the

CatalystCitizens for Public Justice Spring 2021 Pub. Mail Agreement no: 40022119

Basic Income Is One Spoke in the Wheel

By Natalie Appleyard

At CPJ we have always maintained given a chance to try a basic income should prove themselves “deserving.” This leaves that an end to poverty in Canada can only not be easily dismissed. Participants in the many in need with no assistance at all. Far be attained through a suite of comprehen- 2017-2018 Ontario pilot program speak of from honouring the inherent rights or dig- sive, rights-based policies. Poverty must be a sense of dignity, hope, and freedom from nity of all people, we hear from many ap- addressed as a matter of health, employ- chronic stress. Feeling like they had room plicants that they feel shamed, denigrated, ment, education, food security, housing, to breathe, being able to care for their basic and treated like criminals. and income. But even more fundamentally, needs while also investing in their futures. Among its many ills, social assistance it must be addressed as a matter of human To acknowledge the power of this one pro- as it exists today perpetuates the idea that rights and dignity. gram is not to negate the need for other people should just “get off welfare and get To end poverty, we need a comprehen- social services. Rather, it speaks to the dire - sive suite of universally-accessible public need for change from our typical models of ly perilous to return to work because of programs, regulatory standards, and fair social assistance. aggressivea job.” Yet atclawback the same rates time, on it isany financial earned taxation. No one program or sector can do CPJ believes that basic income is a income. This, combined with poor labour this alone, including basic income. Income powerful policy tool in changing not only standards and a lack of access to health alone cannot solve a lack of housing stock people’s incomes, but our whole economic insurance and affordable childcare, means or childcare spaces. It cannot replace sup- system. many people simply cannot afford to go portive, culturally responsive, professional Our current patchwork system of so- back to work. The choice between a min- services. Advocates of basic income agree cial assistance programs varies greatly imum wage job with no health insurance that adequate income must be provided in from one province or territory to another. and increased travel and childcare costs tandem with other rights-based policies There are a few commonalities, however. versus inadequate social assistance with and programs to ensure people get the None of them provide an adequate income. some health insurance and perhaps fewer supports that meet their needs. All of them have eligibility criteria that expenses traps many in poverty. The experiences of people who were force claimants to jump through hoops to ...continued on page 3 The For the Love of Creation Advoca- cy Group (Ryan Weston of the Anglican Church of Canada; Naomi Johnson of Ca- nadian Foodgrains Bank; Joe Gunn of Cen- tre Oblat; and CPJ’s senior policy analyst Karri Munn-Venn) met with Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith on January 19 334 MacLaren Street - Suite 200 to discuss the policy proposals raised in Ottawa, Ontario K2P 0M6 the 2020 For the Love of Creation petition Unceded Algonquin Territory In Review that was sponsored by Erskine-Smith. tel.: 613-232-0275 Along with partners at Campaign toll-free: 1-800-667-8046 2000, Natalie met with staffers for Oppo- email: [email protected] On the Hill sition Leader Erin O’Toole in January; MP web: www.cpj.ca Following our October 2020 Chew on in February; and NDP Lead- This! campaign, Dignity for All partners er and MP in Citizens for Public Justice’s mission met with staffers for Minister for Women March, calling for CERB repayment amnes- is to promote public justice in Canada by shaping key public policy debates and Gender Equality in ty for low-income earners. November and for Minister of Crown-In- through research and analysis, publishing, and public dialogue. CPJ digenous Relations in Virtual Presentations encourages citizens, leaders in society, February to share recommendations from Karri joined our partners Faith and and governments to support policies our open letter. In January, Natalie Ap- the Common Good and Ecology Action and practices which reflect God’s call , CPJ’s socio-economic policy an- pleyard Centre to present as a part of Climate Ac- for love, justice, and the flourishing of alyst, attended a meeting of the All Party tion Network Canada’s Pathways to Zero creation. Anti-Poverty Caucus focusing on basic webinar series. She and Beth Lorimer of income. KAIROS Canada shared information on CPJ annual membership fee In December, CPJ’s executive direc- For the Love of Creation and our joint faith- includes the Catalyst: tor Willard Metzger joined faith leaders in-action campaign. Suggested donation of $50 from across Canada for a virtual meeting On February 22, Karri presented on with Prime Minister on the panel “Keeping Up the Pressure.” The Spring 2021 (Volume 44, Number 1) the theme of the contributions of faith event, organized by the Parliament of ISSN 0824-2062 communities in a pandemic. The meeting World Religions, explored the important Agreement no. 40022119 was co-hosted by the Canadian Council of role that faith communities play in de- Editor: Brad Wassink Churches, the Canadian Interfaith Con- manding greater ambition from national versation, and the Canadian Multifaith governments headed into the COP26 cli- the Catalyst, a publication of Citizens Federation. mate talks. for Public Justice, reports on public justice issues in Canada and reviews Along with colleagues in the Ecumen- In March, CPJ’s refugee rights poli- CPJ activities. ical Circle on the UN Declaration, CPJ cy analyst Stephen Kaduuli and Deacon wrote to Justice Minister Rudy Ovcjak of the Archdiocese of Toron- the Catalyst subscription: in support of Bill C-15, the “United Nations to presented a webinar on the rights of en- $20 (three issues) Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous vironmental migrants. Peoples Act.” Minister Lametti later invited the Catalyst is also available CPJ’s executive director Willard and lead- Climate Advocacy electronically. If you would prefer ers of national churches and faith-based CPJ and our partners in For the Love of to receive an electronic copy of the organizations for a meeting to discuss the Creation submitted an open letter to Min- Catalyst, simply contact us at bill in more detail. ister of Environment and Climate Change [email protected]. urging him to imme- diately strengthen Bill C-12, the “Canadian Connect with us online Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act,” which was introduced in mid-November. facebook.com/ In December, CPJ joined a group of citizensforpublicjustice ecumenical leaders in signing on to a let- ter, organized by Christian Peacemaker Teams, expressing our support for the twitter.com/publicjustice Haudenosaunee Land Defenders at CPJ’s team of policy analysts met with 1492 Land Back Lane. instagram.com/ independent Senator Rosa Galvez (above) In the wake the cancellation of the citizensforpublicjustice on January 8 to discuss the Senator’s white Keystone XL Pipeline, CPJ joined Indige- paper, “Building Forward Better: A Clean nous leaders and social justice organiza- and Just Recovery from the COVID-19 Pan- tions in January to call on Prime Minister demic.” They talked about the connections Justin Trudeau to cancel the Trans Moun- between health, environmental, and social tain Pipeline and follow-through on com- issues, and how they could best all work mitments to bring forward a just transition towards a more just and caring Canada. act.

