CCBI Resources for COVID-19 Matters – June 19, 2020 | Canadian Catholic Bioethics Institute – Affiliated with the University of St. Michael's College in the University of Toronto

Dear Friends of CCBI,

Many of us are rejoicing that we are seeing some positive moves: our Churches have opened or are in the process of doing so, some in-person shopping is more accessible, and hairdressing and barbershops are starting to welcome customers. No more excuses on that front, although longer hair doesn’t look too bad on some people!

Of course, we continue to be sensible about how we do things and hope others do the same. Many of us have been inconvenienced, sometimes dramatically, but have remained more or less unscathed. We are the fortunate ones. It’s so easy to forget that some others are not so fortunate and it is surprising how many serious problems the pandemic has uncovered in Canada. We are learning how much needs to change.

Now we know the extent of unpreparedness that existed in many facilities, as well as the costs of not having proper arrangements, equipment and staff policies in place. It is difficult to estimate the sadness experienced by so many who lost loved ones and who died without family being able to be present, and we know we cannot allow that to happen again. There are some worthwhile plans on the horizon, coupled with the commitment to improve, renew and replace policies. One website I’ve been following for a while is that of the National Institute of Aging, based at Ryerson University. It provides a wealth of information and CCBI plans to work with the NIA in some capacity, if possible, to learn as much as we can about the needs of our elderly, including decision-making advice and spiritual resources. We include two useful articles from the Institute as well as an article on spiritual lessons from the pandemic, sent by Patrick Slaney, one of our supporters.

Last week’s Vatican News ran an article on elder abuse, since Elder Abuse Awareness Day took place on June 15. It was not given too much publicity in the media, but we include it as another serious problem that has come to the fore yet again during the pandemic.

The plight of migrant workers has become increasingly clear. Again, as with our elderly, questions and problems have existed for years, but not enough has been done in some quarters to solve the problems. Some workplaces have been found totally wanting, with workers falling ill. Please see the articles giving details of some of the negligent treatment experienced by too many of them, followed by the Prime Minister’s pledge to improve their lot. While we have to acknowledge that some employers are more than fair, we know that over 500 migrant workers contracted COVID-19 in SW Ontario alone, with two sad deaths, one of them a young man only 25 years old. For all our talk of dignity and equal rights, we have a long way to go.

We end with a message from Pope Francis about our response to the pandemic, in anticipation of the World Day of the Poor: “…the church certainly has no comprehensive solutions to propose, but by the grace of Christ she can offer her witness and her gestures of charity…likewise she feels compelled to speak out on behalf of those who lack life’s basic necessities.”

Our Lady Health of the Sick, Pray for us!

Warm regards,

Moira McQueen, LLB, MDiv, PhD
Executive Director, Canadian Catholic Bioethics Institute
Lecturer, Faculty of Theology
University of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto

Older Persons: Seniors Care, Elder Abuse Awareness

Advance Care Planning

Ensuring Older Canadians and their Caregivers are Enabled to Participate in Informed Health Decision-Making & Advance Care Planning

The Globe and Mail: Migrant Workers

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-farm-workers-detail-dangerous-pandemic-conditions/

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-trudeau-vows-to-better-protect-migrant-farm-workers/?utm_medium=Newsletter&utm_source=Morning%20Update&utm_type=text&utm_content=MorningUpdate&utm_campaign=2020-6-17_6&cu_id=NqUpqm5KP4pa8wyZym%2BwyPS%2B3at2l57MKXU7olkScp4%3D

The Boston Pilot: Spiritual Lessons from the Pandemic

Pope Francis: World Day of the Poor