In Review – Winter 2020

Research Reports

On October 1, CPJ released our Poverty Trends 2020 report, highlighting disparities in wealth and well-being among particular groups in Canada. The report uses an intersectional lens by looking specifically at how experiences of poverty differ depending on overlapping identities such as race, gender, ability, sexual orientation, immigration status, and regional differences.

In August, CPJ’s public justice intern Keira Kang released Restoring Indigenous Rights, a paper that explores how implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples can advance climate justice in Canada. Learn more about the paper by reading Dr. Kenneth Atsenhaienton Deer’s article.

For the Love of Creation

For the Love of Creation – A Faith-based Initiative for Climate Justice organized an e-petition this summer, calling for a just transition to a clean economy, including policies that honour Indigenous rights and support people in the Global South. It received about 2,500 signatures and was presented in the House of Commons by Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith in November.

Also in November, For the Love of Creation presented a Fall Forum webinar series that explored concepts including climate grief, theologies of creation care, and climate action. CPJ’s Karri Munn-Venn was involved in the webinars, “Advocating for Climate Change” and “Communicating Climate Change.” To watch these webinars, go to fortheloveofcreation.ca.

Virtual Presentations

On June 5, CPJ’s Stephen Kaduuli presented as a panelist at the spring meeting of advocacy working groups for the Canadian Council for Refugees. He spoke about what opportunities we at CPJ see in the pandemic and post-pandemic landscape for refugees and vulnerable migrants.

On September 9, Karri joined Christine Boyle, a United Church minister and Vancouver city counsellor, to discuss climate advocacy on a webinar organized by Earthkeepers, a Vancouver-based Christian climate organization.

During our annual Chew on This! campaign, Dignity for All organized a series of 12 webinars on various aspects of poverty in Canada. Learn more by reading Sue Gywnn’s article.

CPJ and Fair Vote Canada teamed up on October 25 to offer a workshop facilitated by Velma Morgan and Bobby Adore from Operation Black Vote Canada, an organization that supports the election of Black people to public office in Canada. Velma and Bobby presented on why representation matters as well as practical strategies to diversify any organization.

Fall Student Placement

This fall, CPJ welcomed a university student to our team. Erin Kehler interned with CPJ through Trinity Western University and the Laurentian Leadership Centre. During her time at CPJ she researched child detention and the welfare of refugee children and youth in Canada.