2 l the Catalyst Spring 2021 ...continued from page 1 where we need to go. The good news is that transfer cash quickly to individuals and Basic income pilot projects, on the we have some models of success to guide - other hand, show no evidence that peo- us. erous, timely income assistance to provide ple were deterred from working. They CPJ advocates for a basic income guar- stabilitymade clear and the increase benefits resilience, of delivering both gen in provided people with the security to take antee that builds on the demonstrated terms of economics and public health. time away from work to improve educa- success of programs like the Canada Child There are many details to be worked tion and training so they could seek better - out in designing an effective, equitable ba- jobs. They gradually scaled back their ba- ment, and Old Age Security. These pro- sic income program, including technical gramsBenefit, have the offered Guaranteed a kind Incomeof basic Suppleincome requirements, agreements between fed- The pilots suggest that most people want to parents and seniors, two groups gener- eral and other jurisdictions, the amount tosic work, income and benefits will, given with the earned right opportu income.- ally deemed “deserving” by society at large. of income support to be provided, and nity. But basic income also supports those While critical improvements are still need- how to gradually scale it back based on outside the workforce and those working ed to expand the eligibility and adequacy of earned income. But Canada has the re- part-time, whether for personal reasons or these programs, they have demonstrated sources and know-how needed to develop because of care-giving responsibilities. measurable improvements to both the in- a federally-funded basic income guarantee While our current social assistance cidence and depth of poverty experienced now. A lot of excellent work is being done by seniors, parents, and children. by groups like the Basic Income Canada a successful basic income program is no Comparatively, we have seen little Network, the All Party Anti-Poverty Cau- simpleprograms matter. are But clearly the complexity flawed, designing of this change in poverty rates for single adults cus, and a number of Senators to develop task is equal to its potential: by beginning aged 25 to 64. Many are ineligible for exist- fully-costed models of basic income and with the premise that all people deserve a suggestions for accompanying legislation. guaranteed basic income, whether or not CPJ is proud to support these efforts and to they participate in the labour force, wheth- aggressiveing benefits clawbacks. or remain CPJtrapped therefore in poverty sup- engage in discussions that consider the in- er or not they have a diagnosed disability, portsbecause the of proposal the inadequacy of a basic of income benefits guar and- terconnections between basic income and and whether or not they pass some kind of antee for people aged 16 to 64. The lower our policy areas of poverty, climate justice, bureaucratic test of worthiness, we change age limit is intended to provide support to and refugee rights. the narrative. We no longer separate peo- youth in foster care or wards of the state Far from being a silver bullet, we view ple living in poverty into the “deserving” or who are aging out of care. basic income as one spoke in the wheel, “undeserving” poor. Instead, we recognize Recently, the Canada Emergency Re- alongside universally-accessible, publicly that all members of society have rights. funded programs; strengthened regula- The process of designing such a pro- when the government has the will to deliv- tions and minimum standards grounded in gram of income security and complemen- ersponse income Benefit assistance (CERB) to demonstrated people across that the human rights; and fairer taxation. Guided tary supports invites us to reimagine how by people with lived experiences of pover- —and why—our economy and labour mar- sword of this initiative was the sharp con- ty, including some who participated in pre- kets function as a whole. What if our econ- trastcountry, between they find the a amount way. The deemed double-edged neces- vious basic income pilots, together we are omy valued the contributions to society of sary for people receiving existing social working toward an income security pro- unpaid labour, volunteerism, and actual gram designed to build equity and honour people outside the labour market? What amount offered by the CERB. This kind of the rights and dignity of all people. if our economy didn’t force people to stay disparityassistance is anda telling disability indication benefits that the and gov the- Let’s dream big. Let justice roll! trapped in dangerous or underpaid, inse- ernment believes some people to be more cure working conditions just to put food on “deserving” or trustworthy when it comes the table? What if our economy had a built- to income assistance. There were also in stabilizer to support people through times of boom and bust, the transition to a clawbacks, and clear communication. low-carbon economy, and unforeseen envi- problemsYet even to bewith fixed some related unresolved to eligibility, chal- ronmental or health crises? lenges, the government pivoted based on Natalie Appleyard is Mere tinkering with our existing in- feedback from communities. The CERB CPJ’s socio-economic policy analyst. come support systems will not take us demonstrated the government’s ability to

