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.
OTTAWA - Legislation that tries to restrict assisted suicide and euthanasia to the terminally ill would likely fail a court challenge, a prominent constitutional lawyer told a Parliamentary committee.
Federal panel calls for improved palliative care
OTTAWA - Parliament should improve access to palliative care across Canada and ensure proper safeguards are implemented concerning assisted suicide, recommends a government panel in a report issued Jan. 18.
Questions raised about Liberal promise to ban spanking
OTTAWA - The Criminal Code, the Supreme Court and even the Pope uphold that a parent is entitled within reasonable limits to spank a child. But on the heels of a call by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to prohibit spanking, the Liberal government has promised to amend the Criminal Code to abolish a parent’s right to physically discipline children.
The Supreme Court of Canada has reserved judgment Jan. 11 after hearing arguments for and against granting Parliament an extension on the Feb. 6 deadline to pass legislation on assisted suicide in Canada.
Military chaplaincy a ‘complex ministry’
OTTAWA - When Brigadier General Guy Chapdelaine, Canada’s new Chaplain General, spent Christmas in Afghanistan in 2006, he took no chances on what might be in store for him.
Syria Relief Fund deadline extended amid faltering donations
OTTAWA - Catholic oversees aid agencies welcomed news that the federal government has extended the deadline for the Syria Emergency Relief Fund to Feb. 29.
OTTAWA - Canada’s Catholic bishops and the Canadian Rabbinic Caucus are asking the Canadian government to make it a priority to help persecuted Christians in the Middle East and Africa, whom Pope Francis and Rabbi Jonathan Sacks say face genocide.
Reconciliation council needed as next step of TRC process
OTTAWA - A National Council for Reconciliation is the next step in the process now that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission looking into abuses at Indian residential schools has completed its mandate, says lawyer Pierre Baribeau.
Quebec Court of Appeal allows Quebec euthanasia law to go ahead
OTTAWA - The battle to bring euthanasia to Canada heated up Dec. 22, when the Quebec Court of Appeal said the province could go ahead with its so-called 'medical aid' in dying law.
Canadian bishops seek help for persecuted Christians in Mideast, Africa
OTTAWA - Canada’s Catholic bishops and the Canadian Rabbinic Caucus are asking the Canadian government to make helping persecuted Christians in the Middle East and Africa, whom Pope Francis and Rabbi Jonathan Sacks say face genocide, a priority.