‘POGG’ matters
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‘POGG’ matters

“Thank you, God, for . . . .” Thanksgiving services and prayers often add long lists. The pattern is familiar from my years as a worship leader. Food, family, faith and freedom are near the top, followed by church, community and Canada. Things like the healthcare system and good government rarely make it before time…

Body or Embody?
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Body or Embody?

As a child, I found preachers’ talk about being the body of Christ more disturbing than comforting. Frightening fantasies of strange bodies danced in my head while the minister droned on. Children’s songs about being hands and feet for Jesus and “Be Careful, Little Eyes What You See”, used body images to teach me to…

From Aging to Aged
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From Aging to Aged

When the results of Census 2021 were released, headlines labelled Canada an aged society. The previous census described Canada as an aging society. Is the shift from aging to aged significant? Census 2021 highlighted a dramatic growth in the population over 85 years (a 12 percent growth since 2016) as well as the reality that…

Short-term fix or long-term solutions?
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Short-term fix or long-term solutions?

Cost of living issues are dominating Ontario’s provincial election campaign. That is understandable because of recent price increases in food, gas and housing. It is also unfortunate because public debate focuses on short-term fixes when we need wise direction for the long-term challenges facing Ontario.  Short-termism is already baked into our electoral system. But changing…

Budget 2022 marks transition from old to new economy
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Budget 2022 marks transition from old to new economy

Federal Budget 2022 turned out to be a sober document, contrary to media hype about New Democrats hijacking the agenda, fears of reckless spending and Corporate Canada’s push to return to 1990s-era budgeting. Instead, this budget charts a middle-of-the-road approach, bending over backwards, it seems, to dispel fears that the Liberals have become socialists. It…