FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 29, 2019 OTTAWA, ON – Thirty-one signatories have put their names on a letter to two federal ministers asking Statistics Canada to resume the federal collection of marriage and divorce rate statistics – something the agency stopped doing in 2008. In the letter to Innovation Minister Navdeep Bains and Justice Minister David Lametti, the signatories note that July 2011 is the last time Statistics Canada published marriage and divorce rates, despite having collected critical data on marriage rates since 1921 and divorce rates since 1972. “The collection of marriage and divorce rates is critical to ensuring the accurate study and understanding of domestic social policy, from education to elder care, in our nation,” the signatories say in the letter sent out by think tank Cardus. “By tracking marriage and divorce statistics, we better understand our culture and communities with regard to issues of public concern and academic research, such as social isolation, poverty reduction, demographics, and the presence or lack of support networks, among others.” The 31 signatories to the letter bear no affiliation with one another, but share an interest in seeing “policy in Canada continuously undergirded by good data.” “The federal finance minister said it himself in 2016 - good policy is impossible without good data,” says Andrea Mrozek, the Cardus program director leading the effort to reinstate federal collection of marriage and divorce statistics. “So, I’m hopeful that the ministers responsible will see the wisdom of a request that comes from academics, researchers, the media, religious leaders, and the political realm.” The letter to Ministers Bains and Lametti is available online. - 30 - MEDIA INQUIRIES Daniel Proussalidis Cardus - Director of Communications 613-241-4500 x508 dproussalidis@cardus.ca

POUR DIFFUSION IMMÉDIATE  Le 29 janvier 2019 OTTAWA, ON – Trente-et-une personnes ont apposé leur signature à une lettre adressée à deux ministres fédéraux invitant Statistique Canada à rétablir la collecte fédérale de statistiques sur les taux de mariage et de divorce, collecte qui a été interrompue en 2008. Dans la lettre au ministre de l’Innovation, Navdeep Bains, et au ministre de la Justice, David Lametti, les signataires mentionnent que la dernière publication de Statistique Canada sur les taux de mariage et de divorce remonte à juillet 2011. Les données relatives aux mariages étaient recueillies depuis 1921, celles relatives aux divorces depuis 1972. « La collecte de données sur les taux de mariage et de divorce est indispensable à une étude approfondie et à une juste compréhension de la politique sociale intérieure, depuis l’éducation jusqu’aux soins aux aînés », affirment les signataires dans la lettre adressée par le centre d’études Cardus. « En établissant des statistiques sur les mariages et les divorces, nous comprenons mieux notre culture et nos collectivités, notamment en regard des questions d’intérêt public qu’étudient les chercheurs universitaires, par exemple l’isolement social, la réduction de la pauvreté, la structure démographique et la présence ou l’absence de réseaux de soutien. »  Les 31 signataires ne sont pas liés entre eux et n’ont qu’un intérêt commun, qui est de s’assurer que « les politiques canadiennes soient fondées sur des données fiables ».   « Le ministre des Finances l’a lui-même déclaré en 2016 : il est impossible d’élaborer de bonnes politiques si l’on ne dispose pas de solides données », a rappelé Andrea Mrozek, directrice du programme de Cardus chargé d’orchestrer les efforts en vue de rétablir la collecte de statistiques sur le mariage et le divorce. « J’espère donc que les ministres responsables seront sensibles au bien-fondé de cette requête, qui provient d’universitaires, de chercheurs, du monde des médias, de chefs de file religieux et de cercles politiques. » La lettre adressée aux ministres Bains et Lametti est accessible en ligne. - 30 - DEMANDES DE RENSEIGNEMENTS DE LA PART DES MÉDIAS Daniel Proussalidis Cardus – Directeur des communications 613-241-4500 x508 dproussalidis@cardus.caAu sujet de CardusCardus est un centre de recherche confessionnel et non partisan. Organisme de bienfaisance enregistré, il a pour mission de promouvoir une société florissante grâce à la recherche indépendante, à un dialogue public vigoureux et à des commentaires aptes à susciter la réflexion. Pour en savoir davantage, prière de consulter notre site Web et lire nos messages sur Twitter et Facebook.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 22, 2019 OTTAWA, ON – A diverse coalition of 13 unaffiliated academics, policy researchers, and child care practitioners has jointly signed A Positive Vision for Child Care Policy across Canada, a brand new policy paper by think tank Cardus. In it, the signatories note they “share agreement in rejecting so-called universal systems put forward by government” and welcome “robust discussion and exploration of a diversity of public policy options” for child care. “Support for universal daycare systems is anything but universal,” says Andrea Mrozek, a Cardus program director and A Positive Vision for Child Care signatory. “A growing number of folks recognize the social and economic pitfalls of universal systems like Quebec’s, which B.C. and Alberta are seeking to imitate. Governments need to re-examine their assumptions about so-called universal child care given the clear evidence that these systems fail to provide high-quality or sustainable child care.” Other signatories include Brenda Burns, President – Child Care Providers Resource Network of Ottawa-Carleton; Samuel Hammond, Director of Poverty and Welfare Policy – Niskanen Center; Heidi Higgins, Co-Founder – Coalition of Independent Child Care Providers of Ontario; Dr. Lydia Miljan, Professor – University of Windsor; and Helen Ward, President – Kids First Parents Association. Drawing on international and domestic research on child care policy, A Positive Vision for Child Care provides an evidence-based case against universal daycare systems as a high-quality, sustainable policy option. Instead, the paper lays out six principles for great child care policy: CHOICE: Accommodation of diverse types of care, not a top-down, one-size-fits-all system. FUNDING NEUTRALITY: Governments shouldn’t favour one type of care over another parents may choose. QUALITY: Care settings should be subject to simple, consistent, and easily understood and enforced standards. DIVERSITY: Working together, we can allow for a diversity of child care options to flourish. PARENT ACCOUNTABILITY: Funding parents instead of care providers restores power to families. BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD: The best child care policy prioritizes children’s well-being. “Our positive vision recognizes that child care is the care of a child, no matter who provides the care,” says Mrozek. “All levels of government should simply prioritize children’s well-being in their child care policies, while staying neutral on the type of child care parents choose.” Access A Positive Vision for Child Care Policy across Canada by clicking here. - 30 - MEDIA INQUIRIES Daniel Proussalidis Cardus - Director of Communications 613-241-4500 x508 dproussalidis@cardus.ca

