Michael Swan

Refugee sponsors brace for budget crunch

June 20, 2018

The churches that sponsor refugees may be nervous about their budgets over the next three years, but they will probably get through the coming flood of refugee arrivals, according to the organization that represents sponsorship agreement holders across the country.

Out of the Cold programs rethinking future as city steps up homeless services

June 12, 2018

It may be time to consider closing Out of the Cold, said the man responsible for managing the 30-year-old church-based shelter program.

Catholic schools sow seeds of understanding Indigenous culture

June 10, 2018

As the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was wrapping up its work in 2015, commission chair Justice Murray Sinclair repeated over and over, “Education got us into this mess and education will get us out.”

Election result good news for Catholic doctors in Ontario

June 8, 2018

In the wake of Ford nation storming the citadel of Queen’s Park, Catholic agencies and groups are already adjusting to the new reality.

Catholic refugee council wants government to change sponsorship agreement

June 7, 2018

Spiralling costs and mountains of red tape may force some Catholic refugee sponsorship agencies out of business and cause others to cut back on the number of refugees they’re prepared to welcome, according to the Catholic Refugee Sponsorship Council representing 20 agencies across Canada.

Head of world's Jesuits thinks Pope will apologize to Canada's Indigenous

June 7, 2018

Though it all hinges on an invitation from Canada’s bishops, the superior general of the world’s 17,000 Jesuits — including Pope Francis — is certain the Pope will issue an apology on Canadian soil for Catholic involvement in Canada’s residential school system.

Assisted reproduction, surrogacy laws challenged

June 6, 2018

A private member’s bill that would decriminalize the purchase of sperm, eggs and rent-a-womb surrogacy would open the door to exploitation of poor women and legalize a form of child trafficking, according to a member of the 1990s Royal Commission on New Reproductive Technologies.

A giant palliative ‘payback’ for St. Joseph's Hospital

June 6, 2018

With an $11.6-million donation, Toronto’s St. Joseph’s Health Centre will create one of the largest, most advanced and most comprehensive palliative care units in Canada.

Special Olympics celebrate integral members of Toronto Catholic schools

June 5, 2018

For over 360 special needs students from 24 Catholic high schools across Toronto, a day spent running around an old hangar at the former Downsview air force base is more than special.

‘Be An Angel’ project offers a little taste of humanity for most vulnerable patients

June 1, 2018

Socks, toothpaste, tampons, tissues and a handwritten note from a teenager aren’t likely to rewrite a life story that includes sleeping in shelters, seeking comfort in opioids and waking up in the emergency room at St. Michael’s Hospital.