CFSC’s newsletter Quaker Concern, Spring 2025 edition is out

Bringing peace into politics: why Canada’s next government should adopt a peace lens

By Mel Burns

As the Canadian federal election approaches, we’re offered a crucial opportunity to rethink not only the outcomes of our political system but also the lens through which we shape public policy. At a time of growing social division, global insecurity, and domestic challenges, many Canadians are looking for leadership rooted in something deeper than partisanship. That is why we call on our next government to adopt a peace lens.

This call is not as idealistic as it might first appear. Canada already applies a specialized lens—Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+)—to assess how policies affect different groups of people. GBA+ encourages decision-makers to consider gender and other intersecting identity factors (such as age, race, ability, and income) to support inclusive and equitable outcomes. This analytical tool has become a standard part of government planning, ensuring no policy is created in a vacuum. It’s time to build on that progress by adopting a peace lens, which complements and expands on the ethical intent of GBA+ with a focus on fostering a culture of peace across all levels of society... Keep reading ››

Okimaw Ohci Healing Lodge for women. Photo: Correctional Service Canada / Service Correctionnel Canada

Genocide via jail cells: the injustice of Indigenous mass incarceration in Canada

By Karen Ridd

Not only are Indigenous people massively over-represented in the Canadian carceral system, they’re also more likely to be kept in maximum security. People are classified as candidates for maximum security depending on three factors:

1. Do they pose a high risk to public safety?
2. Are they a high risk to escape?
3. How much supervision or control do they require in the institution?

If an incarcerated person is considered high for factors one and two or for factor three, they’re kept in maximum security. This means that there are people being kept in maximum security not because they’re a risk to the public, nor because they’re at risk to escape, but simply because they’re “hard to manage”... Keep reading ››

Economic turmoil and a federal election: what’s next for Canada?

By Sandra Wiens

The 2025 federal election is well underway with voting day coming up on Monday, April 28th. It’s been a chaotic several months. The US-initiated trade war, threats of annexation, and the election in Canada all happening so quickly initially alarmed me. But after reflection, I also see that an election and a new government in Canada presents an opportunity. Together we can question the status quo and centre priorities that are good for all.

With inequality, cost of living, and poverty rising at alarming rates, now is a great time to question candidates and their political parties on these pressing issues. With tariffs, the trade war, and looming job loses, income security for people in Canada should be of utmost importance in this election… Keep reading ››

Speaking truth and reconciliation to power this election

By Jeremy Vander Hoek

Principle nine of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report What We Have Learned states: “Reconciliation requires political will, joint leadership, trust building, accountability, and transparency, as well as a substantial investment of resources.” On the eve of an election, voters have a unique chance to urge Canada to live into this principle. We have the power and the opportunity to build political will and advocate for the investment of resources referred to.

Consider the Indigenous Peoples whose territory you live on. Look at their websites, social media, and other networks. What are their policy priorities? How might you bring these to the candidates running in your riding? At the end of this article, I’ll pose some general questions you can ask… Keep reading ››