Cardus (legally the Cardus Institute) is a Canadian non-partisan think tank based in Hamilton, Ontario. Founded in 1974 as the Work Research Foundation, Cardus describes its mission as *“imagination toward a thriving society”*, drawing on Christian social thought to explore how institutions such as families, schools, faith communities, businesses, and government can work together for the common good.[3][4]
Cardus Institute | |
| Formation | 1974 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Harry Antonides |
| Type | Think tank |
| Legal status | Non-profit |
| Purpose | Research and dialogue on institutions and the common good |
| Headquarters | Hamilton, Ontario, Canada |
Region served | Canada |
| Fields | Public policy, education, labour, family, religion, culture |
Key people | Michael Van Pelt (President and CEO)[1] Ray Pennings (Executive Vice-President)[2] |
| Website | cardus |
Formerly called | Work Research Foundation |
Its research covers areas such as education, work and economics, family policy, health, and the social impact of religion. Cardus publishes reports, policy briefs, and periodicals, and hosts public lectures and events.[5]
History
editCardus originated in 1974 as the Work Research Foundation (WRF), founded by labour activist and journalist Harry Antonides to study the role of work and labour in a free society through the lens of Christian social teaching.[6] In 2000, Michael Van Pelt and Ray Pennings assumed leadership, reorienting the foundation into a modern think tank with a broader policy scope.[7] The organization adopted the name *Cardus* in 2008, inspired by the ancient Roman *cardo* (“hinge”), symbolizing the intersection of faith and public life.[8] In 2010, Cardus merged with the Centre for Cultural Renewal, a faith-and-culture policy institute, expanding its work on law, religion, and civil society.[9]
Mission and areas of work
editCardus’ stated mission is to study and strengthen the “social architecture” of Canada—institutions that contribute to human flourishing and civic life.[10]
Its main research programs include:
- **Education** – analyzing outcomes and funding for public, private, and faith-based schools.[11]
- **Work and Economics** – exploring labour markets, work dignity, and economic participation.[12]
- **Family** – studying family policy, marriage trends, and child well-being.[13]
- **Faith Communities** – documenting the social and economic contributions of congregations across Canada.[14]
- **Law and Religious Freedom** – through its “Cardus Law” initiative, analyzing constitutional and human rights issues related to faith in public life.[15]
Publications and media
editCardus produces a range of publications:
- Comment – a quarterly journal on faith, culture, and public life (published by Cardus since 1983).[16]
- Convivium (2011–2021) – a digital magazine on faith in Canadian public life.[17]
- LexView – commentary on legal decisions affecting religion and civil society.[18]
- Cardus Policy in Public – a podcast and commentary series on policy issues.
Public engagement
editCardus regularly partners with institutions such as the Angus Reid Institute for national surveys on religion, community, and public trust.[19] The think tank also hosts annual public lectures and events on civic virtue, work, and pluralism, including the “Cardus Religious Freedom Institute Lecture” and the “Hill Family Lecture Series.”
Reception
editCardus has been described by The Hub as “one of Canada’s most distinctive policy think tanks, bringing a faith-informed perspective to secular debates.”[20] Its work has been cited by major Canadian media outlets, including the CBC, The Globe and Mail, and National Post in coverage of religion, education, and family policy.[21] Commentators note that Cardus occupies a distinctive space between faith-based and secular policy research.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Michael Van Pelt". Cardus. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
- ^ "Ray Pennings". Cardus. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
- ^ "Our Mission". Cardus. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
- ^ "Our Story". Cardus. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
- ^ "Research and Policy Library". Cardus. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
- ^ "Our Story". Cardus. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
- ^ Macdonald, Laura (12 November 2021). "Cardus celebrates 20 years as unique voice in policy world". The Hub. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
- ^ "Our Story". Cardus. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
- ^ Gyapong, Deborah (13 January 2017). "Cardus Launches Cardus Law to Address Religious Freedom Concerns". Catholic Register. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
- ^ "Our Mission". Cardus. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
- ^ "Cardus Education Survey". Cardus. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
- ^ "Cardus Work & Economics". Cardus. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
- ^ "Family". Cardus. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
- ^ "Faith in Canada 150". Cardus. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
- ^ "Cardus Law". Cardus. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
- ^ "About Comment Magazine". Retrieved 10 November 2025.
- ^ Gerson, Jen (18 October 2011). "Magazine aims to bring religion into public debate". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
- ^ "LexView". Cardus. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
- ^ "Faith in Canada 150: Cardus and Angus Reid Institute Survey". Angus Reid Institute. 2022. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
- ^ Macdonald, Laura (12 November 2021). "Cardus celebrates 20 years and a unique place in policy world". The Hub. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
- ^ French, Janet (19 April 2022). "Albertans more likely to believe in a higher power, pray or attend religious services, survey suggests". CBC. Retrieved 10 November 2025.
