Community Life Communique #4

Submitted by: Carol Penno

We’re in the midst of summer at long last and I have some important material to share so you are aware of what is happening on the Community Life Scene. You can start working on this so your Parish counterparts will be ready to spring into action.

Welcome to the new Community Life Chairpersons Rose G. of Kamloops Diocese, Shirley L. from the Diocese of Prince George, Susan S. from Vancouver Arch Diocese. and our unnamed member from Whitehorse. Our returning Chairpersons, Janet O’F. from Nelson Diocese and Pauline S. of Victoria Diocese will help welcome the newcomers. Working together I know we’ll make a strong stand in BC. I have Kathy F. of Victoria Diocese as Sub Chair for Dignity and Rights of Persons. I would heartily welcome some additional help for any of the other sub titles which are listed in the handbook

It was my pleasure to visit and share with Susan S., Rose G., & Janet O’F. at the Provincial Convention last June. Carol L. from the Military Ordinariate also joined us for the luncheon.

In British Columbia we have taken a positive step in helping with the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa by supporting “Women for Change”, a program approved by Development and Peace. You have our blessing to raise funds and submit through Dev and Peace to aid these ladies in Zambia. Remember we have disassociated ourselves from Stephen Lewis foundation (Go Go Grannies).

Remember to support the motion put forth by the Standing Committee on the Status of Women that I sent to you July 12 as well. I’m sure every member will contact her MP to ask for support on this motion to curtail the trafficking of women and girls at the 2010 Olympics. We are appreciative of help from this committee, it goes to show that we are not alone in this struggle.

Many brochures from “Call of the Poor “in St. Norbert, Manitoba were distributed at the convention. I would ask that you take a close look at this appeal and pray over it. If you can help out even a little it would make a difference. God bless your efforts.

Dr. Rayleen De Luca, National Chairperson of Community Life has Communique #3 prepared. It’s full of up to date information. I’m almost copying her report word for word as it is too hard to condense without losing the intent. Community Life is still rocking.

Trafficking of Women and Children
The federal government is taking a serious look at trafficking and introducing new measures. A news release dated June 19,2007, stated: “The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, today introduced new measures to help assist victims of human trafficking brought into Canada from abroad. The new measures extend the length of the temporary resident permit (TRP) for victims of human trafficking to 180 days, up from 120. This extension also allows victims to apply for a work permit – an option not previously available. The new measures will also continue to allow victims of human trafficking to receive health-care benefits, including medical treatment and counselling services, under the Interim Federal Health Program…. The fees for these initial resident and work permits, which normally cost $200 and $150 each will be waived. In addition to these measures, and depending on their particular circumstances, a number of other avenues may also be pursued by possible victims of trafficking. For example, they may apply for permanent residence from within Canada through the refugee determination process, on humanitarian and compassionate grounds or, over time, as members of the permit holder class.”

Let’s Make Poverty History
Poverty continues to be at shockingly high levels in Canada. Those who are particularly affected include new immigrants, Aboriginal people, single mothers, older people and people with disabilities. However, KAIROS, in June 2007, identified some recent progress in addressing poverty in Canada and stated, “We should celebrate these successes.” Minimum wages will rise this year in eight provinces and territories (Yukon, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador). In March, Nova Scotia became the third province to commit to the development of a poverty reduction strategy. Momentum is gathering for a federal poverty reduction strategy as well.

There is the implementation of the Working Income Tax Benefit, which will provide up to $1,000 per year to low income workers. The new Ontario Child Benefit will improve the income of low wage working families and parents on social assistance in Ontario by about $600.00 per child in 2008, rising to $1,100 per child by 2011. Good news for Ontario.

The federal government’s Standing Committee on Human Resources, Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities has agreed to hold public hearings on poverty this fall.

Finally, the Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal for the Confederation des syndicats nationaux and le Syndicat National des Employes(es) de l’Aluminium d’Arvida concerning the federal government’s use of the surplus of the Employment Insurance fund as general revenues.

KAIROS further stated, “Much work remains to be done, but these actions reflect the success of citizens and social justice advocates in putting poverty on the political agenda.” Again, League members are to be commended for their innumerable hours of work in this area “For God and Canada.” Not everyone hears the cry of the poor, only those who listen with their hearts.

Friends of St. John the Caregiver
Friends of St. John the Caregiver is an international Catholic organization that promotes care for family caregivers. We are advised that their material is free. If you would like more information, check out the following websites: www.fsjc.org; www.YourAgingParent.com; or, www.CatholicCaregivers.com.

New Horizons for Seniors
The federal government has provided funding to seniors across Canada through the New Horizons for Seniors Program. The purpose of the program is to support local projects that encourage seniors to contribute to their communities through social participation and active living. Additional government seniors-focused initiatives include projects to make cities more accessible for seniors, help seniors become prepared to emergencies, prevent fall-related injuries, and develop guidelines on seniors’ mental health issues.

Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace
“Development and Peace is raising concern about the huge numbers of people displaced by war in the world, especially in Iraq and the Darfur region of the Sudan. Numbers are currently estimated to be around 5 million displaced persons. (This is roughly equivalent to the populations of Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.) Development and Peace is signalling that both efforts and funding have to be increased substantially to overcome these extreme challenges.” (www.devp.org)

May God bless you and may Our Lady of Good Counsel inspire you in your important work

“For God and Canada.” And, remember: COMMUNITY LIFE ROCKS!

Your sister in the League,

Dr. Rayleen De Luca
National Chairperson of Community Life

Wasn’t that an uplifting informative report? There is no question about it, it gave us a lot to think about and work on. Rayleen will be presenting her oral annual report to the National Convention in August. Shortly after we’ll be sharing that with you.

In the meantime read your handbook and keep up to date on issues relating to our Standing Committee. Remember that you can’t do it all so pick out something that is touching your heart and give it your best shot. Where your passion lies, there also lies your heart. You can ask for help from other members so you won’t suffer burnout. Remember that I am as close as your telephone or computer. Don’t hesitate to communicate.

May Our Lady of Good Counsel impart her special blessings upon you as you work for God and Canada through Community Life.

God Bless you all

Carol P….