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 15, 2019 HAMILTON, ON – After four years leading the Education Program at Cardus, Dr. Beth Green is moving on to take a special appointment by the Dean and President of Tyndale University College & Seminary to a senior role in Research, Integration, and Christian Formation. "It comes as no surprise that someone with Beth Green’s credentials and abilities would be in high demand from any number of organizations,” said Ray Pennings, executive vice president and co-founder of Cardus. “We are tremendously grateful to have had the benefit of her gifts for the last four years." This change takes place at a strategic time for Cardus. Under Dr. Green’s leadership, Cardus Education saw tremendous growth in funding and the range of projects undertaken. Significant data collection is now done and there are at least 14 releases, events, and reports scheduled for 2019. She leaves the Education Program in good hands, thanks to the relationships she built with outside partners and to growing internal capacity at Cardus. "I am confident that Cardus Education will deliver its projects in 2019," said Pennings. "Our in-house team of researchers, our outside partners, and our well-established ties to excellent consultants put us in a strong and stable position to continue our work." Dr. Green will continue to play a significant role at Cardus as a Senior Fellow, working on several ongoing initiatives in education research through 2020. "While we will miss seeing Beth daily at Cardus, we are glad that she will continue to contribute as a Senior Fellow," said Pennings. "And we are proud to see her moving into a critical leadership position at Tyndale. On behalf of all the Cardus team, I thank her for serving so capably over the last four years and I wish her all success in her new posting – one in which I’m sure she will excel." For further information on Dr. Green’s new posting, please, click here. - 30 - MEDIA INQUIRIES Daniel Proussalidis Cardus - Director of Communications 613-241-4500 x508 dproussalidis@cardus.ca About CardusCardus is a non-partisan, faith-based think tank, and registered charity dedicated to promoting a flourishing society through independent research, robust public dialogue, and thought-provoking commentary. To learn more, visit our website, follow us on Twitter, and like us on Facebook.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 18, 2018 New poll numbers suggests Canadians who are practicing a faith are the least uptight about the subject of religion. They’re the most open toward debating it and having a good natured laugh about it. “The more religious you are, the more prepared you are to discuss and debate faith and the more relaxed you are about religious humour,” says Ray Pennings, Executive Vice President of think tank Cardus. “It seems that those who are non-religious often lack the literacy and vocabulary to talk about matters of faith, making them more likely to avoid the subject altogether.” The same polling, which Cardus collaborated with the Angus Reid Institute to produce, found that religious Canadians were willing to stick their necks out socially on matters of faith. Almost seven in 10 Canadians who have religious beliefs say they’re always or usually comfortable with expressing their personal beliefs and practices outside their own circle of friends. And 69 percent of them also say they’re comfortable expressing minority-held views on abortion or assisted death. Pennings suggests the holidays are a great time to step out of one’s comfort zone by broaching the topic of faith and religion. “Are we willing to talk about religion at the turkey table with friends and family over Christmas?” Ray asks. “If we’re a bit more easygoing about faith and belief, we can have more civil and neighbourly conversations about it – and maybe even smile about it too.” Full poll results and methodology are freely available online. To book an interview with Ray Pennings, please, contact Daniel Proussalidis.MEDIA INQUIRIES Daniel Proussalidis Cardus - Director of Communications 613-241-4500 x508 dproussalidis@cardus.ca

