Refugees – who needs them? Actually we do.

In 2025, Canada deported a record breaking 23,160 foreign nationals. ( CBC news) . The vast majority of these were failed refugee claimants, with only about 7% removals stemming from criminal charges, 

 The United Church has responded to this Trump-style government action in many ways; The UCC web site  asks readers to raise you voice when our government denies hearings for asylum seekers. 

The United Church Migrant Justice Network notes:  

  • Refugees strengthen Canada’s workforce and are more likely than Canadian-born workers to be employed in sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, and skilled trades.
  • Refugee employment earnings increase steadily over time, with median earnings rising by more than 30% in the first ten years after arrival.
  • More than 80% of refugees become Canadian citizens, reflecting a strong commitment to participating fully in Canadian society.
  • Refugees contribute not only through work, but also through volunteerism, community leadership, and civic engagement.
  • What can you do ? Write and or call you MP – and ask why our government has gone from welcoming immigrants to deporting them.  

Broadview’s story on how Premier Ford is punishing the homeless

In September 2024, Ontario Premier Doug Ford stood before the cameras at a new housing construction site in Cobourg, Ont., and said that the homeless needed to get off their “A-S-S and start working.” 

Greg Cook, a longtime outreach worker at Sanctuary Toronto, a homeless drop-in centre, says that the Ford government is trying to re frame addictions and mental health as an individual responsibility, rather than a community one.

Click here for the link to the complete story.

Whats Upcoming in and around Rowntree

Every Tuesday, 7-830,   Knit Happens !   Ask Rev. Wendy to send you the link or call the office ( 519-432-8075) for her info , if you are interested in attending for conversation as crafting (not just knitting) is optional. 

 

 

 

 

ELUCO news ; Every Sunday please  bring in non-perishable food donations for ELUCO’s food cupboard at Sandford and Huron St. Please leave them in bin inside the glass doors.   

Thank You to all who helped at our June 20 Ham & Strawberry dinner.

We still have Cranberry, Strawberry, and Orange/Spice jams available – please call the office @ 519-432-8075 or 519 -878-0340 to arrange pickup.

2 Reminders; 

Summer worship changes to our worship being at Dundas St United at 10:30 from June 28 through all Sundays in July, returning here in August & still at 10:30.

The United Church reminds us all to keep your vaccinations up-to-date. This goes for flu, covid and RSV. Check with your doctor or pharmacy for their recommendations 

Making our building greener

Rowntree is constantly trying to make our building ‘ greener’ , ie reducing our carbon footprint.  In 2024 we partnered with Faithful Footprints  of the United Church and Thomas Dyna-Build renovators of London to re-work the Brampton St. entrance. This job was completed in the fall but was more extensive than we’d planned; we found insulation missing, roof leaks and ventilation lacking from previous work which had to be fixed. So we ended up with a bigger bill than we figured: costs went from $27,600 to $43,800, some of which Faithful Footsteps covered. However, we should significantly reduce our natural gas usage and make our building greener.  We’ve introduced a fund-raiser to pay this off : Green (Rown)Tree and asking for your financial help. So when you donate, please apportion some to this.  Thank-You

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