The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul of Canada launched its national housing campaign on The theme is “Safe, secure and affordable housing is a human right.”
Canada
A Canadian View: Hope Can Overcome Hopelessness
by Jim Paddon | December 7, 2023 | Formation, Reflections | 1 Comment
As we enter another Christmas time with lots of hopes and prayers it may be a good time to reflect on this world, we are living in which at times seems like a hopeless situation for many.
A Canadian View: Homelessness – Why Should We Care? What Can We Do?
by Jim Paddon | November 2, 2023 | Formation, Reflections | 0 Comments
I think we are all aware of the increasing number of homeless women, men and children in our communities, whether large cities or smaller rural towns and villages.
A Canadian View: Refreshing Our Social Justice Approach
by Jim Paddon | October 5, 2023 | Formation, Reflections | 0 Comments
The term social justice can mean different to different people. It can also leave us confused on exactly what it is or is not.
A Canadian View: Summer Reflections
by Jim Paddon | September 7, 2023 | Formation, Reflections | 0 Comments
As we approach the end of summer here in Canada, for myself and many others, we have had a summer of relaxation and an opportunity to enjoy time with family and exploring new and exciting parts of our vast nation.
A Canadian View: The Preferential Option for the Poor, Part Four
by Jim Paddon | Feb 18, 2021 | Formation, Reflections
Part Four: In recent years there has been considerable discussion and at times some confusion over the topics of The preferential option for the poor, systemic change and our Vincentian charism.
A Canadian View: The Preferential Option for the Poor, Part Three
by Jim Paddon | Feb 4, 2021 | Formation, Reflections
Part Three: In recent years there has been considerable discussion and at times some confusion over the topics of The preferential option for the poor, systemic change and our Vincentian charism.
A Canadian View: Change is NOT Always Good!
by Jim Paddon | Aug 23, 2018 | Formation, Reflections
I live in the province of Ontario, here in Canada. We recently held a provincial election for the office of premier (equivalent to a governor in the USA). For various reasons this election saw a shift to the conservative side and ended in the election of Doug Ford as...
A Canadian View: A New Definition of Homelessness?
by Jim Paddon | Aug 9, 2018 | Formation, Reflections
Deep in the heart of Texas, the government of the Unites States of America operates immigrant detention centres. Many countries have immigration detention centres, including Canada, but the Texas centres are operated in a very different way. They make a point of...
A Canadian View: The Guaranteed Basic Income Part 2
by Jim Paddon | Jul 26, 2018 | Formation, Reflections
In my article earlier this month I discussed the concept of a guaranteed basic income to having a major impact on poverty. Did you know that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a strong supporter of a basic income? In fact, Dr. King was planning a new march on Washington...
A Canadian View: The Guaranteed Basic Income
by Jim Paddon | Jul 12, 2018 | Formation, Reflections
What is a guaranteed basic income? How does it work and how can it help those living in poverty? The concept of providing a guaranteed basic income to all who qualify is an idea that has been around for some time but is a topic that is currently enjoying a higher...
A Canadian View: Poverty and Vincentian Charism
by Jim Paddon | Jun 28, 2018 | Formation, Reflections
I imagine everyone has their own vision of poverty. It is usually a picture of someone dressed poorly, if a man he likely has a beard or long unkempt hair. Women are pictured in old, dirty clothes with no makeup. Poverty can also mean you live in subsidized housing,...
A Canadian View: Poverty and Human Dignity
by Jim Paddon | Jun 14, 2018 | Formation, Reflections
The first Principle of Catholic Social Teaching is the Principle of Human Dignity which states that Every human being is created in the image of God and redeemed by Jesus Christ, and therefore is invaluable and worthy of respect as a member of the human family. The...
A Canadian View: Migrant Workers in Canada
by Jim Paddon | May 24, 2018 | Formation, Reflections
In Canada we use a fair number of migrant workers in the agricultural field. The federal government offers a temporary seasonal worker program for this need. Many of these workers come from Mexico and other central America countries, as well as Jamaica. While in...
Future of Marthas is ‘hope-filled’
by Elizabeth Astridge | May 15, 2018 | Formation, Reflections
Joanne O’Regan met her first ‘Martha’ in the late 1990s. “I remember thinking, ‘I like the way they are in the world,’” she said Wednesday of her first impression of the Antigonish-based Sisters of St. Martha. Though raised a Roman Catholic in Toronto, O’Regan hadn’t...
A Canadian View: Indigenous Peoples in Canada
by Jim Paddon | May 10, 2018 | Formation, Reflections
Indigenous peoples in Canada include aboriginal First nations peoples living on reserve and in urban locations as well as Inuit, and Metis. The history of relations between Indigenous people and Canadian governments and churches is not a good one, with most actions...