In late 2023, CBC Radio cancelled its long-running program Tapestry after host Mary Hynes announced her retirement. The weekly radio show focused on spirituality and religion—one of Canada’s last remaining religious programs in English-language secular media.

Archbishop Linda Nicholls, primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, says she intends to write Ottawa on medical assistance in dying (MAID)—one of a slate of MAID-related actions Council of General Synod (CoGS) approved at a special online session March 9.

Many people suffered like Mary during the especially isolating early period of the pandemic. And, according to some mental-health professionals, many could also benefit from the community, support, and sometimes even counselling resources churches can provide. With the public system struggling to affordably meet the nation’s needs for mental health care services, they say, faith organizations may be able to help ease the burden.

Sharp drop during pandemic: stats officer The COVID-19 pandemic saw a significant decline in church attendance, marking a “radical discontinuity” even with previous downward trends,