Canadians call on NATO to reduce nuclear risks
Canada, as a member of NATO, relies on threats to use nuclear weapons. In April we joined a wide range of signatories in calling on Canada to energize negotiations by all governments toward nuclear disarmament. Find out more at:
https://QuakerService.ca/NATONuclearRisks

Discerning social concerns
Several Quaker Meetings have said to us in effect: “We’re exhausted. We try to address so many problems in the world that in the end we’re spread too thin. How does CFSC navigate this challenge? How can we decide what causes to take up?”

In response to these questions and requests for help, we’ve written a pamphlet. It explores what discernment is, what a leading is, and how to use Quaker decision-making processes to select what peace and social justice work to take on. To download it in PDF visit:
https://QuakerService.ca/PeaceAndSocialConcerns

Invest in communities to reduce reoffending
Canada has tabled a new Federal Framework to Reduce Recidivism. We welcome the Framework’s focus around the social determinants of health: housing, education, employment, health, and positive support networks. The National Associations Active in Criminal Justice (NAACJ), of which CFSC is an active member, released a discussion paper with recommendations (https://QuakerService.ca/ReducingRecidivism), and continues to meet with government about the new Framework.

Implementation of the UN Declaration in Canada
We helped put on a side event during the UN Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Geneva. At the event four expert panelists discussed the law that Canada passed last year, the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. The Act began a process of implementing the Indigenous human rights expressed within the UN Declaration.

Psychology Today post explores the power of emotions in conflicts
“Emotions are absolutely fundamental to our actions and beliefs, but they aren’t so easy to control. You might think you know how you or someone else ‘should’ feel. But that could just block you from connecting with yourself or that person,” writes CFSC’s Matt Legge for Psychology Today. Have a look at the post for some evidence-based ideas about the roles that emotions play in conflicts: https://QuakerService.ca/EmotionsAreFundamental

UN asks Canada about children of incarcerated parents
We met with the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child and took the opportunity to highlight the situation of children when their parents come into contact with the criminal justice system. Questions that we drew to the attention of the UN were later asked during a review of Canada: How many children with incarcerated parents are living in Canada? How does Canada ensure the rights of these children? We later followed up with Canada with further questions about data collection, alternative family-based sentencing, access to family contact and visits, a federal Children’s Commissioner, and current supports available for children and families of incarcerated persons.