From Spring 2026

An image of the outside of UN buildings in Geneva where Canada’s human rights report card was considered

Canada’s human rights report card

[dropcap]D[/dropcap]o you remember getting report cards in school? Whether you were proud of the results or not, maybe your report card helped you take stock of where you were on your learning journey. Taking stock is an important part of any effort to improve. This is also true for human rights implementation. Did you know…

Lisa looks out of a window with a small smile. Every person is worthy of healing

Every person is worthy of healing

[dropcap]I[/dropcap] met Lisa in jail. She was awaiting sentencing. Lisa had dealt drugs, and had served time previously. Her sentence hadn’t changed her behaviour, just created a new layer of trauma. Immediately upon her release, Lisa had gone back to dealing. Within a few months, she was re-arrested and incarcerated again, this time facing what…

Palestinian children smile as one speaks into a mic. The words "Canada, Stand Up for Palestinian Children's Rights" are written underneath the photo.

A continuing concern: the Israel-Palestine working group

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]his short article is meant as a reminder and reintroduction of our Israel-Palestine working group (IPWG) and its current areas of concern. The roots of the IPWG go back to 2012, when a small group of concerned Friends began meeting informally to discern how to respond to the situation unfolding in Palestine and Israel. That…

A desk with papers, a pair of glasses, and a water bottle with Canadian Friends Service Committee's logo and the text "Peace (n): A way of life"

Why research? How three new papers will advance the cause of peace in Canada

[dropcap]Q[/dropcap]uakers have always understood that bearing witness is not passive. It requires us to show up—in meeting houses, in communities, and increasingly, in the spaces where policy is shaped and decisions are made. This year, CFSC is taking on three new peace-related research projects, and we want to share with Friends why we believe this…

"Canada increases military spending while rejecting weapons oversight" with image of dollarsign and light armoured vehicle with a "made in Canada" stamp on it

Canada increases military spending while rejecting weapons oversight

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n March, the House of Commons rejected An act to amend the export and import permits act (EIPA), also known as the No more loopholes bill. The bill was trying to close the loophole that gives export and import exemptions for certain countries, notably the United States. It’s through this loophole that Canadian made weapons…

Children walk down train tracks with the words "Friends on the Move"

Friends on the move

Mel Burns has been busy creating and delivering workshops for various community groups and churches—including a five-part peace education series in St. Stephen New Brunswick, a two day communication workshop in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, and a two-part depolarization workshop with a bike repair coalition based in Toronto. On top of many virtual speaking engagements, Mel…

Keeping up with Friends

Keeping up with Friends

Partnership continues to support humanitarian relief in Gaza In addition to raising our voices, we’re still working with American Friends Service Committee, which has staff on the ground in Gaza. AFSC has reached more than one million people in Gaza with lifesaving aid. Your donations are vital to those persevering amidst devastating conditions. Assistance you…