The Huffington Post
Canadians can be proud that our country facilitated the entry of so many Syrian refugees in 2015-2016. Yet, there is no reason to assume that the system is perfect or perfectly fair. An engaged society and culture can continue to improve our capacity to assist vulnerable asylum-seekers.
Catholic Register
Aside from palliative care, the federal budget received tepid reviews from a couple of think tanks dedicated to Christian social teaching.
A selection of just what was said Wednesday as Finance Minister Bill Morneau tabled the Liberal government’s second federal budget:
“The government’s spending priorities fail to understand the depth of the problems of poverty in Canada, climate change, and the concerns of refugees and newcomers — leaving them for our children to resolve.” — Joe Gunn, Citizens for Public Justice.
Prairie Messenger
OK, how would you respond? You’ve just been asked for advice on how to end poverty in your community. What can you suggest?
CPJ has endeavoured to simplify the process, making it easier for you to share your concerns and ideas with government in just a few minutes.
Anglican Journal
In a twist on the traditional practice of giving something up for Lent, Anglicans across Canada are pledging to make personal lifestyle changes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions—and challenging the federal government to match them by pursuing policy changes to fight climate change.
Do Justice
Lent might well be the most challenging season in the Christian calendar. Advent is about anticipation of things to come. Christmas and Easter are both celebrations of good news.
But Lent? Lent is a season of sacrifice.
Prairie Messenger
Lent, the 40 days leading up to Easter Sunday, has long been associated with the need for conversion, to return to the roots of our faith, and to act more deeply from our shared spiritual convictions. This has traditionally been done in three specific ways: by prayer, fasting and almsgiving. These three activities are still relevant, but today we may be called to deepen our lenten practices in ways that not only firm up our waistlines — but also our resolve to serve humanity and God’s creation.
Catholic Register
Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ) is welcoming the launch of a national consultation as one of the first steps in developing a Canadian Poverty Reduction Strategy.
Darlene O’Leary, CPJ’s socio-economic policy analyst, said she hopes “the process allows for strong engagement by the public.”
Christian Courier
Canada will celebrate its 150th year as one of the world’s most blessed countries. An incredibly diverse and hard-working population has transformed our expansive geography of plentiful natural resources into one of the world’s most wealthy societies.
ChristianWeek
Our world is taking uncertain turns. Countries are becoming more insular and inhospitable to refugees and those fleeing terror. The United States has suspended all refugee admissions from Syria indefinitely. This is disheartening, because the Syrian crisis keeps producing many refugees who need safety.
This leaves Christians with a greater responsibility to welcome refugees.
