizational chart for the government department. This chart can be found at most departmental websites, which are under “Departments and Agencies.” Study the chart and try to identify the person who will most likely be carrying the file you are interested in. If the organizational chart does not include names, you can find the given person’s name through the Government Employee Directory.
If you are still unsure of who to contact, call the Minister’s office to find out who carries the file.
The key to securing, and successfully carrying out, a meeting with a civil servant is doing your homework.
Find out as much as you can about what that person’s responsibility is regarding your issue. Time your request according to when the official will be dealing with the particular file you are interested in.After researching your concern, you will be able to define clear objectives for your advocacy work. Your research will help you choose both your direction and targets.
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Advocacy Targets:
Begin by writing down the problem, the current responses from the government, and the solutions you propose. Think carefully about what you would like to see happen and feasible ways to make it happen. For feasibility, think about ways to “break down” the problem (and solutions).
Example: If the problem you want to address is poverty, consider different aspects of poverty that you are concerned with (such as unemployment, homelessness, hunger, low educational attainment, etc.). Next, begin researching and thinking critically about these different aspects of poverty and come up with some possible solutions.
If you are concerned with unemployment, you could begin to research and think about:
A quick phone call to your Member of Parliament’s office can be more effective than writing a letter in some cases. As a constituent, you may be able to speak to your MP directly (rather than speaking with their staff). One phone call can be more effective and memorable for an MP if you show that have some knowledge about the issue, that you respect their time, and that this issue is important to their constituents.
Speaking to a member of the MP’s staff can also be very effective. They will have the time to hear your position and they will be able to relay your concerns to the MP.
Tips for Calling MPs:
Your Member of Parliament is more accessible than you think. If you are passionate about an issue, respectful of the MP’s time, and willing to take the time for a meeting, your MP will likely be willing to meet with you.
Demonstrations can be an effective visible statement of support for a cause. They can increase public awareness or public support for the issue, and they can send a clear and strong message to decision-makers.
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| Before the Demonstration |
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| During the Demonstration |
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| After the Demonstration |
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Protests are simply one type of demonstration. You can do many things “for change” (bake, bike, run, walk, paddle, paint, etc.) to raise money for a cause while improving public awareness. You can have a “knit-in” to protest while creating knitted goods for those in need. Unique demonstrations will gain public and political attention!
A public meeting can help you to gain support for your cause by educating other members of your community. It can also catch the attention of the media and decision-makers. It is a forum for interaction, for discussion of alternative viewpoints, and can provide an opportunity to question a public official.
You can structure the meeting in various ways. The format is up to you and depends on who will be there and what you will discuss. Here are some ideas:
Plan your awareness event just before implementing an advocacy strategy. The event will likely increase public support for the issue and provide momentum for your campaign.
Working with the media is an important component of any advocacy strategy. It can increase public awareness and can also catch the attention of elected officials. You may find yourself engaging with the media through writing press releases and letters to the editor, or by offering information to a journalist. The media may also contact you for an interview. It’s important to know how to approach the media and how to get your voice heard through newspapers, television, and the radio.
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For more information, see John Longhurst’s book Making the News.
SAMPLE PRESS RELEASE (WORD | PDF)
A press release provides information to various sectors of the media concerning a newsworthy topic or event. It is a great way to get information to the public. It should be short and should catch the attention of the news editor. You can send it by email, mail, or fax.
Formatting a Press Release:
