Church Teaching Solidarity is found in a commitment to the good of one’s neighbour. The good of one is the good of all, and the other is as important as the self. Injustice done to another is an injustice that affects everyone. – 193, Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church
Support for the Marginalized and the Vulnerable
Some people are born into economically stable families, receive a fine education, grow up well nourished, or naturally possess great talent. They will certainly not need a proactive state; they need only claim their freedom. Yet the same rule clearly does not apply to a disabled person, to someone born in dire poverty, to those lacking a good education and with little access to adequate health care. If a society is governed primarily by the criteria of market freedom and efficiency, there is no place for such persons, and fraternity will remain just another vague ideal. Pope Francis – Fratelli tutti, 109
So many needy brothers and sisters are waiting for help, so many who are oppressed are waiting for justice, so many who are unemployed are waiting for a job, so many peoples are waiting for respect. How can it be that even today there are still people dying of hunger? Condemned to illiteracy? Lacking the most basic medical care? Without a roof over their head? The scenario of poverty can extend indefinitely, if in addition to its traditional forms we think of its newer patterns. These new patterns often affect financially affluent sectors and groups which are nevertheless threatened by despair at the lack of meaning in their lives, by drug addiction, by fear of abandonment in old age or sickness, by marginalization or social discrimination… –5 Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church
Disabilities, Mental Health & Addictions
Persons with disabilities are fully human subjects, with rights and duties: “in spite of the limitations and sufferings affecting their bodies and faculties, they point up more clearly the dignity and greatness of man.” Persons with disabilities are to be helped to participate in every dimension of family and social life at every level accessible to them and according to their possibilities… They too need to love and to be loved, they need tenderness, closeness and intimacy according to their capacities. – 148, Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church
Indigenous Peoples & Reconciliation
The relationship of Indigenous peoples to their lands and resources deserves particular attention, since it is a fundamental expression of their identity. These peoples offer an example of a life lived in harmony with the environment that they have come to know well and to preserve. Their extraordinary experience, which is an irreplaceable resource for all humanity, runs the risk of being lost together with the environment from which they originate. – 471, Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church
The Canadian Catholic Church supports the work of the Truth and Reconciliation commission. We are called to support thriving Indigenous communities in Canada, rooted in their unique cultures and traditions.
Northern & Rural Communities
Looking after the common good means making use of the new opportunities for the redistribution of wealth to the benefit of the underprivileged that until now have been excluded or cast to the sidelines of social and economic progress. Too often, social services and infrastructure development suffer from neglect in rural areas. – 299, 300, 363, Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church.
Agricultural labour merits special attention… considering the many problems that need to be met in the context of an ever more globalized economy as well as its growing significance in safeguarding the natural environment. Radical and urgent changes are therefore needed in order to restore to agriculture — and to rural people — their just value as the basis for a healthy economy… – 363, 299 Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church.
Refugees & Newcomers
Ideally, unnecessary migration ought to be avoided; this entails creating in countries of origin the conditions needed for a dignified life and integral development. Yet until substantial progress is made in achieving this goal, we are obliged to respect the right of all individuals to find a place that meets their basic needs and those of their families, and where they can find personal fulfilment. Our response to the arrival of migrating persons can be summarized by four words: welcome, protect, promote and integrate. – Pope Francis, Fratelli tutti, 129
In the modern world, where there are still grave inequalities between rich countries and poor countries, and where advances in communications quickly reduce distances, the immigration of people looking for a better life is on the increase. These people come from less privileged areas of the earth and their arrival in developed countries is often perceived as a threat to the high levels of well-being achieved thanks to decades of economic growth. In most cases, however, immigrants fill a labour need which would otherwise remain unfilled… Institutions in host countries must keep careful watch to prevent the spread of the temptation to exploit foreign labourers, denying them the same rights enjoyed by nationals, rights that are to be guaranteed to all without discrimination. – 297, 298, Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church
We are called to welcome immigrants and refugees with generosity and good will, as if they were Jesus Christ himself. Matthew, Chapter 25
“When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. The stranger who sojourns with you shall be to you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.” 23 Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, Lev. 19:33-34)
Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador Solidarity with the Marginalized
Persons with disabilities
The party’s most recent platform statement (dated 2019) states that:
-all people have the right to access services and participate fully in their communities without barriers. It affirms an ongoing commitment and partnership with the Provincial Advisory Council for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities and the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities NL. It undertakes to continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure equitable access to services and opportunities for people with disabilities.
-during its prior term in office it put forward the Accessible Taxi Grant Program to address transportation barriers by assisting taxi companies to add accessible taxis to their fleet. It commits to continue collaborations to find such concrete and creative solutions to ensure an accessible and inclusive Newfoundland and Labrador.
Indigenous Peoples & Relations
The party’s most recent platform statement (dated 2019) states that:
-in consultation with Indigenous leaders, during its prior term in office it initiated a process to create and install a statue commemorating historical Beothuk people. It advocates prioritizing the effort.
-it is committed to establishing an inquiry into the experiences and treatment of children in the child protection system in the Province. Agreement has been reached with Innu Nation on the selection of commissioners, and the inquiry was to commence as soon as possible.
-building on commitments to strengthen relationships and work toward reconciliation, it undertook to collaborate with Indigenous groups to ensure all elected representatives, their staff members and public servants receive training on Indigenous perspectives to help foster deeper understanding and cultural awareness of the unique perspectives of each community; and to establish respectful, principle-based relationships with Indigenous people as a foundation for sound Government policies and programs, and ensuring vibrant and prosperous Indigenous communities.
-recognizing that the written description of the provincial Coat of Arms was archaic and reflective of a colonial era long past, it undertook, in consultation with Indigenous leaders and groups, to rewrite it to more accurately represent the peoples and cultures of our modern day Province.
In its 2021 mandate letter, the party instructed the Minister of Justice and Public Safety to:
-advance necessary work in response to the final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
-participate in the forthcoming inquiry into the treatment, experiences and outcomes of Innu in the child protection system.
-continue to allocate two articling positions within the Department of Justice and Public Safety for Indigenous law students graduating from the University of Saskatchewan Law program, further to the partnership established with the University of Saskatchewan and Indigenous Governments and Organizations.
The party’s 2025 Budget speech states that:
-with guidance from Indigenous Governments and Organizations, the provincial government remains unwavering in its pursuit of Reconciliation. It has worked to honour the culture and heritage of Indigenous peoples, and to address such social determinants of health as education, violence prevention, and economic development.
-for 2025, nearly $500,000 is allocated to help create safer communities.
-as part of the K-12 system, opportunities are being explored to best incorporate Indigenous cultures and history into the curriculum.
-an additional $225,000 in provincial funds is allocated for the Gladue Report Project.
-as part of a new project for the Churchill River, the province has entered into a partnership that will invite considerable economic opportunities for Indigenous peoples.
-Reconciliation will take time. It requires thoughtful and meaningful engagement with Indigenous partners to define the path forward – the past must be fully understood in order to arrive at a more prosperous future.
Rural Communities
The party’s most recent platform statement (dated 2019) states that:
-as modern telecommunications are fundamental to economic prosperity, social development, and global competitiveness, it advocates further extension of coverage throughout rural Newfoundland and Labrador. It has already partnered with service providers, community partners and other governments to expand cellular service to communities in the southwest portion of Avalon Peninsula, specifically the St. Mary’s Bay area.
-it will expand Bell’s LTE broadband wireless technology in the communities of Bay de Verde, Burin, Burlington, Conche, Cow Head, Cox’s Cove, Forteau, Hampden, McIvers, Trout River and Winterton.
-it is preparing to establish a province-wide public safety radio system, which will improve the way emergency responders and Government communicate with each other during emergencies.
Labrador
The party’s 2025 budget speech states that:
-with the Churchill Falls Memorandum of Understanding and a suite of social and infrastructure initiatives, Labrador is poised for a future of unprecedented growth and development.
-it works to ensure that as economic opportunities flourish, the well-being and safety of Labradorians remains at the forefront. By investing in jobs, community development, social programs, and climate resilience, Labrador is realizing its true potential, becoming a beacon of prosperity and progress.
-the Churchill’s new chapter heralds a transformative shift in Labrador’s economic landscape. Harnessing of the immense potential of the Churchill River promises a wealth of new opportunities for residents and communities. Jobs through the construction phase into long-term operational roles, mining projects, and service industries.
-the increased economic growth on the horizon heightens the need to invest in programs that enhance the quality of life for Labradorians across a vast geographic area. Housing, health care, education, public safety, and transportation are important parts of 2025 investment in Labrador.
-the 2025 budget establishes a new 10-bed substance use treatment centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay that will provide recovery and rehabilitation support for individuals living with addictions. Construction is beginning on a new Integrated Health, Housing, and Supportive Services Hub in this community, and five new RCMP officers are allocated for region.
-in Labrador West, the expansion of Hope Haven will see the construction of a new seven-unit, second stage housing project for women and children fleeing violence.
-$3 million is allocated for the coastal communities of Nain, Hopedale, and Makkovik, for repair and modernization of public housing.
-construction of a new K-12 school in Cartwright will begin in 2025.
-the new Atlantic Wildfire Centre will include satellite infrastructure in Wabush in response to the region’s vulnerability to wildfires.
-in recognition of the Year of Sport, $430,000 is allocated for the Labrador Sport Travel Subsidy, to make it easier for Labrador athletes to participate in provincial competitions and development camps
Immigrants & Newcomers
The party’s most recent platform statement (dated 2019) states that it recognizes the significant demographic challenges faced by Newfoundland and Labrador, and advocates swift action to address the province’s aging and shrinking population. To that end the party advocates:
-tripling the province’s immigration target from 1,700 to 5,100 newcomers per year by 2026, aligning the provincial immigration goal with Canada’s national immigration target of welcoming newcomers at a rate of approximately 1% of the existing population, and implementing a suite of immigration policies to ensure its immigration plan works to strengthen the province for the future.
-continuing the Priority Skills Newfoundland and Labrador Program to provide additional assistance to employers in meeting a growing demand for highly educated, highly skilled workers in areas such as technology and ocean sciences, where demand has outpaced local training and recruitment.
-to support the goal of tripling immigration, expanding opportunities for, and further nurturing a sense of belonging among newcomers to the province, including targeting access to social and recreational activities, opportunities for spousal/family employment and social engagement, celebrating diversity, and the availability of culture-specific communities, food, and activities, with a specific focus on increasing access to arts and culture, as well as sports and recreation opportunities for new residents of all ages, to foster a sense of cultural exchange, understanding and belonging.
The party’s 2025 Budget Speech states that the province has experienced 15 consecutive quarters of population growth and reached the highest population in a quarter of a century. The newcomers are contributing to Newfoundland and Labrador communities in meaningful ways, including welcoming the following in 2024:
-257 nurses, 90 per cent are working in areas outside the capital city.
-433 personal care attendants.
-65 early learning childhood educators.
-111 social and community service workers.
-154 skilled trades workers.
-of the 7,500 newcomers, 2,000 are estimated to be school-aged children.
-the Ukrainian Family Support Desk has been an incredible asset in assisting Ukrainians to live and work in our province. To date, there are more than 3,500 Ukrainians living in 72 communities in this province.
-for 2025, key investments will include over $2 million to market Newfoundland and Labrador globally and $16.8 million for settlement and retention services.
New Democratic Party of Newfoundland and Labrador Solidarity with the Marginalized
The disabled
The party’s latest published policy statement (dated 2021) states that it supports allowing surrogate hunters, with no distance limit, to hunt game on behalf of hunters with mobility issues and other disabilities, and undertakes to push government to fill vacant wildlife officer positions in Labrador to ensure that regulations are followed and provincial wildlife populations are preserved.
Sex workers
The party’s latest published policy statement (dated 2021) states that:
-it will commit to the belief that sex work is work, sex workers are workers and people, and sex workers’ rights are human rights to be protected under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
-it will commit to amend and/or repeal any and all provincial laws and regulations relevant to sex work.
-it will work to better the lives of those who participate and are directly involved in the sex industry, including but not limited to improving the safety, security, and social and economic well-being of sex workers in the province.
-it will commit to increased funding for non-profit organizations which provide ongoing non-judgmental support, harm reduction, and resources to those who formerly or currently do sex work, and t those who continue to do sex work without being pressured to exit their choice of work.
-it will commit to lobbying for changes to relevant municipal and federal legislation and regulations to reflect the goals stated above.
Indigenous Peoples
The party’s latest published policy statement (dated 2021) states that:
-it is committed to implementation of the portions of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People that are within the jurisdiction of the Provincial government, such ensuring the free and informed consent prior to the approval of any project affecting their lands, territories, or resources, particularly in connection with the development, utilization, or exploitation of mineral, water, or other resources; and that Indigenous people have an equal right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health; among others.
-it is committed to implementation of the portions of the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada that are within the jurisdiction of the Provincial government such as providing cultural competency training to all medical professionals and social workers in the province, among others.
