January

	Roman Catholic Archbishop Terrence Prendergast of Ottawa was among faith leaders who rallied at Ottawa City Hall Jan. 26 urging both sides to bring an end the longest bus strike in the city's history. "In addition to the negative economic impact of the strike, it has created bitter divisions in our city and a climate of accusations and counter-accusations," he said. The strike, which began last Dec. 10, has affected "the most vulnerable members of our community," Prendgergast said.
	As above
	Anglican Bishop John Chapman was among faith leaders who rallied at Ottawa City Hall Jan. 26 urging both sides to bring an end the longest bus strike in the city's history. "Many citizens are critically affected and must choose between losing their jobs, going without food or prescriptions or paying for costly transportation alternatives," he said.
	Anglican Bishop John Chapman signs a faith leaders' statement outside Ottawa City Hall calling on the Transit Union, the Mayor, and City Council to "set aside their differences and restore transit services to the residents of Ottawa while they continue their negotiations." The faith leaders say the bus strike, which began last Dec. 10, has affected the most vulnerable people in the nation's capital as well as hurt businesses.
	Nortel's rainbow: No pot of gold Laid-off employees of Nortel, once the most valuable company in the Canada, may have to wait more than a year for their severance packages. Court orders putting Nortel into backruptcy protection takes precedence, the Ottawa Citizen reported January 18. The company filed for bankruptcy protection Jan. 14 in order to restructure its debt and financial obligations. The workforce at the sprawling research and development facility in Ottawa is down to 4,200 compared to over 20,000 in 2000 and more lay-offs are expected.

	The Ottawa home of former Corel Corporation CEO Michael Cowpland and his wife, Marlen, continues to rank No. 1 in value. An updated assessment places the value of the mansion in Rockcliffe Park at $12,535,000, the Ottawa Citizen reported. The annual property tax for the home is $130,000.
	Bernard Daly, Saskatchewan-born author and a former editor and publisher of the Catholic Register, died Jan. 2 in St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 83. Daly was a reporter for the Saskatoon Star-Phoenix for 10 years and then worked for the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) for 35 years. He wrote several books including "Remembering for Tomorrow," a book that covered 50 years of history of the CCCB from 1943 to 1993. Daly is Survived by Mae, his wife of 60 years, five children, 16 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his youngest son, Timothy (2006). The funeral is to be held at Blessed John XXIII Parish in Toronto on Jan. 8.
	Bernard Daly and his wife, Mae, chat with Archbishop Luigi Ventura, the papal nuncio to Canada, during a visit to the nunciature in Ottawa in 2002. Daly, born in North Battleford Saskatchewan, was an author, reporter, former editor of the Catholic Register in Toronto, and a long-time employee of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. He died in Toronto Jan. 2 after a lengthy battle with cancer.
	About 700 protesters braved a windchill of -20 Celcius Jan. 3 to demonstrate on Parliament Hill against Israel's assault on Gaza. Among speakers condemning the attacks were Jews and Christians, including Anglican priest Robert Assaly of Ottawa who is with the Canadian Friends of Sabeel -- an ecumenical organization seeking justice and peace in the Holy Land. He criticized Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon for claiming that the deliberate and constant targeting of civilians by Hamas was the main reason for Israel's attacks. "The Gaza siege must end now," said Assaly. "Regardless of what they say in this building (Parliament), regardless of what they say in Washington, regardless of what they say in The Hague, these are war crimes!" Assaly was cheered by the crowd, which held up placards decrying Israel's actions. Similar demonstrations were held in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver.
	A young girl displays a photo showing bodies of children believed killed in Israel's bombing of Gaza. About 700 people protested against the attacks at a demonstration on Parliament Hill Jan. 3
	A woman at a demonstration on Parliament Hill Dec. 3 against Israeli attacks on Gaza reacts to news that Israeli ground troops have moved into Palestinian territory.
	About 700 protesters braved a windchill of -20 Celcius Jan. 3 to demonstrate on Parliament Hill against Israel's assault on Gaza. Similar demonstrations were held in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver.
	Archbishop Raymond Roussin of Vancouver announced Jan. 2 that he is retiring due to his ongoing battle with depression. Roussin, 69, said in an interview with The Canadian Press, that he has suffered from depression for several years, forcing him to reassess his work. He said Archbishop J. Michael Miller, 62, has been named to replace him.