Friendly travellers we met on one of our trips overseas.
Friday, June 2, 2023
Friday, May 5, 2023
Book Review: Where To From Here: A Path to Canadian Prosperity
Where To From Here: A Path to Canadian Prosperity
Authors: Bill Morneau with John Lawrence Reynolds
Publisher: ECW Press, hardcover, 327 pages, including: Introduction, Reflections, Index, and Acknowledgements
Reviewed by Rev. Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson
The Authors
Bill Morneau was Canada’s finance minister in the Liberal government from 2015 to 2020. He graduated from Western University (BA), the London School of Economics (M.Sc. (Econ.)), and INSEAD (MBA), prior to joining the benefits consulting firm founded by his father and growing it into Canada’s largest human resources company. He is the husband of Nancy, and the father of four children.
John Lawrence Reynolds has authored/co-authored almost 40 books. He is the winner of 3 Arthur Ellis Awards and a National Business Book Award.
Brief Observations
The main content of this volume consists of 18 chapters, which focus on a variety of aspects of Bill Morneau’s experiences as the minister of finance in the federal Liberal government of 2015 to 2020. Morneau is a firm believer in hard work and building relationships with others/networking, in the pursuit of political and economic success. In the introduction, he states the purpose of writing this book: “I wrote this book to provide a record of the many successes and multiple stumbles that occurred over the years immediately following the 2015 election (p. 15).”
One of his important learnings was from a previous Liberal finance minister, and later Prime Minister, Jean Crétien. Crétien advised Morneau that he should expect tension between the Prime Minister and the minister of finance. This tension, according to Crétien, was necessary and healthy—since the Prime Minister will want to please the public as well as many of the various other ministers in the government, whereas the finance minister will want to be a wise steward of the budget, and not overspend, especially in areas which may be less important than others. Morneau laments a few times in this volume that his advise was not followed by the Prime Minister or the staff in the Prime Minister’s Office.
Even though Morneau valued personal relationships with other elected Members of Parliament, he found Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to be rather formal, not too eager to share matters of a personal nature with him.
In this volume, Morneau takes great pride in his accomplishments, two of which were the Canada Child Benefit, and improvements to the Canada Pension Plan.
Although he speaks of dealing with the issues of climate change/crisis, and further reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, he does not seem to take—in this reviewer’s humble opinion—them seriously enough. He goes on about carbon pricing as a means of dealing with climate change/crisis, however, I am not convinced that it is going to prove to be as effective as he thinks it will be. He also thinks that Canada’s dependency on the oil and gas industry will continue for at least two more decades. I hope he is wrong, but who knows?
Another area I found to be problematic was Morneau’s view of private ownership vs government/crown ownership. He thinks that private ownership is, in most, if not all cases, better than government/crown ownership. I disagree, privatized healthcare is inclined to favour the wealthy. Another example is campgrounds and parks. Government managed campgrounds and parks are much superior to privately-owned ones.
For Morneau, one means on the pathway to Canadian prosperity is to improve the rate of productivity. “Out of 36 OECD countries measured from 2000 to 2019, Canada rated in 25th place when it came to productivity growth (p. 289).” Also, according to Morneau, future projections of GDP growth for Canada was lower than several countries, including the U.S., India, China, Denmark Australia and Japan. Morneau offers several suggestions to improve Canada’s productivity and economic prosperity, which may prove helpful for future finance ministers and governments. He is hopeful that Canada will continue to be a successful democratic nation in the future.
For Canadians—and perhaps those from other countries—interested in politics, economics, and history, this may be a volume worth reading. Although I disagreed with Morneau on several issues, I did empathize with him concerning the need for careful ethical considerations in making important decisions, and the need in politics for cooperation, compromise and a passionate vision for and commitment to the common good.
Saturday, April 1, 2023
Anglican, Lutheran, Moravian Clergy Retreat
On March 21, 2023, Anglican, Lutheran, and Moravian clergy gathered at Moravian Camp Van Es, for a retreat and the opportunity to get to meet one another.
This was the first—to the best of my knowledge—such historic event of its kind, here in Alberta. It was organized in anticipation of the acceptance and signing of the proposed document: One Flock, One Shepherd: Lutherans, Anglicans and Moravians—Called to Walk Together in Full Communion later this year.
