Cardinal Gerald Cyprien Lacroix of Quebec says the Catholic Church in Canada is experiencing a renewal driven by young people and immigrants. Speaking in October 2026, the Archbishop noted a growing thirst for serious faith commitment, contrasting with the province's secular decline. Despite challenges like priest shortages and government funding cuts for church renovations, parishes are seeing increased attendance. Lacroix highlighted 90 new catechumens in Quebec City and aims to strengthen family support and religious education. The trend offers hope for the archdiocese's future amid broader structural difficulties. (The Catholic Register)
The Ontario government has suspended Ontario Student Assistance Program payments for Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College in Barry's Bay and Redeemer University in Hamilton. Officials stated the pause aims to restore integrity after fraud was detected at private career colleges. However, both Christian institutions argue they are not career colleges and have consistently passed audits. Leaders Patrick Craine and Shannon McBride expressed frustration over the lack of differentiation, noting the move causes significant financial stress for students regarding housing and food. The universities are currently offering payment deferrals and emergency support while advocating for the reinstatement of funds.
The Canadian federal government introduced Bill C-41, the MAiD Safeguards Act, on October 27, 2026. The legislation aims to stop the March 2027 expansion of medical assistance in dying to individuals suffering solely from mental illness. It also decriminalizes advance requests for the procedure, allowing patients to consent before losing decision-making capacity. Justice Minister Sean Fraser stated that provinces will determine implementation, with Alberta already banning such requests. Critics, including disability advocates and religious groups, argue the bill compromises informed consent and endangers vulnerable populations, while the government insists on rigorous safeguards to ensure voluntary participation.
Canada's Budget 2026, released on November 5, 2026, did not include measures to revoke charitable status from pro-life pregnancy centres, despite previous proposals. The Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada had urged the Standing Committee on Finance to demand greater transparency from these organizations. However, officials from Women and Gender Equality Canada stated there are no current plans to reintroduce such amendments. Pro-life groups, including the Campaign Life Coalition, celebrated the omission, arguing the centres provide vital support. Legal experts noted that targeted restrictions could raise constitutional concerns. The Department of Finance declined to comment on whether similar rules would apply to other advocacy groups.
The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking is urging the federal government to include funding for a renewed National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking in the November 5 budget. Research director James McLean submitted recommendations to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance, noting the current plan expired in 2024. The group calls for survivor-led advisory roles, increased social services, and measures to curb labor exploitation, such as phasing out closed work permits. Statistics indicate rising labor trafficking cases, yet many victims remain silent due to mistrust of authorities. The organization seeks coordinated national action to address these vulnerabilities.
Toronto’s Out of the Cold initiative is preparing to open its doors for the 39th consecutive winter season. Founded in 1987 by students and clergy, the interfaith network now operates across multiple denominations to support the city’s vulnerable population. Craig Smeaton, president of the Out of the Cold Foundation, notes that demand has increased due to rising mental health and addiction challenges. Hilda O’Connor of St. Basil’s Parish highlights that services now also assist seniors and low-wage workers amid housing crises. The program provides meals and community support year-round, with locations updating details on their official website.
A senior leader of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank published an open letter in The Catholic Register to mark World Food Day. He highlighted that 1,538 days remain until the 2030 deadline for achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal 2, which aims to eliminate global hunger. While noting modest progress and recent assistance reaching over 1.1 million people, the leader warned that 520 million individuals could still face food insecurity by the target date. The letter urges wealthy nations to increase development funding rather than cut it, citing Brazil’s successful anti-hunger initiatives as a model for political prioritization and sustained investment. The organization represents 15 Canadian church agencies.
Cardinal Frank Leo of Toronto will serve as papal legate for the beatification of five Spanish Franciscan missionaries in Savannah, Georgia, on October 31, 2026. The ceremony honors Friar Pedro de Corpa and his companions, who were martyred in 1597. Organized by the Diocese of Savannah, the event marks a 42-year process to recognize their sainthood. Leo expressed admiration for the martyrs' witness, while local officials noted the significance for the region's small Catholic community. The liturgy will be streamed online and on EWTN, with over 8,500 attendees expected.
Filipino environmental activist Brex Aravelo is touring Canadian cities as part of Canadian Jesuit International’s fall ecological justice campaign. Speaking in Ottawa and Montreal, Aravelo highlights the link between environmental destruction and poverty in the Philippines. He warns that Canada exports significant waste to Southeast Asian nations, where it is often burned in incinerators that harm marginalized communities. Aravelo shares stories from Indigenous groups and Manila slum dwellers affected by toxic waste practices. The campaign aims to foster solidarity and encourage Canadians to support ecological justice in the Global South through Catholic social teaching.
Saint Paul University in Canada partners with the Ottawa Mission to offer Discovery University, a free non-credit program for adults facing homelessness, substance use, or health challenges. Since its inception over two decades ago, the initiative provides ten-week humanities and social sciences courses taught by university professors. Dr. Richard Feist and coordinator Emma Pratt highlight how the classes foster confidence, community, and a sense of belonging among participants. The current fall cohort includes twenty students who engage in lectures and discussions without formal grading or tuition fees. The program concludes with a graduation ceremony on December 4, 2026, recognizing student participation and personal growth.
Read more →
SermonWave writes its own short summaries and links to the original reporting. Every story belongs to the outlet that reported it. About World News · Our sources · RSS feed
