Critical Jobs, Services at Risk with Canada Summer Jobs Grants Changes

In the wake of new rules for employers applying for the Canada Summer Jobs grant, the Archdiocese of Toronto and Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has joined a diverse group of faith leaders from across the country to express their concerns about how these restrictions affect faith-based charitable organizations.

Thousands of churches and organizations across Canada are considered religious charities that operate legally under provincial human rights codes. In carrying out their work, they benefit their local and greater society 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. These services are offered out of a religious context, with a religious motivation to serve, but serve people regardless of their own faith.

To be eligible for funding, employers must now affirm an attestation that both the job and the organization's core mandate respect certain "values" as determined by the federal government, including "the right to access safe and legal abortions". Those who do not sign their approval of this condition are not eligible for summer jobs funding - thousands of jobs and thousands more people will be affected as a result.

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