The Cardus Institute is a Canadian socially conservative[1][2] think tank based in Hamilton, Ontario, which has described its mission as "the renewal of North American social architecture.",[3] and bases its work upon a "Judeo-Christian social thought".[4] It formally describes itself as non-partisan, stating that it does not endorse any political party or candidate.[5]

Etymology

Cardus comes from the root cardo, which was a north-south oriented street in Roman cities considered an integral element of city planning and city life.

History

Cardus has its roots in a charity established in 1974 under the name Foundation for Research and Economics in Developing a Christian Approach to Industrial Relations and Economics, also known as the Work Research Foundation (WRF).[6] Spearheaded by Harry Antonides and Bernard Zylstra, the work of the Work Research Foundation consisted primarily in the publication of a quarterly newsletter, Comment, and occasional conferences.

In 1996, WRF received a project grant from the Donner Canadian Foundation to deal with freedom of association in Canadian labour relations. This project included a survey of Canadian attitudes towards unions[7] done in cooperation with Gallup; the publication of Buying a Labour Monopoly,[8] and numerous smaller publications and presentations. Ray Pennings directed this project and, together with Gideon Strauss, developed a proposal to develop the Work Research Foundation into a full-fledged think tank that would be "public, credible and Christian." Michael Van Pelt, at that time the President of the Sarnia Chamber of commerce, was hired as the first full-time employee and began work in September 2000. Ray Pennings joined the full-time staff in 2002, having previously served as the Public Affairs Director for the Christian Labour Association of Canada. They developed a threefold strategy of utilizing publications, research, and networking events in order to map the institutional space that exists between government and the markets.

Early research projects looked at leadership in the business sector, patterns of trade between Canada and the United States, and labour mobility in Canada's construction sector. The publication of Comment magazine as an anchor magazine commenced in 2002 and regular events, many of which involved Senior Fellows recruited to the organization, were held across the country.

Research

From its guiding principles, Cardus currently works on three fronts. First, partnering with Notre Dame University, Cardus launched the Cardus Education Survey, an ongoing study of the outcomes of education in both the public and private sectors in North American secondary schools.[9] Second, Cardus is also involved in Social Cities, a project which helps promote the complex relationships of people, culture, and institutions that make up North American urban spaces.[10][11] Third, Cardus is engaged with Work and Economics, constructing arguments and policy related to issues of work dignity and labour relations. In 2014, Cardus's research was used by Member of Parliament, Jason Kenney, in his remarks for a conference of Canada's New Industrial Revolution.[12]

  • Education and Culture exists to provide reliable, credible data for non-government types of education.[9][13]
  • Work and Economics connects belief and behavior as way to understand work and economics in North America that can contribute to the common good.[14]
  • Social Cities explores complex issues around making good cities through integrating work in a variety of social infrastructure project areas.[15][16]

Publications

Cardus produces two periodicals: Comment,[17] a "journal of public theology for the common good"; and Convivium,[18] a "journal of faith in our common life". Two occasional products round out Cardus's publications: Cardus Policy in Public[19] and Lexview[20]

  • Cardus Policy in Public
Cardus's research in public policy covers the fields of urban planning, work and labour, and education. This research is released regularly throughout the calendar year. In addition to its regularly issued periodicals, Cardus also produces more in-depth reports.
  • Comment
Edited by Anne Snyder, Comment magazine aims to be a journal of "public theology for the common good."
  • Convivium
Published by Peter Stockland[21] and Edited by Fr. Raymond J. de Souza, Convivium is a periodical concerned with "faith in our common life"[22] and publishes a range of writers of all faith traditions.
  • Lexview
Started in 1998, Lexview attempts to provide timely analysis to the court cases shaping Canadian Law.
  • Cardus Audio (podcast)
A podcast and CD series of lectures and interviews conducted by Cardus on a range of topics.[23]

Conferences and Events

Cardus hosts a variety of private and public events across North America for business, educational and political leaders.

  • The Hill Family Lecture series
An ongoing annual lecture series hosted by Cardus and funded by the Hill Companies. 2014 lecturers include Ross Douthat and Rex Murphy. Past speakers include Barbara Kay, Mark Carney,[24] Conrad Black, and Rex Murphy.

Views

The organization describes itself as "non partisan" but has been criticized as holding socially conservative views, with large portions of the organization's research focusing on criticizing abortion laws and same-sex marriage. It has been described as “an obscure right-wing think tank with questionable expertise”.[25]

Cardus has argued that “abortion is the destruction of a developing human being, and a civilized society would not permit it,” “the time has come for the government of Canada to use its coercive powers to legislate that a couple being married must be one man and one woman,” and referred to Vaccine hesitancy as “sterling critical thinkers.” [26]

Cardus's report on “The Daycare Lobby's Misogyny” was removed from their website following negative press coverage drew attention to its argument that public investments in childcare are coercive and serve a “dystopian fantasy.” [25][26]

Funding

Cardus is supported through its publications and from private donors. It is a registered charity in Canada and in the United States. Researchers affiliated with Cardus are financially supported by the American Charles Koch Foundation.[27]