The schedule of the retreat was as follows:
1. Welcome & Worship
2. Break
3. Panel Conversation with Bishop Steve London (Anglican), Bishop Larry Kochendorfer (Lutheran), and the Rev. James Lavoy (Moravian)
4. Lunch
5. Small Group Breakouts
6. Communion & Closing
The small groups were given the following questions for discussion: An introductory Who are you? Name; your current ministry context; One Word describing your Hope/Prayer/Vision for the Church today. Then three addition questions:
1. 3 most significant priorities our churches are being called to respond to in our place and time. In our group, I suggested that the churches continue with the process of truth and reconciliation actions to improve and, by God’s grace, heal our relationships with Indigenous Peoples.
2. Brainstorm 1-2 new ideas each for something you would like to see our churches begin to do together rather than separately (either at the parish/congregational level or the diocese/synod/district level).
3. Share 1 new personal commitment you each feel called to make towards living out our full communion partnership in your ministry context over the next year.
One thing I learned at the retreat was that Moravians have been in Labrador since 1750! One of their missionaries translated the Bible into an Inuit language.
My contact with Moravians over the years reminds me of my appreciation of their emphasis on and gift of music—their hymnbook contains many wonderful hymns. When I was a chaplain with the Bethany Group, I enjoyed several engaging conversations with a resident who was a retired Moravian professor—and who played the saxophone and sang in choirs.
All-in-all, the clergy retreat was an instructive and inspiring one—I look forward to similar events in the future.
Monday, March 6, 2023
Book Review: Our Home And Treaty Land
Our Home And Treaty Land: Walking Our Creation Story
Authors: Raymond Aldred & Matthew Anderson
Publisher: Wood Lake Publishing Inc., paperback, 186 pages, including: The Authors & This Book, Prefaces, Appendices, Notes, Bibliography, and Acknowledgements
Reviewed by Rev. Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson
The Authors
Rev. Dr. Raymond Aldred is status Cree (Nêhiyawak) from Swan River Band, Treaty 8. Ray is the director of the Indigenous Studies Program at the Vancouver School of Theology and is ordained with the Anglican Church of Canada. He travels nationally and internationally giving talks on restoring or pursuing right relations, including our relationship with land. His passion is to help as many as possible hear the gospel in their heart language. Together, Ray and his wife Elaine have also helped train people to facilitate support groups for those who have suffered abuse.
Rev. Dr. Matthew R. Anderson is from Treaty 4; he is a settler-descended biblical scholar who teaches New Testament Studies and Pilgrimage Studies at Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec and at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. He was recently appointed Director of Camino Nova Scotia at the Atlantic School of Theology and is an ordained Lutheran Pastor. Matthew podcasts at Pilgrimage Stories from Up and Down the Staircase, and blogs at somethinggrand.ca and unsettledwords.com. He also teaches about the notion of the Commons or the “right to roam.” This reviewer and Matthew were members of the same Lutheran congregation many years ago.
This volume is dedicated to the memory of the thousands of Indigenous children who were taken from their families and never made it home.
The format of this book is that of a settler-descended/Indigenous dialogue—with Rev. Dr. Aldred beginning with a chapter, and Rev. Dr. Anderson responding with a chapter. Altogether the work consists of 18 chapters.
Brief Observations
According to Rev. Dr. Raymond Aldred, “Treaty means that your identity is bigger than just you (p. 8).” He states that those who signed Treaty in the late 19th century thought ahead seven generations. Journeying on the land connects one with one’s ancestors and grandchildren.
Professor Aldred in his Preface speaks of both Indigenous peoples and settler-descended Canadians living in exile because of colonization. Then he states the purpose of this book: “This book is about “being alive well,” or “journeying well,” for settler-descended Canadians, in relation to us Indigenous people (p. 9).”
Rev. Dr. Aldred then introduces three Cree words. Pimâcihowin, meaning journeying and related to health-well-being, and it also refers to “living” and “culture.” Pimâcihowin is also linked to Indigenous wisdom and knowledge, and hence philosophy and theology—thus this word has a lot of baggage.
