Making ordinary people into powerful actors in society

On June 7^th, the people in Ontario will choose a new government. This action, combined with ongoing dialogue with our elected representatives, makes ordinary people the most powerful actors in the political system. And this election, it matters all the more since voters are confronted with starkly contrasting visions of a good society.

Here are a few things to consider as we prepare for the meaningful act of voting: 

The wider economic context: Like it or not, economics shapes the world in which we live, unless we consciously and collectively take on the task of shaping the way the economy functions in our society. Right now, the economy is creating high-end, highly valued jobs in some sectors and low-wage, no-benefits, temporary jobs in other sectors.  It’s a two-tiered economy shaping a two-tiered society. Is this what we want or will we steward the economy to create fairer outcomes in society?  

The meaning of taxes: Taxes are the foundation for the public services which make cities into communities. As much as we might cringe at the thought of losing part of our pay cheque to taxes, it’s a much cheaper and effective way of getting access to basic goods such as health care, public transportation, public education, firefighters, police officers, parks, roads, bridges, traffic lights, employment insurance, job training, decent work, child benefits and senior benefits, to name a few.

The dignity of all persons and power of communities: There are basic resources and opportunities which are foundational to our dignity as persons and to our participation in society. Access to adequate food, housing, transportation, decent jobs and health care are key among these.  If the gap between rich and poor is too significant, it affects access to these basic goods and undermines the wellbeing of communities. That’s why societies with wider gaps between rich and poor have been linked to worse outcomes in terms of physical health, mental health, addictions, homicides, life expectancy as well as levels of social trust and cooperation (c.f. Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett). 

Know the Candidates and Party Platforms: All Candidates’ meetings can be a great opportunity to learn about the candidates and party platforms. Click here to read about the issues and find helpful questions to ask candidates.

Sue Wilson, CSJ

Humanizing Our Prisons

On May 6, 2018, Laura Lynch, as guest host of “The Sunday Edition” on CBC, interviewed Paula Mallea, a lawyer and the author of Beyond Incarceration: Safety and True Criminal Justice. Ms. Lynch noted that Canada has one of the highest rates of incarceration in the western world.  Winston Churchill’s statement in the British House of Commons, 1910, “The mood and temper of the public in regard to the treatment of crime and criminals is one of the most unfailing tests of the civilization of any country” was echoed in law professor Michael Jackson’s comment that “prison is the acid test of our commitment to human rights”. Paula Mallea, in Beyond Incarceration . . .  states that punishment and incarceration are regressive harmful measures for everybody involved.  She argues for a system in which prison is no longer the default choice but reserved only for those who are a danger to society. Prison is harmful to both inmates and staff and we need to dismantle the whole system. 

The Progressive Conservative Government under Stephen Harper adopted a “tough on crime” policy which failed to achieve its goals of being beneficial to either victims of crime or public safety. Ms. Mallea’s book notes that we resort to prison for everything.  Although the Liberal Government has stated that it will repeal legislation about mandatory sentencing and introduce restorative justice, no action has been taken on these matters. Correctional officers resist the Governments actions to decrease use of solitary confinement, arguing that they need this punishment to control inmates, a fallacy that ignores both the harm it causes and use of more humane and effective options. Ms. Mallea urges that we take money out of our Industrial complex of prisons and invest in practices of prevention, rehabilitation, and Reintegration. We know what these practices are and how they work.

The CBC May 6 program “Canada’s Prison System Should be Radically Reduced” provided strong arguments for change and examples of countries who have made changes. The United States has the highest rate of incarceration in the world; three states, Texas, Florida, and California have reduced the cost of operating prisons by granting amnesty for criminals who are not violent and by making parole easier to obtain.  In Finland, prisoners wear their own clothes and can leave daily to go to work. Correctional officers and inmates eat together. Guards do not carry guns. Prisoners in Denmark are permitted to have cell phones.

Paula Mallea believes that criminals, such as Paul Benardo should never be released into society. However, most of the inmates in our jails and prisons are people who were treated terribly as children, are dependent on drugs, or are mentally ill.  What is needed is dealing with these issues rather that warehousing offenders in facilities that cause further harm rather than prepare inmates to return to the community. All prisoners will be released at some time and we want them to come out better than when they went in.

Journalists writing about the inhumanity of solitary confinement were instrumental in forcing federal and provincial governments to act. Consider how you might use your voice to bring about positive changes in our justice and correctional systems.

Pat McKeon, CSJ

Honouring 150 Years of Service

In honour of the Sisters of St. Joseph 150^th anniversary in the Diocese of London, members of the congregation were special guests of the London District Catholic School Board’s 2018 Catholic Spirit Awards ceremony on May 7^th, 2018.  Along with the student awards, the Sisters received the 2018 Stewards in Catholic Education Award.

The beautiful Lecture Theatre at Mother Teresa Secondary School glowed with simple elegance as the evening began with selections by the school’s concert band followed by a warm welcome and greetings.  Next, Catholic Spirit Awards were presented to one student from each of the 45 elementary and 9 secondary schools.  These young people were honoured for displaying servant leadership capacity through witnessing key values that are the foundation of Catholic education.  Such values include: a discerning believer, an effective communicator, a reflective, creative and holistic thinker, a self-directed, responsible, life-long learner, a collaborative contributor and a caring family member and a responsible citizen.  It was heartwarming to see many fine, young people witnessing Gospel values in our sometimes self-centered and often hostile world.