-it is committed to implementing the portions of the Calls to Justice from the Inquiry into Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls that are within the jurisdiction of the Provincial government, such as fundamentally transforming current child welfare systems so that Indigenous communities have control over the design and delivery of services for their families and children, among others.
-it is committed to prohibiting all future hydroelectric development on the Churchill river unless such development receives the free, full, prior and informed consent of provincial Indigenous communities.
Northern and Rural Communities
Labrador
The party’s latest published policy statement (dated 2021) states that the party is committed to reinstating the Executive Director position and reopening the Labrador Affairs Office with adequate staffing.
Progressive Conservative Party of Newfoundland and Labrador Solidarity with the Marginalized
As one of its three policy pillars, the party’s most recent platform publication (dated 2019), identifies making life more affordable to assist in keeping young people in the province, including by:
-ensuring inclusion of persons with disabilities through an updated strategy that respects rights.
-developing an autism strategy, including real action to remove the IQ70 criterion.
Indigenous Peoples
The party has published no current statement of its policies relating to Indigenous relations or support for Indigenous people.
Northern & Rural Communities
As one of its three policy pillars, the party’s most recent platform publication (dated 2019), identifies providing jobs and hope to restore confidence in the future and assist in keeping young people in the province, including by:
-implementing a cod and seal plan, based on science, to recover cod and seal populations grow rural NL.
-developing aquaculture to drive rural jobs without compromising wild stocks.
-promoting provincial forestry, to bring more employment and value-added spinoffs benefits to local communities.
-implementing an Agriculture Action Plan to promote collaboration with farmers to grow provincial potential.
-implementing a farm loan guarantee program, proving real help so the province can produce much more of its own food.
-developing a tourism strategy to bring people to rural communities to drive sustainable jobs.
-developing an Air Access Strategy to promote more flights, lower costs, and promote more growth, more jobs.
-supporting ArtsNL sustain jobs for artists, promote tourism, educate and inspire.
-implement a New Northern Strategic Plan for Labrador – seizing the potential for growth.
Points to Ponder Points to Ponder: Solidarity
It is always important, as Archbishop Donald Bolen of Regina has said, “to listen to the voices of the suffering, to be guided by them in how we respond and to be ready to engage with them in moving forward.” (Catholic Register 18 July 2021)
- What does it mean – to the government, to social organizations, and to individual Canadians – to listen to, and to be guided by, the voice of someone who is suffering?
- Who, in Canada and around the world, is suffering now?
- How can such voices be heard so that a healthy, positive, and loving response can be determined?
Indigenous Rights & Reconciliation
- How can the provincial government and the Church work together to facilitate real reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, so that all Canadians can benefit from re-established right-relationships?
Mental Health & Addictions
Several parties, particularly at the federal level, have proposed decriminalization of drug dealing and drug possession, in order to focus on the treatment of addiction as a health care issue.
- Is it possible, by decriminalizing drug sales and drug possession, to both relieve an overburdened criminal justice system and help more individuals heal and recover from addictions? If so, what might a helpful approach look like?
- Is it possible, through review of criminal legislation, education, and focused health care initiatives, to give individuals greater freedom to “develop their potentialities, become aware of their dignity and prepare to face their unique and individual destiny?” (quoting St. John Paul II, On the Hundredth Year (Centesimus Annus) #39
- Is there any way to ensure that such measures are accompanied by effective mechanisms to address the root causes of and eliminate drug abuse, for example through educational initiatives at all levels of society?
- To what extent can or should such measures be tailored to the individual human needs, desires, and weaknesses of those caught in cycles of abuse?
Refugees & Newcomers
- What is being done, and what, if anything, should further be done to ensure that refugees and newcomers are safe, healthy, and enabled to flourish in Newfoundland and Labrador?
- It seems obvious that many immigrants are attracted by one or more features of Canadian life and culture. To what extent is it possible and proper to expose immigrants to Canadian culture and expect them to embrace it?
- If it is possible and proper to any degree, how are Canadian life and culture are to be defined, and by whom? What voice can or should individual Canadians, groups, parishes and other community organizations, the Church, and our various governments have?
Northern & Rural Communities
- What is being done, and what, if anything, should further be done to ensure vibrant, healthy rural life in Newfoundland and Labrador?
- Of those measures, what should be done at the federal level? By the provinces? By businesses, residents, and civil associations in rural areas?