The Cree word “askîhk” is “land,” and means all of Creation.
The word wâhkôhtowin means living life in relation with every one and everything, it is “kinship relationality.” Land is shared and viewed as public space. Hence the European understanding of land ownership is foreign to Indigenous peoples. For Indigenous peoples the land is sacred, therefore all relationships on the land are to be sacred.
According to Rev. Dr. Anderson, oftentimes when settler-descended people like himself speak of their identity, they refer to themselves as Norwegian (etc.) Canadians, rather than being born and raised on Treaty land.
It was on walking pilgrimages “...that eventually led (Rev. Dr. Anderson) to meeting, listening to, and learning from Indigenous activists, scholars, artists and friends, including Rev. Dr. Aldred, Richard Kotowich, and Louise Skydancer Halfe (p. 17).” His walking pilgrimages were mostly on Treaty 6 and Treaty 4 lands.
Professor Anderson’s main purpose in co-writing this volume is stated as follows: “My part of this book is intended for others, like me, who seek right relationships to the land and to its original peoples, but don’t quite know how to begin (p. 21).” Professor Anderson also provides references to resources that can help settler-descendants to join Indigenous Peoples on water walks and walks that highlight missing murdered Indigenous women and girls, and two-spirited persons.
According to Rev. Dr. Aldred: “Canada only exists because of the Treaties that First Nations made with Newcomers (p. 27).”
Treaties involved Sweetgrass or Smudging Ceremonies, which are extremely important for Indigenous peoples in relation to non-Indigenous peoples. In the Treaties, there are three Indigenous rights: i) peaceful existence in the land; ii) access to the land; iii) sharing the wealth of the land. According to Professor Aldred, the Treaties are sacred covenants between two peoples and the Creator, and should be renewed every year.
Rev. Dr. Anderson refers to “settler realization” and “intentional forgetfulness.” According to Professor Anderson, “settler realization” involves facing facts—not living in denialism because it makes us uncomfortable, forgetting the responsibility of Canadians to the Treaties. Many, perhaps most Canadian families—including Anderson’s—never talked about the Treaty covenants. Tragically, non-Indigenous Canadians have all benefitted from the exploitation, oppression, and failure to honour the Treaties.
Professor Anderson recommends several resources—both Indigenous and non-Indigenous—that Canadians can learn from. He then, in confessional style, names many of the non-Indigenous sins committed against Indigenous peoples—followed by a reference to repentance, and the pilgrimage toward justice.
Rev. Dr. Aldred cites two examples of Jesus coming to meet Indigenous Elders and a prophet named Bini or Benny. Jesus revealed to them that the Europeans were coming prior to their arrival.
Rev. Dr. Anderson provides an insightful interpretation of Mark 10:17-22, Jesus’s encounter with the rich person. He notes that the story begins with Jesus “setting out on a journey,” which most likely involved walking. He suggests one of the most important points of the story is God calling us to be unsettled. Based on his and Professor Sara Terreault’s experiences of meeting a Mohawk leader and organizing group trips for university students for walks from Old Montreal to the Mohawk Territory—Professor Anderson offers wise advise on how to get to know Indigenous peoples and how to organize events with Indigenous educators. What to do, and not to do.
Professor Anderson, at times, sounds like a Hebrew Bible prophet, citing a litany of unjust Canadian government policies toward Indigenous peoples, which have caused them enormous sufferings. He also appeals to us non-Indigenous Canadians to respectfully listen to and learn from Indigenous history and stories.
Rev. Dr. Aldred shares an Indigenous creation story, then appeals to settler-descended Canadians to search their hearts and repent for breaking the Treaties. He is hopeful, that in the future: “As we move toward proper relatedness, we can find—we fill find—an affirming freedom, and equality, for all people (p. 159).”
Both of the Appendices are very helpful, as their titles suggest: “Resources for Starting Out,” and “Calls to Action #s 48, 49, 59, and 60, from Canada’s Truth & Reconciliation Commission.” There is also an extensive, 7 page Bibliography.
All settler-descended Canadians would benefit from reading this volume. Hopefully it will become a required resource for Indigenous Studies courses. Highly recommended!