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 11, 2018 A modern, new, evidence-based sexual education curriculum in Ontario should include accurate teaching about marriage, argues think tank Cardus in Please Say Yes? Marriage Proposes to Sex Ed - part of its submission to the provincial government’s education consultation. “This is partially what teaching on consent aims to convey: the idea that one must always think through relationship choices and ascertain with certainty the degree to which the other is interested in engaging in relationship,” wrote Andrea Mrozek, a Cardus program director. “Marriage is the highest standard for consensually entered, safe relationship.” In a separate submission, Cardus calls for improvement to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) teaching in Ontario.  “The province should move toward integrating STEM learning into shop and building classes,” wrote Peter Jon Mitchell, senior researcher at Cardus. “Hands-on learning enhances understanding of concepts and principles, and improves problem-solving skills.” Cardus also advises the province to go beyond curriculum changes by providing fair and equitable education funding for all Ontarians, including those who choose independent schools for their children. “Providing Ontarians with more choice in education, including religiously oriented options, contributes to the public good,” wrote Mitchell. “The 2018 Cardus Education Survey found that graduates of religiously affiliated independent schools establish diverse social ties, engage their communities, and commit to the well-being of their neighbours.” The Cardus submissions on marriage in sex-ed and on STEM and school funding are available online. To book an interview with a Cardus spokesperson, please, contact Daniel Proussalidis. MEDIA INQUIRIES Daniel Proussalidis Cardus - Director of Communications 613-241-4500 x508 dproussalidis@cardus.ca About CardusCardus is a non-partisan, faith-based think tank and registered charity dedicated to promoting a flourishing society through independent research, robust public dialogue, and thought-provoking commentary. To learn more, visit our website, follow us on Twitter, and like us on Facebook.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  December 7, 2018 Ray Pennings, Executive Vice President of think tank Cardus, released the following statement today regarding the recently announced changes to the Canada Summer Jobs grant program for 2019: “We’re glad to see that the government realized last year’s changes to the Canada Summer Jobs program violated the fundamental human rights of freedom of religion, freedom of conscience, and freedom of speech, even though this realization comes a year late and after causing real harm to approximately 1,500 organizations and many more young people. There is still the potential for problems, however, with the new eligibility criteria. They apply an internal values test on applicants using opaque wording subject to interpretation by the government of the day behind closed doors. The proof of genuine respect for Canada’s religious pluralism will come when we see how many and which organizations whose applications the government rejected in 2018 successfully apply for the 2019 program.  The new requirements are also redundant in terms of human rights. Employers are already guided by very robust human rights codes. Asking employers to adhere to already existing codes comes across as empty virtue signalling.” MEDIA INQUIRIES  Daniel Proussalidis  Cardus - Director of Communications  613-241-4500 x508  dproussalidis@cardus.ca

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 6, 2018 Brian Dijkema, Work & Economics Program Director at Cardus released the following statement today regarding the Labour Relations Act changes contained in the Restoring Ontario’s Competitiveness Act, introduced in the Ontario legislature today: “Taxpayers stand to save, on average, about $370 million when cities, school boards, and other agencies finally open up their public projects to fair, open contract bidding. Years of research have shown what Cardus has been saying for a long time: Fair and open bidding for public construction projects is good for workers, good for the industry, good for taxpayers, and good for the province. Existing labour law penalized workers for exercising their basic freedom of association. The policy changes in this new bill encourage labour diversity while maintaining the freedom of association of all workers to organize their workplaces as they see fit, without undue government interference. This is a recognition that governments and public agencies are fundamentally different from private businesses, and the law should treat them accordingly.”MEDIA INQUIRIES Daniel Proussalidis Cardus - Director of Communications 613-241-4500 x508 dproussalidis@cardus.ca

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 23, 2018 Fifty-nine percent of Canadians say they believe religious freedom – a fundamental freedom the Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects – makes Canada a better country. That finding comes from a new Angus Reid Institute survey of 2,200 adults done in partnership with Cardus. The same survey finds that appreciation of religious freedom is higher among young adults, with 64 percent of those aged 18 to 34 saying it makes Canada better. Appreciation of religious freedom jumps to 72 percent among those who are university-educated. “While I wish the overall proportion of Canadians valuing religious freedom were higher, it bodes well for the future that young adults and those with university education are the most supportive of this fundamental freedom,” says Ray Pennings, Executive Vice President of Cardus. “Taken with the high proportion of immigrants who bring their faith to Canada, our country could be heading toward a more faith-friendly future.” The survey found some warning signs about hostility to faith:32 percent of Canadians say society makes room for their personal values and faith, while 23 percent feel society shuts them out Half of Canadians are uncomfortable with religious garments and symbols in the workplace 53 percent of Canadians say reducing the presence of religion in public life is a sign of progressOther findings suggest religious faith is an important part of Canadian life today:75 percent of Canadians like having people of diverse religious backgrounds in their community 73 percent of Canadians say the federal government respects their religious community, though feelings vary widely depending on religious background 70 percent of Canadians consider it important for government decision makers to know the basics about the world’s major religions 68 percent of Canadians want public schools to teach the basics of the world’s major religions“Religious freedom is a key part of maintaining genuine and deep pluralism where we respect and engage each other’s differences,” says Pennings. “It protects the ability of the religious and non-religious to act according to their deepest beliefs—informing our freedoms of speech, association, and assembly.” These findings are part of a larger Public Faith Index study. The full study is available online. To book an interview with Ray Pennings, please, contact Daniel Proussalidis.MEDIA INQUIRIES Daniel Proussalidis Cardus - Director of Communications 613-241-4500 x508 dproussalidis@cardus.ca