Deborah Gyapong, Canadian Catholic News
Deborah Waters Gyapong has been a journalist and novelist for more than 20 years. She has worked in print, radio and television, including 12 years as a producer for CBC TV's news and current affairs programming. She currently covers religion and politics primarily for Catholic and Evangelical newspapers.
Canada to restore refugee health care funding
OTTAWA - The federal government announced Feb. 18 it will be restoring health care for all refugees seeking a new life in Canada.
Last rites may be denied to Catholics seeking death, says archbishop
OTTAWA - It would be inappropriate for a person intent on assisted suicide to request the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, said Ottawa Archbishop Terrence Prendergast.
Religious Freedom office receives temporary extension
OTTAWA - Religious Freedom Ambassador Andrew Bennett has received a temporary extension of his contract with Global Affairs Canada—at least until March 31.
Canada asked to recognize genocide of Christians
OTTAWA - The Canadian government should join the European Union in labelling the persecution of Christians by Islamic State jihadists a genocide, said Aid to the Church in Need.
NDP seeks right to palliative care
OTTAWA - If legalized assisted suicide is one wing of the bird the other wing is palliative care, said MP Murray Rankin as he tabled a motion to make access to palliative care a right for all Canadians.
Up to 12,000 Canadians could be killed annually
OTTAWA - Bioethicist Margaret Somerville warned up to 12,000 people could be euthanized annually in Canada if a new law does not ensure euthanasia is exceptional, rare and used only as a last resort.
Alexandria-Cornwall may join Ottawa archdiocese
OTTAWA - A decision on the future of the Alexandria-Cornwall diocese and whether it will remain a separate entity or become part of the Ottawa archdiocese is expected to be resolved by June or July 2017, says Ottawa Archbishop Terrence Prendergast.
Restricting physician-assisted death to adults may not pass court challenge, says expert
OTTAWA - Physician-assisted death legislation could include competent children under the age of 18, a legal expert told a Parliamentary committee Jan. 26.
Bennett uncertain about religious freedom office’s future
OTTAWA - Andrew Bennett remains uncertain whether his three-year term as Canada’s Religious Freedom Ambassador will be renewed, but says he will continue to fight for religious freedom even if his position is eliminated.
Liberals closing the book on charity political audits
OTTAWA - Church-based charities, including the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace, are applauding the end of Canada Revenue Agency’s political audit program.