In this 45th anniversary year, we look back with thankfulness to the many different people who helped lay the foundations for CPJ and public justice in Canada.
We are thankful for Harry Kits. After 20 years of faithful service as CPJ’s Executive Director, we say goodbye. Harry’s approach and his passion have led to many friendships and admiration from staff and his peers. CPJ’s exciting rejuvenation over the last few years, including the ambitious move to Ottawa, is a testament to both his commitment and integrity.
We are thankful for Gerald Vandezande and for his presence at CPJ’s recent AGM in Ottawa. Gerald is a founding member and former national director of CPJ and a member of the Order of Canada for his unfailing commitment to social justice. Following the AGM, Gerald spent time with staff sharing stories reminding us how fulfilling a life filled with good work can be.
We are thankful for Dr. John Hiemstra, a former CPJ staffer, and the keynote speaker at CPJ’s AGM. Dr. Hiemstra presented rather alarming facts, figures and warnings around the Alberta tar sands, calling upon us to further examine the issues and take action. These issues are not new to CPJ. CPJ’s work around the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline in the 1970s was crucial in bringing about the moratorium on its development. With the oil sands developments and issues like the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline resurfacing, CPJ is being called once again to bring the public justice voice to the debate. We are thankful to Dr. Hiemstra for his insight and important work, and for reminding us of those before us, that we must carry on their work so that it not be in vain.
We are thankful for Mark Vander Vennen. Mark is a long time justice advocate and award winning author who attended our AGM and visited with staff. Mark’s book, Hope in Troubled Times, written with Bob Goudzwaard and David Van Heemst, is an essential read in these confusing times. We are thankful for their wise and hopeful words.
We are thankful for CPJ’s founders Louis Tamminga, Andrew Wierenga, John Olthius and Gerald Vandezande for bringing us together.
We are thankful for CPJ’s newest supporters who bring new ideas and voices.
We are thankful for CPJ’s long committed supporters and their unflinching faith.
We are thankful for CPJ’s past and present volunteer Board of Directors who share their passion and generously give their time. Thank you for working together to create a vibrant faith community actively working for justice.
We are thankful for CPJ’s past and present staff. Their commitment and hard work unite us and keep us working together.
We are thankful for Joe Gunn, CPJ’s new Executive Director. Joe, an experienced public justice advocate, will take the helm of CPJ in August. We welcome his creative energy and vision.
Today the notion of social responsibility and public justice on the part of business, labour, and others is widely accepted. Yet this was not always the case. We are like Elisha – standing on the shoulders of the faithful.
How grateful we are for the friendship and faith we share. Because of our work together, CPJ is powerful and respected voice for justice in the public sphere.