the Catalyst Winter 2020 l 3 Moving Past Climate Inaction By Lori Neale and Karri Munn-Venn

t has been a full year since the World greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, is not • Implement the UN Declaration on the Health Organization declared COVID-19 doing enough to bring emissions down. Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including, Ia global pandemic. Many of us have Furthermore, Canada has failed to an- but not limited to, the right of free, prior spent extended periods in lockdown, under nounce any new funds to support climate and informed consent; and stay-at-home orders, and facing curfews. change adaptation and mitigation mea- • Commit equal support for climate Not only has the pandemic had alarming sures for communities in the Global South, change adaptation and mitigation mea- impacts on the physical health of far too who, along with those in the Far North, sures in the Global South. many, our response too, has created men- face the greatest burden of climate change. tal strain spurred by economic uncertainty The huge number of people who The campaign has all the elements and the burden of extended isolation. marched in the 2019 Climate Strikes is just needed for an easy roll out across the coun- In the midst of this tremendous chal- one indicator of the deep concern and cry try. Online materials are ready to use in a lenge a large network of Canadian church- for change felt across the churches and so- single faith community or as part of a local es and faith-based organizations came ciety in Canada. Weighed down with this ecumenical collaboration. For the Love of together (virtually, of course) to establish concern, people are often lost with what to Creation’s complementary tools for faith- For the Love of Creation – a faith-based do next? What can I do as one person? One ful climate conversations and theological climate justice initiative. We did so in the family? One faith community? Uncertainty face of a global crisis for which there is no about what to do can lead to despair, isola- and relationship building. All building a vaccine: climate change. tion, silence, and inaction. strongerreflection base offer for opportunities change, in concertfor dialogue with More and more, we are aware of the This inaction indicates approval of the timely, informed, strategic Ottawa-facing interconnectedness of multiple crises and status quo for those in government trying advocacy. the need for comprehensive, coordinated, to discern the will of the people in the face God has gifted churches and faith and multi-faceted solutions. of the climate emergency. A potentially fa- communities across the land with convic- Late in 2020, the federal government tal consequence. tion, talent, and relationships of solidarity. announced, “A Healthy Environment and a Now, For the Love of Creation is pro- We’re not in this alone and we don’t have Healthy Economy,” Canada’s new climate viding a way for people of faith to channel to feel stuck. Let’s pull together, speak up, plan. It includes a commitment to grad- their concern and take action in an effec- and take action for climate justice! ually increase the carbon price so that it tive and focused way towards climate jus- reaches $170 per tonne of carbon pollu- tice. Join For the Love of Creation’s tion in 2030 (something CPJ has been ad- In February 2021, For the Love of faith-in-action campaign at vocating for over a number of years). They Creation launched its faith-in-action cam- cpj.ca/flc-action. introduced climate accountability legisla- paign. It is modelled on CPJ’s Give it up for tion that offers a starting point, but needs the Earth!, which ran every year during - Lent from 2017 to 2020. The For the Love tive. Important legislation relating to the of Creation campaign will run until Octo- UNsignificant Declaration strengthening on the Rights to be of Indigenoustruly effec ber 4, 2021. It will also include a public Peoples was also introduced, highlighting witness event on April 22, Earth Day. the importance of the Declaration to rec- Across Canada, individuals will com- Lori Neale serves as onciliation and the connection between mit to taking action to reduce their GHG network coordinator for The climate impacts and Indigenous rights. emissions, engage in acts of solidarity with United Church of Canada General Council Office. Both of these bills look likely to pass into justice-seeking communities, and write law this spring. to federal Cabinet Ministers to call on the Still, the world is not on track to hold to: global temperatures to 1.5°C over pre-in- • Increase our national GHG emissions re- dustrial levels, as committed to in the Paris duction target and invest in a just tran- Agreement. And Canada, which contin- Karri Munn-Venn is CPJ’s sition to a fair, inclusive, green economy; senior policy analyst. ues to have among the highest per capita

4 l the Catalyst Spring 2021 Growing Black Political Participation in Canada By Operation Black Vote Canada

