The Burden of Poverty Report
On October 17, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, CPJ released our latest report on poverty in Canada. “The Burden of Poverty: A snapshot of poverty across Canada” measures the unequal impact of poverty on certain groups such as new immigrants and families led by single mothers. It includes poverty data on 32 communities across Canada that supported the Dignity for All Campaign’s Chew on This! events.
CPJ on the Hill
CPJ and Canada Without Poverty were on Parliament Hill on October 17 for Chew on This! We were joined by Liberal MPP Yasir Naqvi, Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson, and NDP MP Paul Dewar.
During the shooting on Parliament Hill on October 22, two CPJ staff members were present on the Hill for a meeting with MPs and Senators. We thank God that Policy Analyst Janelle Vandergrift and Public Justice Intern Kathryn Teeluck returned home safe and sound that night after being locked down for several hours.
On October 27, Joe Gunn joined Climate Action Network Canada, of which CPJ is a member, along with MPs and Senators from all parties for a celebration of its 25th anniversary.
CPJ on the Road
On October 1 and 2, Janelle was in Toronto to participate in meetings with Campaign 2000, a campaign dedicated to eliminating child poverty in Canada
At the invitation of the Diocesan Green Group, Karri Munn-Venn traveled to Kingston, ON on October 17 to lead a Living Ecological Justice workshop as part of the Anglican Diocese of Ontario 2014 Synod.
On October 18, at the Christian Reformed Church Day of Encouragement in Ancaster, ON, Joe led a workshop on Living Ecological Justice.
Joe was in Edmonton on October 22 and 23 to speak to the Western Conference of Social Justice Animators about CPJ’s work on ecological justice.
Janelle visited a Toronto District Christian High School class on November 4 to discuss creation care.
On November 6 in Scarborough, ON, Joe addressed 50 members of the Canadian Religious Conference’s Network on Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation. He reflected on CPJ’s work on a Living Wage.
Pre-Budget Submission
In August, CPJ submitted our annual prebudget brief, entitled “Budgeting for the Common Good,” to the House of Commons Finance Committee. In it, we proposed an enhancement of the Working Income Tax Benefit, the implementation of oil and gas regulations, and the reversal of tax structures that work against the common good of all people in Canada.
Welcome to CPJ!
CPJ is very excited to welcome Kathryn Teeluck as our new Public Justice Intern. Kathryn will be working with our policy team on poverty and refugee issues.