Michael Swan

Targets sought for poverty reduction

February 4, 2008

TORONTO - Politics and poverty are about to find themselves on the same stage in Ontario and nationally. “The issue is back on the table,” said Michael Polyani, KAIROS’ Canadian social development expert.

Teachers back at bargaining table

February 4, 2008

TORONTO - How much your kid’s teacher makes and whether or not home room will be held on a picket line is likely to be determined at provincial framework discussions being held now as an overture to teacher-school board collective bargaining later this year.

Oscar nominees: Forgive us our sins

February 1, 2008

It’s always a mistake to imagine we know exactly what original sin is. Narrowing it down to illicit sex, lies, greed, violence etc. narrows down our humanity and tempts us to imagine that by some heroic effort or stroke of genius or act of contrition we might make it all right, take back that original sin, undo the fall.

Support for continued Afghan mission 'misguided'

February 1, 2008

TORONTO - Aid workers, church groups and peace activists are deeply disappointed in the Manley panel’s report on Canada’s future role in Afghanistan — which calls for Canada to continue its mission while seeking more troops from NATO — with aid workers worried the panel’s approach to development could result in murders and kidnapping of project staff and Taliban targeting of communities where they work.

Let aboriginal reconciliation, healing begin

January 30, 2008

TORONTO - The Catholic Church’s historic mission to the native people of Canada is a big issue, and getting bigger. For the first time Statistics Canada reports there are more than one million Canadians who claim native ancestry. The aboriginal population grew 45 per cent between 1996 and 2006 — six times the growth in the Canadian population as a whole.

Paying more to save the environment

January 28, 2008

TORONTO - There’s more to the modern practice of capitalism than squeezing costs to watch the bottom line grow, according to the company that sells some of the most expensive electricity in Canada. Toronto-based Bullfrog Power has hundreds of business customers in Ontario and Alberta willing to spend three cents per kilowatt hour more for electricity than average rates. That’s a 25- to 30-per-cent increase in their electricity bill.

Canadian refugee workers won’t bow to threats

January 24, 2008

TORONTO - Jesuit Father Jack Costello isn’t the sort to yell “Come and get me, Copper” a la James Cagney. At the same time, he isn’t about to quit aiding and abetting refugees who want to come into Canada.

Pope takes a pass on visit to Quebec's Eucharistic Congress

January 18, 2008

Pope Benedict XVI won't be coming to Canada this summer to help Quebec City stage the 49th International Eucharistic Congress and mark the city's 400th anniversary.

Jesuits move offices closer to University of Toronto

January 17, 2008

Jesuits are always on the move, but the next move for the Jesuit Fathers of English Canada will concentrate the order's brain trust on the eastern edge of Queen's Park Circle, on the main campus of the University of Toronto.

100 years in search of Christian unity

January 11, 2008

If you pray for something for 100 years you might find the prayer refines itself in the light of new realities, and then perhaps the prayer itself deepens your understanding and broadens your horizon.