020 proved to be a challenging year ed to a Canadian provincial legislature— on many fronts. First, we were hit opened the door that subsequent elected developing, and implementing policy. Pro- 2with a devastating pandemic that - vidingadvocacy this practitioners training for the face Fellows in influencing, not only disproportionately affected the Black com- oneers stepped up and made a difference prepares them for civic leadership roles munity at an alarming rate. Almost simul- inofficials the communities walked through. they served. These braveAlthough pi and supports them in their career devel- taneously and under the guise of justice, we have since witnessed political gains in opment, but it also gives them the inspira- Canada, there is still an under-representa- a Black man at the hands of police. These twothe world events witnessed have catapulted the horrific the murdercause for of senior decision-making tables in govern- policiestion and and confidence legislation to thattake affect their our place daily in change as it relates to racism, systemic ment.tion of Black people elected to office and at livespolitics as Blackand government . and influence the racism, and anti-Black racism in particu- The problem lies within the political Building on lessons learned from the lar. Never before has North America, not parties’ disinclination toward a strategic 1834 Fellowship, OBVC organized the in- to mention the world, seen more desire for plan to engage individuals, develop mem- augural 1834 Fellowship Conference in political, legal, and social change regarding bers, and mentor potential candidates January 2021 that provided opportunities anti-Black racism. within the Black community. Greater po- for Black youth to increase their knowl- But despite these circumstances, not litical participation among Black Canadi- edge of civic leadership roles and different all was lost in 2020. In the United States, ans can occur once the community is em- career options within public administra- powered with the information, tools, and tion. The conference provided non-parti- Black, South Asian woman Vice President. resources that are accessible and tailored san discussions with Senators, Members of HereKamala in Canada, Harris wasLeslyn elected Lewis asentered the firstthe Parliament, and senior bureaucrats in the race for leadership of the Conservative involves organizing training events, sum- federal public service along with opportu- Party of Canada and surprised many with mits,specifically and toinformation the Black community.sessions about This nities to network with other Black youth the strength and reach of her campaign. A the political process to promote civic en- from across Canada. The second cohort of few months later, Annamie Paul won the gagement. OBVC seeks to bridge the gap the 1834 Fellowship will start in the spring leadership race for the federal Green Party through various initiatives and by offer- of 2021 and will be exclusively for fellows ing regular sessions to help aspiring Black residing in Quebec and Alberta. of a national party. leaders understand political processes like As we look ahead in 2021 to greater of Canada,There becomingis now a theglobal first movement Black leader of nominations and fundraising, and by pro- representation of the Black community citizens from all racial backgrounds call- viding resources to support a successful in political spaces, stakeholders and de- ing for immediate change to the status quo political campaign. cision-makers in these spaces all have a regarding anti-Black racism. Since 2004, We understand the importance of hav- part to play in taking deliberate action Operation Black Vote Canada (OBVC) has ing youth at the table and amplifying their to encourage and support Black political supported the election of more Black in- voices when it comes to developing bet- participation in Canada. The promise and ter public policy outcomes on issues they full potential of Canada can never be fully provincial, and federal levels. The Black care about. In the spring of 2020, OBVC realized until every community has the ac- communitydividuals to publicacross office North at theAmerica municipal, has introduced the 1834 Fellowship, named to cess and opportunity to change today and proven to have an abundance of learned, honour the year slavery was abolished in shape tomorrow. experienced, and talented people who Canada. would add value to political parties of ev- - ery stripe and persuasion. ship included 40 high-achieving Black Black political participation is not youthThe (ages first 18 cohort to 25) for of thean intensive 1834 Fellow nine- Operation Black Vote new in this country. Black political trail- month civic leadership and public policy Canada is a non-profit and blazers—from Lincoln Alexander, who was training program. The aim was to give Fel- multi-partisan organization lows hands-on, practical experience and that supports the election of Black people to public office. and Cabinet Minister to Rosemary Brown build knowledge around the key issues This article was prepared by Canada’s first Black Member of Parliament- that policy analysts, policy makers, and the Board of Directors.

who became the first Black women elect the Catalyst Winter 2020 l 5 Measuring, and Ending, Poverty in the North By Janine Harvey

