News/Canada

OTTAWA - Ottawa Archbishop-emeritus Joseph-Aurèle Plourde, who chaired a committee that oversaw the founding of the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace, died Jan. 5 at the age of 97 after 49 years as a bishop.

As Chief Theresa Spence passed three weeks living on nothing but water, fish broth and herbal tea, churches and Christian organizations were lining up behind her request for a meeting with Prime MInister Stephen Harper, Governor General David Johnston and aboriginal leaders from across the country.

Calgary Bishop Fred Henry has warned Catholics in his diocese not to attend a church purchased by the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X (SSPX).

OTTAWA - The year 2012 brought troubling news concerning religious freedom, social justice and euthanasia in Canada, but on abortion there are signs the public is increasingly engaged in debate.

OTTAWA (CCN) - William Kokesch, a Montreal permanent deacon who served nearly10 years as a communications director for Canada's Catholic bishops, faceschild pornography charges.

TORONTO - It’s highly unlikely Ontario will meet its own poverty-reduction targets in 2013, food bank use has hit record levels and Ontario’s bishops are worried that decent housing has become a distant dream for too many people.

TORONTO - Being married matters to the health of mothers and possibly to the health of their children, a new study by Marcelo Urquia has found.

Christmas dinner comes a day late for Zenzie Rees, who forgoes cooking the traditional holiday meal at home and instead volunteers and eats at The Good Shepherd Refuge on Boxing Day. Rees volunteers her time to serve Christmas dinner with about 80 others from noon until 2:30 p.m. at the downtown mission.

For the second consecutive day pro-life supporters in Sudbury, Ont., are protesting the Dec. 21 appearance of Liberal leadership hopeful Justin Trudeau at St. Charles College.

OTTAWA - For pro-life activists Ruth Lobo Shaw and her husband James Shaw, a new baby last August only strengthened their willingness to put even their livelihoods on the line.