CCBI Resources — Back-to-School Concerns, Human Rights, Building the Future | Canadian Catholic Bioethics Institute – Affiliated with the University of St. Michael's College in the University of Toronto

August 7, 2020

Dear Friends of CCBI,

It’s what usually happens! Major concerns stemming from the pandemic flood our media for weeks on end, and many of us edge towards doing something about the long list: schooling, long term care homes, migrant workers, social inequalities sustained through racism, etc. Then, regrettably, familiar narratives take over: political scandals, financial mismanagement, ethics (lack of?) in government, etc. In some ways that’s a good thing, helping us to deal with other realities. On the other hand there’s the danger that longer term problems that had been simmering close to the surface and burst through because of COVID19 will be forgotten

Now that it’s August, more attention is being paid to return to school. Strong feelings are being expressed, and provincial governments are caught between the need for safety for the students, their teachers and families in general versus the desire of many parents, especially mothers, to return to work. Some cannot work from home, and they are in an impossible situation as far as child care is concerned.

Troubles are mounting since, for example, Toronto’s Public Health leaders are speaking out about the dangers of full classrooms, where social distancing in some places is not possible, and in others very difficult to maintain. Teachers will bear the brunt of these challenges and their unions are weighing their options. One of our articles suggests there are alternatives that are being tried in other countries, some quite imaginative, and that prize safety more highly than any other factor. That makes sense — ‘upticks’ have occurred in some areas where students have returned, and no-one should be surprised. Three of our articles today deal with these problems and a friend sent a ‘funny’ which I have added, since it captures the unknowns and the fears we still face.

Apparently 70% of Canadians would support another lockdown, should it be advised. While playing havoc with the economy, this virus is showing us how ephemeral financial success, permanent employment and life-in-general can be, and how swiftly matters can change. Many people are dealing with real hardship, and possibilities of a universal income continue to be raised as one way of dealing with socio-economic challenges.

An article on migrant workers telling of restrictions imposed by employers shows how these poorly treated workers’ human rights are being further disregarded. They are reluctant to speak out for fear of losing their employment and for fear of deportation. Having been declared essential workers for agriculture, one would think this deserved recognition would spur the government on to ensure that their rights be more fully respected and that their general conditions of employment be greatly improved and more carefully supervised.

Our last words for this week go to the Pope and his plan to use his Angelus talks to begin a new series on social doctrine, ‘building the future we need!’

Mary, Health of the Sick, pray for us!

We pray for all those who work and live from the sea, among them sailors, fishermen and their families (The Pope’s intention for August).

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

The Globe and Mail _ Considerations for the Return to School

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-im-terrified-anxious-parents-struggle-with-sending-children-back/