CPJ on the Hill
The Dignity for All Campaign was joined by 17 MPs and Senators from all major parties at the launch of our National Anti- Poverty Plan on February 3. CPJ staff also met separately with Liberal MP Rodger Cuzner and NDP MPs Irene Mathyssen (pictured at right), Jinny Sims, and Rathika Sitsabaiesan to present the plan to them.
Refugee Policy
CPJ welcomed a recent announcement from the federal government that Canada will bring in 10,000 Syrian refugees. CPJ, along with many other organizations, first called for this in June 2014. In our response to Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander, we asked the government to move forward in consultation with private sponsoring groups.
Late last year, the federal government passed Bill C-43. This bill allows provinces and territories to restrict refugee access to social assistance. CPJ reached out to the premiers of each province and territory to ask if they intend to use these provisions.
Climate Action
During December’s COP20 Climate Conference in Lima, Peru, CPJ organized a multi-faith “Light for Lima” vigil on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, one of many around the world. Soon afterwards, CPJ’s Joe Gunn and Karri Munn-Venn joined Fast for the Climate. From now until the COP21 meetings in Paris this December, one person will be fasting each day for action on climate change.
CPJ also supported Global Divestment Days on February 13 and 14. This campaign encourages organizations and individuals to divest from fossil fuel companies. CPJ does not currently have any investments in fossil fuel companies. The investment policy approved by our Board of Directors will prevent us from doing so in the future.
CPJ on the Road
Kathryn Teeluck represented CPJ at the Canadian Council for Refugees consultations in Gatineau, QC. She attended workshops on faith and refugees.
Joe Gunn attended the 70th Anniversary Assembly of the Canadian Council of Churches (CCC) in Toronto. CPJ is actively involved in the CCC’s Commission on Justice and Peace and its subcommittees on the environment and poverty.
Summer Internship Opportunity
Join CPJ in Ottawa this summer as our Outreach Assistant! This paid, full-time internship runs for six weeks and is open to any student returning to post-secondary education in the Fall. The application deadline is April 19, 2015.