Following an amazing performance by the school’s percussion ensemble, John Jevnikar, chair of the Board of Trustees presented the 2018 Stewards in Catholic Education Award to the Sisters of St. Joseph.  He commented on the significant contribution made by the Sisters throughout 150 years to Catholic education, health care and many varied ministries far beyond the local sphere.  Sr. Margo Ritchie, congregational leader, received the accolade on behalf of the Congregation.  In her remarks, she reflected on our many relationships and partnerships throughout our long history.  Through a poignant example, she showed how important a significant teacher can be in the life of a student and how we are all important to each other.

In her closing remarks, Linda Staudt, Director of Education, offered gratitude to the Sisters on behalf of the entire London District Catholic School system. In her words of admiration of how the sisters have worked together and supported each other in their ministries throughout 150 years, she used the word “ubuntu”. Translated this means, “I am what I am because of who we all are”.

What a perfect evening it was.  Education in its many forms is part of CSJs DNA.  What was begun in December 1868 when three Sisters began teaching Gospel values at St. Peter’s School, continues to the present day in the minds and hearts of administration, staff and students at London District School Board.

Jean Moylan, CSJ

A Life-Changing Experience

As I continue to reflect on my journey to South Sudan in January, I am amazed at the strong effect it has had on my life. The timing was so right. I had just finished a commitment at our main residence, and the path ahead in ministry was not clear. I jumped at this chance, knowing little of what it entailed, yet convinced that I was somehow called to be part of the group that set out on such a challenging undertaking. I had little fear of the danger of entering a country threatened by war, or of the distance we would be from the amenities of life we take for granted. I trusted the experience and careful planning of those responsible for the trip, and their care and concern far exceeded my expectations.

What I met there in that very remote area were a people who had almost nothing to live on, but a people who struggled together to make a better life. Their spirit of hospitality and gratitude was based on a strong communal bond through which they found hope in circumstances that were quickly deteriorating. They welcomed us and acknowledged our presence among them with joy and celebration. The atmosphere here in this isolated area within the state of Aweil was very safe and secure for us, in contrast to the general upheaval in the country.

The people we encountered had responded to the choice between our coming to them or sending the cost of the trip which they could use to meet their needs after a year of famine. They chose our presence as a greater support. From them I learned the power of presence as a catalyst in the support of the poor. I had had no history of involvement with CASS, had done nothing for these people, and yet I was thanked profusely for my presence among them. Because I was there, they said they would not be forgotten. Such an experience has given me a path to walk as I grow older and less active in my ministry. The power of presence, which gives opportunities for listening, encouraging and affirming the poor and suffering, offers the gift of hope.  I am not sure what I was seeking when I prayed for guidance in making a new commitment, taking on a new responsibility, but my experience in South Sudan has somehow changed that request. Presently I feel challenged to a greater awareness of those around me, a greater openness to their needs, and a new way of life that gives me time to listen deeply and respond.

Joan Driscoll, CSJ

Breakfast of Champions

CSJ staff member Natalie recalls the Breakfast of Champions on May 8^th she attended at the London Convention Centre. This is an annual event presented by St. Joseph’s Health Care. The featured speaker was Clint Malarchuk, former NHL goaltender and coach whose career was nearly cut short by a gruesome on-ice incident.

Clint spoke of the two most important events in our lives: the day we are born, and the day we find our purpose – ‘why we are here.’ 

He started off saying that he shouldn’t be here. He almost died three times. Once with a skate slicing his jugular and possibly cutting his career short. He was told by the doctors to take a year off, but went back to playing hockey just eleven days after surgery. He had discharged himself the day after surgery with 32 stitches. Clint said, ‘because you had to be tough and carry on.’  The second time was later when he was taking medications and not supposed to be drinking, and was, then his heart stopped. The third time was when he put a gun to his head. He still carries the bullet in his skull. 

When Clint was a boy, he suffered from anxiety because his father, whom he admired, who was also a hockey player, was an alcoholic.  Skating on the ice rink was the only time he felt free of any worries.  He explained that when he walked home from the rink with his equipment on his toboggan he could feel the anxiety filling up inside of himself. 

Later Clint found out that that not only was he suffering with anxiety, but also OCD, PTSD and depression. He explained the importance of getting help as soon as you can and stressed how far things have come along regarding the treatment and care for these conditions. He does a lot of work with American veterans and says, ‘they are the real heroes!’ 

Clint went on to stress the importance of being kind to one another, because you just do not know how many people out there are really struggling from day to day with whatever disorders they may be carrying because you certainly cannot see it in them.

He mentioned that when he wrote his book and left his email address and Facebook link, he received so many letters and messages of thanks from people, saying ‘thank you for being our voice,’ many of them being fellow hockey players as well. He was quite comical also. It was a very emotional event and yet there was a lot of humour mixed in with it.  Clint is certainly a person who is appreciating life!

Guest Blogger: Natalie Saika