ith the passage of the Poverty Re- Budgeting has become a very big part our unique struggles. In this way, the work duction Act in 2019, Canada now of my daily life after moving back home to of ending poverty can be successful. No de- Wuses the Market Basket Measure Ulukhaktok from Yellowknife. It is not just cisions should be made for us without us at food. Living in a very remote community the table. Our people need to be involved. means that everything around here is very Governments also need to make improve- clothing,(MBM) as transportation, its official poverty shelter, measure. and other The costly. The price of gas, heating fuel, power, ments on collecting statistics in the North necessities,MBM uses to five determine major components, who is above, food, and and internet just to name a few. The fed- so that we can get accurate counts on pov- below, the poverty line. eral and territorial governments need to erty. Now, Statistics Canada is in the pro- look at supplementing the costs of freight cess of developing the Northern Market for groceries to communities with no road my whole life. I see families that are hun- Basket Measure (MBM-N) in order to re- access. The governments need to work gry. WeI see know poverty the issues first hand.and the I’ve problems seen it with the airlines and local food providers of the Northwest Territories, so let’s take Northwest Territories. to make sure Northerners have access to action and make change to end poverty in flect Ilife have and lived conditions in the North in the my Yukon whole andlife. healthy food at a reasonable price just like the North. - the rest of Canada. nity in Northwest Territories. To me, living But it’s not just the cost of living. The inI now poverty live meansin Ulukhaktok, no housing a fly-in or poor commu hous- minimum wage for Northern communities On January 5, 2021, Statistics ing, overcrowding, no shelters, abuse, ad- needs to be a lot higher in order to sustain diction, poor hygiene, and poor attendance a healthy and comfortable lifestyle. Canada released “Proposals for a in education. Our younger generations We also need to be looking at and Northern Market Basket Measure cannot go to school hungry anymore, you respecting the Inuit ways of life. The Har- and its disposable income.” This cannot learn on a hungry stomach. vesters Support Grant works for all First paper describes the proposed Nations, Inuit, and Metis people to sustain methodology for estimating the cost surprising that a handful of people can our ways of life. Hunting is a big part of of goods and services included in In reviewing the MBM-N, I find it quite Inuit livelihood, and it brings food to the the “basket,” as well as calculating table. But it costs money to travel on the disposable income. This first paper itcreate degrading a metric that tothere figure is a outlist provided how much to land to hunt. focuses specifically on a measure mefood of I whatdeserve I deserve to have to in have, a “basket.” and also I find the For example, a three-day hunting trip for the Northwest Territories and quality of it. would cost on average $800-$1,000. If you the Yukon. A separate study will be come back to the community unsuccess- conducted for Nunavut. such as Ulukhaktok should not be com- ful, it puts a big dent in your budget. If you paredBut to mostNorthern of all,communities fly-in communities that have come back successful, that would put food road access. There is no road access in my on your table for a few months. You would community, so we pay for our food to be save a lot of money by not having to buy airlifted. There is a massive price differ- processed meats from the local grocery ence in food in comparison between Yel- store. You would have healthier food on lowknife and Ulukhaktok. In my household your table to feed your family. So, the gov- ernment needs to invest in this program to week. That does not include hygiene prod- honour our Inuit ways of life. It is a health- ucts,to feed baby my products,family of five or clothing. costs about $400 a ier way of life and it is a way to keep our Health Canada wants us to follow culture alive. We talk about decolonization, Canada’s food guide. But how could we this is one part of it. possibly do that when the price for fruits, The MBM-N too needs to work with Janine Harvey is a social vegetables, meat, and grains are at an First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people. We advocate and supporter of Inuit culture based alarmingly higher cost here as compared should be a part of the team since we are Ulukhaktok, Northwest to the rest of Canada? the ones who understand the North and Territories.

