Slideshow image

I am sure many people have been following the Canada Summer Jobs saga with interest. This program has been running for a few years now and it has really helped churches and other non-profits with their summer activities.

However, the federal government has decided to include a new “attestation” to the application for summer 2018. It requires applicants to affirm certain values, which many cannot do in good conscience. In particular, it would mean affirming the government’s view on a list of issues, including the government’s position on abortion, sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.

Even after complaints had been registered with the federal government they did not see their way open to changing this requirement. Organizations unable or unwilling to make this attestation in whole or in part were deemed ineligible for the grant.

The heavy-handedness of the federal government has been widely criticised, by faith-based organizations and secular commentators alike. Everyone is concerned about a government that proscribes not only actions, but also values, some of which has been clearly and openly held for many years in democracies all around the world.

I am sure we have not heard the last word on this issue. Two organizations that are pushing back on this are the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada and the Canadian Council of Christian Charities. You can access their opinions HERE and HERE. (You may have to scroll down the screen on the last link.)