I am condemning changes to the federal summer job program.
The Liberal party is changing the rules around which employers can qualify for funding to hire students through the Canada Summer Jobs program to try and ensure that groups who hold different opinions about moral and ethical issues will not be able to get funding.
This policy isn’t about the activities or services an organization is engaged in, the policy is about targeting the personal beliefs of the individuals who run those organizations.
The right to freedom of belief and opinion is guaranteed by Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Canadians should be very concerned that the Government of Canada is basing funding decisions on whether or not you hold a certain belief.
It is the people of faith in my Riding who volunteer at soup kitchens and homeless shelters.
It is people of faith who volunteer countless hours at foodbanks in their communities that will be affected.
I am concerned that individuals who hold private convictions may, for example, no longer be able to help care for the disabled, refugees, or provide day camp for children in need.
The changes announced by the Liberal government will mean fewer jobs for summer students.
Conservatives are concerned for the students who won’t find work as a result of this decision.
Employers who hire youth from underrepresented groups, including new immigrant youth/refugees, Indigenous youth, youth with disabilities, and visible minorities, tend to come from faith communities.
“Trudeau is using the Canada Summer Jobs Program to compel and coerce Canadians to renounce their deeply held religious or moral beliefs, in exchange for federal funding,” said Jack Fonseca, spokesperson for Campaign Life Coalition, in a statement posted online.
I encourage any prospective employer to fill out the form below if they are concerned about the “attestation” they will be required to sign in order to qualify for funding to provide summer employment for students.
It is unfair that students are being used to promote divisive government policy.