More than 20 delegates representing dioceses, religious communities and lay organizations from across Western Canada gathered recently in Edmonton to share local initiatives, discuss emerging social justice issues and explore opportunities for greater regional collaboration.
The 2026 Western Conference of Social Justice held Oct. 2-4, brought together representatives from dioceses spanning Victoria to Keewatin-Le Pas. It was an opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of Catholic social teaching and strengthen their shared commitment to putting its principles into practice in communities across Western Canada.
The conference opened with a Season of Creation prayer service inspired by the witness of St. Francis of Assisi. Led by Mia Klein-Gebbinck of the Archdiocese of Grouard-McLennan, the service invited participants to reflect on care for creation, solidarity with the poor, and the call to be peacemakers in today’s world.
A major focus of the conference was the sharing of diocesan reports, highlighting the scope of work taking place throughout Western Canada.
Highlights included the pending opening of a new women’s shelter in Edmonton by Catholic Social Services, the Feed the Hungry program at St. Mary’s Cathedral Calgary, and the initiative of the Diocese of Victoria to introduce solar power in every parish.
Conference presentations examined several issues shaping contemporary social justice ministry.
A panel featuring Bishop Jon Hansen of the Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith, NWT, Raphael Freston of Development and Peace-Caritas Canada, and Chad Park, Vice-President of Sustainability & Citizenship for Co-operators, explored the challenges of climate change in an increasingly polarized world.
View a video of the full panel panel discussion, or a clip of Bishop Hansen, or a clip of Raphael Freston, or a clip of Chad Park.
Fr. Roger Niedzielski of the Archdiocese of Edmonton led a discussion on Pope Leo’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas and the opportunities and risks presented by artificial intelligence.
Delegates also heard from Danilo De Leon of Migrante Canada and Wanda Chell of Churches Witnessing with Migrants, on the experiences of temporary foreign workers in Canada.
Participants visited the Indigenous Peoples’ Experience at Fort Edmonton Park, deepening conversations on Truth and Reconciliation and the ongoing work of building right relationships with Indigenous communities.
On Saturday morning participants celebrated Mass with Edmonton Archbishop Stephen Hero and on Sunday morning, Mass was celebrated by Bishop Hansen, along with members of the Providence Renewal Centre community.
The gathering concluded with the WCSJ Annual General Meeting and a renewed commitment to advancing justice, reconciliation, and care for creation throughout Western Canada.
The 2027 WCSJ event will be held in the Archdiocese of Vancouver, BC.