6 l the Catalyst Spring 2021 Migrant Workers are Organizing, and Winning

By Sarom Rho

Photo: MSU at Immigration Minister ’s office. ver one hundred thousand people, workers on post graduate work permits Immmigration Minister. many of them low-waged and racial- (PGWPs) met in August and discussed On January 8, 2021, migrant student Oized workers, faced a crisis atop a being unable to complete the work expe- workers won a major victory. The federal crisis in 2020. They were on time-restrict- rience required for permanent residency government responded to our demands ed work permits that range from eight status because of unfair and impossible - months to three years. To qualify for per- immigration rules. Many had lost their ry, over 52,000 migrant student workers manent residency, they had to complete onand, the for PGWP the firstcould time now in apply Canadian for another histo a minimum of one year of high-waged work. MSU launched a petition calling on permit and have another chance to qualify work—all before their permits expired. thejobs government because of COVID-19to #FixPGWP, or couldn’t demanding find for permanent residency. renewable work permits, the valuing of all best of circumstances, and almost impossi- work to count toward permanent residen- student workers are in essential jobs, but bleSuch during jobs are COVID-19. difficult to secure even in the cy, and full and permanent immigration theirThe work fight is not is not valued over. or Many counted migrant to- To add to these crises, their work per- status for all. Over 4,000 migrant student wards permanent immigration status be- mits are non-renewable, which means they workers signed. cause it is low-waged and deemed “low- can only get one in their lifetime. Workers On September 12, migrant student skilled.” We have seen through COVID-19 were being punished for a pandemic that workers organized a mass rally outside that migrant student workers are doing was not in their control, and every day that Deputy Prime Minister ’s the work that sustains society and our passed left them deeper and deeper in cri- communities—they are stocking shelves sis. On September 20, we joined rallies in To- overnight in grocery stores, handling pack- A campaign began in earnest, led by ronto.office. OnOur September stories and 13, our we calls rallied for inurgent Peel. migrant student workers themselves. We change were featured in CBC National, buildings, working in food service, and pushed for changes to unfair immigration Global News, the Star, and across makingages at deliveries warehouses, through cleaning cold offices and snow. and rules that would stop the deportation of multiple major media outlets in Canada. We will continue to take action so that all tens of thousands of migrant workers. On October 25, we rallied in Toronto and our work, and the work that we do as mi- Within a year, we won. installed a giant work permit at immigra- grant and undocumented people, is valued. Here’s what happened. tion headquarters in downtown Toronto. These changes are a result of the tire- In March 2020, as COVID-19 was hit- We sent the Immigration Minister Marco less organizing that migrant student work- ting our communities hard, Migrant Stu- Mendicino a letter, urging him to act quick- ers have been leading. Clearly the federal dents United (MSU) organized online in- ly and make necessary changes. On No- government is responding, and there is formation sessions for current and former vember 24, we delivered over 16,000 pe- more to be done to ensure we have equal international students. In March alone, we rights. Time and time again through the connected with over 3,500 migrant stu- dozens of student workers and allies took pandemic, it has been evident that for us dent workers who joined in and voiced actiontitions toonline. Minister In November, Mendicino’s we office also while pos- to have equal rights, we must have equal concerns. Based on these meetings, MSU status. We will continue to organize for full sent a letter to the federal government in the riding, letting him know that he must and permanent immigration status for all April and launched a petition calling for stoptered mass the Immigration deportations. Minister’s MSU met office with civiland migrant and undocumented people, with- healthcare, income support, and immigra- servants at Immigration Canada. out exclusion and without exemption— tion changes. Over 12,000 people signed Faced with our ongoing organizing, and we won’t stop until all of us win. on. the Immigration Minister committed to From coast to coast, MSU held weekly taking action in Parliament on December online meetings with hundreds of student 1. But we didn’t stop. In December, we took Sarom Rho is an organizer workers between May and July. We shared our voice to the federal cabinet. We pos- with the Migrant Workers - - Alliance for Change and a ties, and supported student workers to es- nett, , Maryam Monsef, and leader with Migrant Students up-to-date information, identified priori tered the offices of ministers Carolyn Ben United. She also works with tablish local MSU chapters. . Hundreds of migrants Gig Workers United Thousands of migrant student and allies called and left messages for the (fka Foodsters United).

