Canada Summer Jobs Conroversy

There is quite the storm brewing around the Canada Summer Jobs Program this year! At Holy Family we have benefitted from this Summer Jobs Program with our Holydays Summer Day Camp.

Here is the Back Ground - and Some suggested letters to write to David Tilson and The Prime Minister.

Employment and Social Development Canada now requires the following attestation by all organizations applying for federal funding from the Canada Summer Jobs program: "both the job and the organization's core mandate respect individual human rights in Canada, including the values underlying the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms as well as other rights. These include reproductive rights and the right to be free from discrimination on the basis of sex, religion, race, national or ethnic origin, colour, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation or gender identity or expression." The government's website further specifies this includes "the right to access safe and legal abortions".

While the Prime Minister, the Minister of Employment and Social Development, and the Department's website have recently attempted to explain how this attestation is not intended to exclude faith groups from possible funding, a number of faith-based organizations remain deeply concerned and cannot accept what the government is asking them to do. Questions too have been raised by news media about how the attestation infringes on the Charter rights to religious freedom as well as to freedom of expression.

Thousands of churches and organizations across Canada are religious charities which operate legally under provincial human rights codes. In carrying out their work, they benefit the communities in which they are located and our nation as a whole. Such charities foster vibrant social networks, spark volunteerism, and foster community resiliency, providing a religious rationale for activities like poverty alleviation and caring for those who are vulnerable. Although these positive ends are experienced by many in the community regardless of faith, they are offered out of a religious context, with a religious motivation to serve.


To help educate the Catholic community and to express concerns respectfully to our Members of Parliament, the following resources have been created to assist those wishing to express their deep concern. The Archdiocese of Toronto has been working closely with many different faith communities who share commons concerns regarding the Canada Summer Jobs Program. Special thanks to the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada for their partnership in preparing these resources.

Some Sample Letters:

Sample Letter #1 - For concerned citizens
Dear David Tilson, MP Dufferin-Caledon,

As a constituent, I am writing to share my deep concern regarding changes that have been made to the Canada Summer Jobs Program for 2018. Applicants are now required to affirm an attestation to be considered for government funding. 

I recognize that in Canada, citizens enjoy the privilege of expressing a variety of views and opinions on any number of topics. This is an important aspect of our democratic society. However, the attestation for the Canada Summer Jobs program requires that applicants must endorse a particular set of values that are not enshrined in our Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This is problematic for many faith-based organizations and other groups not comfortable with this approach. I would ask that you respect the fundamental freedoms of conscience and religion, thought, belief, opinion and expression as outlined in the Charter.

This barrier to funding will directly impact programs that strengthen our community. In many cases, they will prevent organizations from serving the most vulnerable across the country. (if you have an example you can list it here) I would urge you and your colleagues to reconsider this process and to include faith-based organizations in any such dialogue moving forward. The impact of Canadians serving our community, motivated by their beliefs and religious traditions cannot be underestimated. 

Sincerely,

[Your Name
Title/Organization]

cc. Honourable Minister Patty Hadju
Employment, Workforce Development and Labour
patty.hajdu@parl.gc.ca

Sample Letter #2 - For concerned citizens
Dear David Tilson, MP Dufferin-Caledon, 

I am a constituent in your riding. I appreciate the time you devote to serving our community.

I am very troubled by the change to the Canada Summer Jobs grant program. In order to be eligible for funding, employers will now have to attest that their organization’s core mandate affirms certain beliefs. As well, under the terms of the grant, it seems that churches or faith-based organizations may not be able to hire only students who share their faith.

Although the guidelines say that religious organizations can still apply, these organizations will not be eligible to receive the grant if they cannot agree with the statement in the application. This policy change will have a negative impact on many faith-based organizations and their ability to provide needed and helpful services in our community.  

Freedom of religion, belief, thought, opinion and expression are fundamental guarantees in the Charter. This new policy seems to violate these freedoms.

Please be an advocate for our community and for our fundamental freedoms. Please let me know what efforts you are making to change this policy. 

Sincerely, 

[Your Name
Address]

We need to keep applying Pressure. The deadline for applications is the end of next week.