Welcome to our roundup of news from the last month. It was a busy October at the EFC. This month, you’ll find…
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news on MAiD legislation in Canada
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why the EFC recently wrote a letter to the finance minister about a troubling federal budget recommendation for pregnancy centres
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the EFC’s statement on the CFB Wainwright fire
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an update about a religious freedom case before the Supreme Court
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our latest blogs and events
MAiD legislation in the House of Commons
Last month, the Justice Minister introduced a new bill on MAiD. Bill C-41 would stop MAiD for mental illness alone; however, it would also allow advance requests for MAiD when certain criteria are met. The EFC will be reviewing this bill and providing resources.
EFC writes to finance minister on pregnancy centres
The House of Commons finance committee recently tabled a report on what it recommends be included in Budget 2026. These are non-binding recommendations, but the EFC found one particularly troubling:
Recommendation 65
… Budget 2026 should also introduce amendments to the Income Tax Act to require greater transparency from anti-abortion pregnancy centres in order to mitigate harm to clients and prevent the misuse of charitable status.
The EFC wrote a letter to the Finance Minister expressing dismay about the language used to describe ‘anti-abortion’ pregnancy centres. The EFC urged the Finance Minister not to follow this recommendation but to support Canada’s vibrant charitable sector. Read the letter.
Condolences after CFB Wainwright fire
The EFC extended our deep sympathy over the tragic incident at CFB Wainwright in Alberta. We lamented with those who lost loved ones, shared our prayers for the injured and expressed gratitude for the first responders. Read the full statement.
EFC senior ambassador Bruce J. Clemenger,
vice chair of the Interfaith Committee for Canadian Military Chaplaincy, has also written about how military chaplains are called to important work, and we should remember them in our prayers.
Religious freedom case at the Supreme Court
The EFC argued that the Charter protects the communal life of faith communities in the Vabuolas case before the Supreme Court last month. This case addressed whether the state can compel religious communities to release confidential records about decision-making on purely religious matters. The EFC co-intervened with the Canadian Centre for Christian Charities. Please pray for judges to weigh the arguments carefully and make a wise decision.
Faith Today blog roundup
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Ray Pennings, Executive Vice President of Cardus, shares the value of preserving faith-based healthcare institutions in Canada.
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Editor Bill Fledderus remembers Jim Beverly, Faith Today’s longest-running columnist
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Canadian pastor-teacher Ben Mast narrates how his chance meeting with a Holocaust survivor in Poland led to a life-changing visit in Ontario
To receive our regular email newsletter with links to Faith Today articles, blogs and podcasts, sign up here.
EFC staff engagements this month
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Delta Hotel & Conference Centre, Toronto, EFC director of research Lindsay Callaway on findings from the National Study of Women in Canadian Evangelical Churches, November 4
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Crandall University, EFC senior ambassador Bruce J. Clemenger speaking at convocation ceremonies, November 6-7
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Canadian Christian Education Movement (CCEM), Moncton, EFC regional director, Atlantic Canada, Sheldon MacLeod speaking, November 7
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Good Tree Church, Calgary, EFC vice-president of ministry and partnerships Rick Hiemstra preaching and sharing about the EFC, November 15
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Youth Worker Community Conference, EFC vice-president of ministry and partnerships Rick Hiemstra speaking on the Influencing Faith study, Calgary, November 13-14; Moncton, November 27-28
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Faith Matters, Parkwood Gardens Community Church, Guelph, EFC director of research Lindsay Callaway speaking about Faith Across Generations, November 21
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Toronto Chinese Methodist Church, EFC President David Guretzki delivering sermons for both the Cantonese and English congregations, focusing on the theme of Christian citizenship (Kingdom vs. Earth), November 22
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Ignite Prayer: Keys to Incorporating Kingdom Prayer in Church Worship Services, online, November 25
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Oak Ridge Bible Chapel, Oakville, Don McNiven, regional director, Central Canada, speaking, November 27
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Highfield Baptist Church, Moncton, EFC vice-president of ministry and partnerships Rick Hiemstra preaching and sharing about the EFC and speaking after the service on the Influencing Faith study, November 29
Find more Canadian Christian community events and post your own at TheEFC.ca/Calendar.