the Catalyst Winter 2020 l 7 Groundings

Ezrom’s Journey from Imprisonment to Empowerment

By Rev. Daniel Cho

still can’t fully forgive them…” yers, and many educated political leaders. tality of South African injustice were a re- Photo: The watchtower at Robben Island. Credit: Amina Elahi/Flickr. He spoke with a tinge of self-disap- When Mandela arrived, the brutalization - “I of the prisoners got worse because of the ness, whatever that might mean. Maybe nightmarish episode from his past. Ezrom increased tension. But ironically Ezrom Ezromminder was of the just difficulty being too of absolutehard on himself.forgive Mokgakalapointment was imprisoned as he reflected along on with that said, “his presence was a real inspiration… But one thing is for certain: he surely ex- Nelson Mandela at the height of the apart- it was great to have leaders like him.” heid struggle in South Africa. In one of my Since his release from prison, Ezrom’s personally may have carried some doubt; last conversations with him he shared with whole life was committed to the struggle heemplified cast no forgiveness shadow of inthe his chains life though he once he me his lingering doubts about his ability to for freedom for South Africa and to edu- bore though occasionally he may have felt fully forgive. But even so, as I listened to cating the young generation in three conti- their gravity; he too left his hatred behind his story and glimpsed into his soul, I was nents about justice and equality of all peo- the prison gates though some residue may utterly convinced that he surely survived ple. Meanwhile he became a lay preacher remain. And he was absolutely commit- the ordeal with unparalleled moral cour- and eventually settled in Canada in 1983. ted to embodying the message of peace, age, dignity, resilience, and grace. Ezrom The season of Lent invites us to a jour- justice, hope and yes, forgiveness for this had indeed forgiven his captors—both in- ney of repentance and forgiveness, and generation and the next. The life he lived stitutional and political—just not fully; but the work of transformation. It’s a journey after imprisonment, he lived truly free and that’s okay. that leads to the cross of Christ; it’s cen- forgiven. Ezrom experienced the horrors of ra- tral to living out our lives as his disciples. The example of Ezrom’s life was the cial violence and injustice. Over time, his This commitment constantly opens us closest to true forgiveness I have personal- journey took him from a place of suffering up and orients us to the wide horizon of ly known. He left a far-reaching impact on to healing, from dejection to empower- God’s redemptive work on earth. As fellow many lives, certainly mine. Sadly last No- ment, from doubt to hope, and yes—from travellers on this journey we are called to vember he passed away, but his life will be hatred to forgiveness. stewardship. This call stretches to commu- remembered and revered for generations In my previous pastorate, Ezrom nities, systems, institutions, and the earth to come both here and in South Africa. itself. It’s not limited only to our sense of Rest in peace, good and faithful ser- wanting to introduce himself as a newcom- personal piety but calls us as those for- vant. I will miss you, my friend. erwalked to the into church. my office I was oneimmediately bright morning struck given and embraced by God to respon- by his calmness, gentleness, and humility sible solidarity with the oppressed and The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, as he opened up his life to me. I quickly re- powerless, the weak and disenfranchised, because the Lord has anointed me alized I was in the presence of an extraor- the marginalized and voiceless. In our to announce good news to the poor, dinary human being. continuous process of spiritual renewal to heal the brokenhearted; He told me that at age 22 he was ar- and transformation of heart, we bring the to proclaim freedom to the captives, rested, as were many other black protest- transformative experience to bear in our to let out into light ers, and sentenced to six years for oppos- social, cultural, and political surroundings, those bound in the dark. ing apartheid, 18 months of which were the very fabric of our lives. Together we spent at Robben Island. Conditions were can forge an opening to co-create a new re- —Isaiah 61:1 extremely harsh and the treatment bru- ality and vision for our own hearts as well tal. He was required to do daily labour as for the world. in the quarry. Sixty prisoners occupied a Mandela famously said, “as I walked cell and there were regular beatings from out the door toward the gate that would which Ezrom still carried the scars. In one lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave interview he stated, “we didn’t expect any my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still mercy. I was amazed at how much pain be in prison.” Rev. Daniel Cho is a minister and suffering I could take. It was a very Make no mistake, Ezrom genuinely in the Presbyterian Church hard time and many of us lost hope.” His forgave his captors. But perhaps lingering in Canada and a member of fellow prisoners included teachers, law- feelings and residual memories of the bru- CPJ’s Board of Directors.

8 l the Catalyst Spring 2021