Christmas Program 2024 Kickoff

 

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It is that time of year when we start planning and fundraising for our Christmas Program and the food requirements of our families in need.  Thank you for your donations last year. Through your generosity you made Christmas special for over 1,000 less fortunate people in our community and allowed us to sustain these families with food vouchers and fresh food baskets throughout the year. The need is greater than ever.  In the first 8 months of 2024 we saw a 26% increase over last year.

One again we are reaching out to you, our supporters of those in need, hoping you will once again wish to donate to our Christmas program and food needs. To best serve our families in time for Christmas your donation would be appreciated on or before November 24th. You can make donations with a credit card here on our Christmas Page, as you did last year.  You can also go to the parish websites or simply use your smartphone to scan the QR code. This year you can also donate at the back of the church using your debit or credit card on the weekend of October 26/27 at St. John Chrysostom and on November 2/3 at St. Elizabeth Seton.

Use your smartphone to scan the QR code.

Family Flyer: October-January

Click on the flyer to pop it out.

How do you want your tax dollars spent?

 

Image credit: barrie.ca

Why are Canadian taxpayers still subsidizing the oil and gas industry which is making handsome profits?

According to CSIMarket (csimarket.com), in the second quarter of 2022, the net profit margin for the oil and gas production industry was 31.43%, significantly above the industry average; and the gross margin for the industry was 86.46% in the same period.

Both the federal and provincial governments provide financial support to fossil fuel companies through various means, such as tax breaks, direct funding, and public financing. A report by Environmental Defence estimated that in 2023, the federal government provided at least $18.6 billion in support to the fossil fuel and petrochemical industries. This includes $8 billion in loan guarantees for the Trans Mountain pipeline and $7.4 billion in public financing through Export Development Canada.

Here are a few ideas for a more compassionate and less environmentally harmful use of $18 billion from the federal government than lining the pockets of fossil fuel company shareholders:

• Affordable housing
• Childcare subsidies for single parents
• Education
• Healthcare, Pharmacare and Long Term Care
• Improved Disability Benefits
• Universal Basic Income (UBI)