Friday, February 10, 2023
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
Book Review: The Citadel by A.J. Cronin
The Citadel
Author: A.J. Cronin
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company, paperback, 368 pages
Reviewed by Rev. Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson
The Author
Dr. Archibald Joseph Cronin was born in Cardross, Scotland, in 1896. He studied medicine at Glasgow University, served as surgeon sub-lieutenant in the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve in the first World War, practiced in South Wales for four years, and studied pulmonary disabilities, moved to London and practiced there, and became an author of a number of books, including the brilliant, 1941 novel, The Keys Of The Kingdom.
Brief Observations
The Citadel begins with 24-year-old Dr. Andrew Manson (several details of Dr. Manson’s life in the novel seem to parallel Dr. Cronin’s) arriving at his first post in Blaenelly, southern Wales. He is to be the assistant to Dr. Page, who is not well, suffering from a stroke. Manson had won “the Hunter Gold Medal, awarded annually at St. Andrews to the best student in clinical medicine (p. 14).”
Dr. Manson agonizes about his first patient’s illness, and struggles to diagnose her. He also thinks there are a few cases of typhoid fever, and contacts Dr. Griffiths of Toniglan, the District Medical Officer to inform him. Dr. Griffiths was unreliable, so Dr. Manson asked the advise of Dr. Denny. Dr. Denny told him it was caused from the contaminated well water. So Dr. Manson told everyone to boil the water before using it, and the typhoid problem was solved.
One night, because of the contaminated sewer, Denny and Manson secretly blew it up, and a new one was constructed.
There was a measles problem, and Manson thought Idris Howell should be isolated at home. So he went to school and had it out with the schoolteacher, Christine Barlow. Later he attends a gathering where Christine Barlow is present and he apologizes to her.
Christine and Andrew become fond of each other. Andrew eventually is interviewed at Aberalaw, and is offered the appointment on one condition—that he is married. He tells the interview Committee that he is “engaged to someone in Blaenelly. I’ve—I’ve just been waiting on a suitable appointment—such as this—to get married (p. 86).” On his way back to Blaenelly, he agonizes over whether Christine would marry him or reject him. When he arrived back at Blaenelly, Andrew proposed to Christine. She accepted, they were married, and then moved to Aberalaw.
As Dr. Manson begins his new practice, he gets off to a bad start—he’s determined to employ the scientific method; however, he ends up losing patients because of an influential man and a nurse in the community who disagree with his approach.
Eventually Dr. Manson decides to write the most difficult medical exam, the M.R.C.P. It took him some time, and a lot of struggles, however he wrote the exam and passed.
Back at Aberalaw, as he continues his practice, the community comes to trust and respect Dr. Manson, and more people choose him as their doctor.
He then researched pulmonary diseases in relation to mining. As a result, he leaves Aberalaw and becomes Medical Officer of the Coal Mines and Metalliferous Fatigue Board in London. However, he soon resigned because he was not able to do what he believed was supposed to be his proper work.
After some time, Andrew purchased Dr. Foy’s rather run-down practice. At first, he and Christine struggled financially. Eventually, he gains more affluent patients, and becomes more successful financially. Sadly, he loses his ethical idealism, and becomes more obsessed with climbing the financial and social ladder. He and Christine grow further apart because of his lack of ethical practice and growing affluence.
Manson was appointed to work with patients having specialized lung and bronchial conditions at the Victoria Chest Hospital.
After much financial success, along with respect gained among both patients and colleagues, Andrew reached a breaking point of deep regret for having lost his ethical-moral idealism. He tells his colleague Dr. Freddie Hampton: “But I’m going to try and stop thinking of money and material success. That isn’t the test of a good doctor. When a doctor earns five thousand a year he’s not healthy. And why—why should a man try to make money out of suffering humanity (p. 321)?”
Andrew then expressed his deep remorse to Christine and is reconciled with her.
There are two trying events—one tragic—that brought on much grief and suffering for Andrew. In the closing pages of the novel, Andrew’s speech regarding the state of the medical profession was instrumental in determining Andrew’s future.
Some readers of this review may recall that PBS dramatized The Citadel on Masterpiece Theatre. After reading the novel, I think—in part at least—I can see why.
Wednesday, January 4, 2023
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