A short statement by Coroner Gehane Kamel pierces through long debates within Quebec and in church circles of CC readers. “It’s all ‘us’ – no ‘them,’” she said on CBC radio in response to a question about what needs to change to end discrimination in Quebec’s health care system. The occasion was release of the…
For a Midwest farm child, Thanksgiving Day, U.S. style, was a favorite time of year. Whether the bins of corn and canning jars were full or not, there was a pause from the long, all-hands-on-deck work days and family anxiety – until winter storms presented new threats. Familiar tales of pilgrims at Plymouth Rock, Little…
Young people who sign up to use Instagram, Tik Tok or similar social media sites are targeted with potentially harmful material within 24 hours. New research by the 5 Rights Foundation, an international initiative to promote online safety, shows that this is built into the design of the platforms; it is not just an unfortunate…
Put aside political spin for a moment. What is the significance of this election for Canadian citizens, beyond each voter’s personal interests? More than other times, this election is one step toward renewing our social covenant. How can we best live together on this piece of God’s creation? What do we owe each other at…
Between the writing and the reading of this column, a federal election may be launched – or not. Timing is a critical factor in election planning, and sometimes it determines the outcome. Political leaders who choose an advantageous time to call an election are criticized for being opportunistic, but frankly, we do the same in…
On Tuesday I gave my last kale seedlings to a Chinese neighbor who is learning to like this Dutch staple. My plants were doing well and I had enough to share some produce in the fall. On Wednesday morning several kale plants in my garden were chewed off at the stem and lying limp on…
I’m hearing a lot about learning from COVID-times and making some course corrections in our society. Expectations for change run high in some communities. There is a long tradition of crises and tragedies leading to significant social change. In fact, advocates talk about not letting a tragedy go to waste. Turning bad into good is…
Imagine a better future that is feasible and work heroically to achieve it. That is the essence of a Commanding Hope to address the combined threats of climate change and growing inequity, according to Thomas Homer-Dixon. At first, I found it a slim basis for hope. On second thought, however, why did I consider an…
Part COVID response and part post-COVID recovery, the federal Canadian Budget 2021 resembles a long, expensive shopping list more than either a clear future vision or a blueprint out of a COVID-recession. The budget is organized under three themes: 1) Finishing the job against COVID-19; 2) Creating Jobs and Growth; and 3) A Resilient and…
Tulips are poking through the soil. My seed order has arrived. Even the thought of returning to the garden renews my spirit. Fresh, nutritious food during the summer and fall, with enough to share, is an extra blessing. Easy access to local, nutritious food should be true for far more people than it currently is….
“Return to Normal” and “Build Back Better” are the two dominant mindsets for COVID-recovery. Any suggestion of more disruption would invite stone-throwing, but that may be our future. High levels of present anxiety and fear for the future lead to equating hope with more tranquility. Is there another kind of hope? Is hope possible in…
COVID-19 has achieved one positive change that four decades of advocacy failed to achieve. It has forced society to recognize that care work is essential and needs to be considered part of a well-functioning economy. Care work can be broadly described as work, paid or unpaid, that helps others meet their basic needs. The pandemic…
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