As a Canadian, I am profoundly concerned about the government’s position regarding funding for the Canada Summer Jobs program.  Only non-profit groups that hold the same views as the government on matters of abortion and sexual moral norms are now eligible to apply. Beliefs on these issues are non-negotiables for many religious organizations, as they are for the government. This polarized framework between the government and the governed is not what our democracy stands for. Government is required, at law, to be neutral in matters of conscience. However, it now appears, that the government wants to direct our consciences against our will. This is simply wrong.  The government’s new policy is unbecoming of what you would expect from a mature liberal democracy like Canada for the following reasons: 

1. The State’s Duty of Religious Neutrality. Government is supposed to be neutral on matters of religion. Justice Gascon of the Supreme Court of Canada dealt with the concept of state neutrality in a recent case. The state, he said, could not be favouring one religion over another. The Summer Jobs program violates this neutrality comment as it favours one ideological position at the expense of another.  
2. Refusal of Government Benefits based on Differing of Opinions. Matters such as abortion, marriage and sexual norms are all issues that involve religious opinion. A religious group’s holding an opinion different than government’s should never be reason enough for government refusal of government benefits. 
3. Discrimination against Religious Individuals. If government is permitted to discriminate against religious groups because of their religious views then such logic will lead it to discriminate against religious individuals. 
4. Discrimination against Any Differing Opinion. If there can be discrimination against religious opinions then the logic will lead to discrimination of any opinion that is at odds with government opinion. 
5. A Systemic Position that Does not Allow Difference. This recent announcement suggests that there is a deep ideological framework within government that has turned its mind against Christian charities and we forsee more challenges in the future. This is not a simple “one-off” but rather a systemic position that does not allow difference. It is most troubling and one which we must be vigilant in addressing. 

Because it is 2018, one would have thought that modern governments would respect freedom of thought and opinion – and would not allow government largess to be denied solely because those who hold valid and legal opinions differ with government. That appears not to be the case. The Charter is meant to protect citizens from government intrusion. It is not to be used by the government to coerce belief, action or compliance of its citizens. I urge you to protect freedom of conscience and religion and stand firm in preventing discrimination against Canadians.  

Thank you,