Individuals associated with Cardus

Notable scholars associated with Cardus include James K.A. Smith, Stanley Carlson-Thies,[28] Jonathan Chaplin,[29] Eleanor Clitheroe,[30] Janet Epp Buckingham,[31] Raymond de Souza, Peter Stockland, Gideon Strauss, Paul Williams,[32] Jonathan Wellum.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Canada's first religious freedom envoy joins Hamilton based think tank". The Hamilton Spectator. 2016-03-16. ISSN 1189-9417. Retrieved 2022-04-02.
  2. ↑ Andrew-Gee, Eric; Grant, Tavia (2019-01-28). "Divorce and marriage data crucial for understanding Canada's public health, researchers argue". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 2022-04-02.
  3. ↑ Patrick, Ryan (October 31, 2017). "Rowda Mohamud and Brandon Trotter win new $10K faith-based literary prize". Retrieved April 2, 2022.
  4. ↑ Morey, Mark (June 22, 2010). "Graceful Justice". Christianity Today. Retrieved March 11, 2014.
  5. ↑ "About Us". Cardus. Retrieved 2022-04-02.
  6. ↑ Mackie, Richard (January 23, 2002). "Support for Unions Up, Study finds". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved March 27, 2014.
  7. ↑ Versace, Vince (December 10, 2008). "Study recommends Ontario develop a more competitive labour pool". Daily Commercial News. Archived from the original on May 5, 2014. Retrieved March 11, 2014.
  8. ↑ Pennings, Ray. "Buying a Labour Monopoly?". Research Paper. Cardus. Retrieved March 27, 2014.
  9. 1 2 Van Pelt, D, Pennings, R, Seel, D.J., and Sikkink, D (2012) Cardus education survey. a rising tide lifts all boats. Hamilton, Canada: Cardus, page 5.
  10. ↑ Morton, Graeme (September 21, 2008). "Finding Room, A Role for Spirituality". The Calgary Herald. Archived from the original on June 26, 2014. Retrieved March 11, 2014.
  11. ↑ "Social Cities | Cardus". Cardus.ca. Retrieved 2014-04-03.
  12. ↑ Kenney, Jason. "Speaking Notes for Minister Kenney". In the News. Archived from the original on April 2, 2014. Retrieved March 11, 2014.
  13. ↑ Rumohr, Nathan (October 23, 2012). "Survey finds faith is lacking for some". The B.C. Catholic Paper. Archived from the original on May 5, 2014. Retrieved March 11, 2014.
  14. ↑ Brydon, Robbie; Benjamin Dachis (May 2013). "Access Denied: The Effect of Apprenticeship Restrictions in Skilled Trades" (PDF). C.D. Howe Institute Commentary. Economic Growth and Innovation (380): 1–19. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 5, 2014. Retrieved March 27, 2014.
  15. ↑ Friesen, Milton (2013). "Finding Your Fit: A proposal for emerging planning scholars". Berkeley Planning Journal. 26 (1): 63–75.
  16. ↑ Friesen, Milton. "The Business of Re-Weaving a Good City". Social Enterprise World Forum. Archived from the original on May 5, 2014. Retrieved March 27, 2014.
  17. ↑ Comment
  18. ↑ 'Convivium
  19. ↑ "Cardus Policy in Public". Archived from the original on 2013-10-21. Retrieved 2014-01-28.
  20. ↑ "Lexview". Archived from the original on 2013-10-21. Retrieved 2014-01-28.
  21. ↑ Allemang, John (March 7, 2014). "Pope Francis is making me think about my life". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved March 11, 2014.
  22. ↑ Nethersole, Julia (2014-03-25). "Convivium Magazine – Volume 2, No. 13 | Cardus". Cardus.ca. Retrieved 2014-04-03.
  23. ↑ Pennings, Ray. "Audio | Cardus". Cardus.ca. Archived from the original on 2014-01-06. Retrieved 2014-04-03.
  24. ↑ Kelley, LaPointe (May 24, 2013). "A Return to Core Values a Must for Banks: Carney". Daily Commercial News. Archived from the original on March 11, 2014. Retrieved March 11, 2014.
  25. 1 2 "Why is the Media Citing This Social Conservative Group as Experts on BC's New Local Jobs Agreement?". 2023-09-07. Archived from the original on 2023-09-07. Retrieved 2023-09-07.
  26. 1 2 "Ontario Education Minister Discussed Childcare With a Religious Lobby Group That Likened Public Childcare to 'Misogyny'". 2023-09-07. Archived from the original on 2023-09-07. Retrieved 2023-09-07.
  27. ↑ "Kenney Government Appointed Foreign, Koch-Funded Researcher to Rewrite Alberta's Education Curriculum". 2023-09-07. Archived from the original on 2023-09-07. Retrieved 2023-09-07.
  28. ↑ Center for Public Justice
  29. ↑ "Clear thinking on religion and society". Theos Think Tank. Retrieved 2014-04-03.
  30. ↑ Eleanor Clitheroe-Bell
  31. ↑ Canada. "Trinity Western University". Twu.ca. Retrieved 2014-04-03.
  32. ↑ "Paul S. Williams | Regent College". Regent-college.edu. Archived from the original on 2014-04-07. Retrieved 2014-04-03.
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