Canadian News

News and events from across the country.

Trooper Marc Diab is gone, but not forgotten

December 30, 2009

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. - A framed photo of fallen soldier Marc Diab sits in every room of the Diab family’s new home. Almost a year after the 22-year-old trooper was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan, the family is still mourning his loss but says they’re coping thanks to community support and by keeping his memory alive through the charitable foundation they started the day after his funeral.

Anti-Semitism claim shocks KAIROS

December 30, 2009

KAIROS and it’s supporters have reacted with shock, dismay, anger and bewilderment at being called anti-Semitic by Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney at a conference in Jerusalem. “We have de-funded organizations, most recently, like KAIROS who are taking a leadership role in the boycott, divestment and sanctions campaign” against Israel, Kenney told the Global Forum for Combatting Anti-Semitism Dec. 16.

Charitable donors try to alleviate world poverty

December 24, 2009

More than half of Canadians who give to charity are trying to do something about poverty and international development, according to an Ipsos Reid poll that probes Canadian patterns in giving. The 51 per cent of Canadians who chose to make their charitable donations to agencies that work in international development and poverty trails only the medical category which attracted 77 per cent of donors. Poverty and international development outpaced third-place environmental causes, which attracted 31 per cent of donors.

Rosary, faithful family, friends lead priest to altar

December 18, 2009

The Montreal diocese received an early Christmas present in the form of its newest priest, Fr. François Charette. Charette, 31, was ordained for the diocese Dec. 11 after a 13-year journey that began with a conversion of heart, involvement in a pontifical lay community, parish work and missionary work in Latin America.

Bells ring, drums beat for deal on climate change

December 18, 2009

In Kingston, Ont., church bells rang in solidarity with others around the world Dec. 13 to encourage a just deal against climate change at the United Nations climate summit in Copenhagen. The Sisters of Providence had encouraged 14 churches, temples and mosques in the Kingston area to join in with the global call for 350 bell tolls, meant to represent the 350 parts per million which scientists have said is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. If worshippers did not have bells to clang, they were encouraged to offer alternative awareness activities.

Canadian senate latest to call for action on poverty

December 18, 2009

A behemoth, 300-page report with 78 recommendations, the result of two years study and testimony from more than 175 witnesses, has anti-poverty activists hoping Canadians may start thinking and talking about poverty and how to solve it. In From the Margins: A Call to Action on Poverty, Housing and Homelessness was tabled in the Senate Dec. 8. The government will have 150 days to respond to its findings and recommendations once Senators finish commenting on it in January.

Flu restrictions for Mass in Toronto lifted

December 18, 2009

TORONTO - You can shake hands at Mass again in Toronto. As the threat of the H1N1 flu virus retreats, Archbishop Thomas Collins has removed temporary restrictions that asked people to bow or otherwise make the sign of peace without shaking hands. He’s also cleared the way for people to begin receiving communion directly on the tongue again.

St. Vincent de Paul volunteers find a way to help

December 18, 2009

TORONTO - Society of St. Vincent de Paul volunteer Dave McLewin starts his car on a chilly December morning and prepares for a Christmas season visit with clients. “Business is certainly up,” he remarks during the drive to Nickeisha Hitchman’s apartment. Recipients in St. Basil’s Society of St. Vincent de Paul outreach program are up by 70 per cent since 2006, said McLewin, 71 and in his fourth year as a volunteer.

Tree sales aid Out of the Cold

December 18, 2009

TORONTO - It’s been a Christmas tradition for the Flanagan family for the past 15 years: Selling Christmas trees for the Out of the Cold program. Volunteer Sonny Flanagan says he and his family are raising funds for a much-needed program in the city.

KAIROS reapplies for CIDA funding

December 18, 2009

KAIROS is willing to reapply for Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) funding, but the ecumenical justice organization wants to know the new ground rules. “We’ve already spent six months on this proposal and discussions around this proposal, understanding that this was an excellent proposal and we got an excellent evaluation right in the middle of our work,” said KAIROS executive director Mary Corkery. At a brief meeting with CIDA Minister Bev Oda, KAIROS “didn’t learn very much,” Corkery said.