Clement laments faith camp job losses

PARRY SOUND – MUSKOKA – MP Tony Clement says he is “disappointed” the Liberal government voted against a Conservative Party motion today asking that Canada Summer Jobs funding be accessible to all groups regardless of their private convictions and regardless of whether or not they choose to sign the Liberals’ application attestation.

Tony Clement says he is aware of at least 10 faith-based camps in his riding that didn’t apply for summer job funding due to government rules.

He said he’s aware of at least 10 faith-based groups in Parry Sound-Muskoka that received summer jobs funding in the past did not apply this year.

There are several other faith-based camps that did fill out the attestation this year, and have received funding in the past, but surprisingly received nothing this year, he said in a release from his Ottawa Parliament office Tuesday.

“No faith-based group receiving funding, even after holding its nose and signing the attestation, is like Lucy pulling the football away from Charlie Brown, except this is no joke,” said Clement. “It is adding insult to injury and clearly shows the Liberals have no regard for groups who do not share Justin Trudeau`s set of values.”

Clement added that the right to freedom of belief and opinion is guaranteed by Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms and Canadians should be very concerned that the Government of Canada is basing funding decisions on whether or not you hold a certain belief.

“Justin Trudeau’s values test has no place in a tolerant, multicultural society such as Canada. The Prime Minister talks a lot about respecting diversity, but his actions tell a very different story,” said Clement. “I am concerned for the students who won’t find work as a result of this decision. Individuals who hold private convictions may, for example, no longer be able to help care for persons with disabilities, refugees or provide day camp for children in need.”

The House voted on the following Conservative Opposition Day Motion on March 19:
That, in the opinion of the House, organizations that engage in non-political non-activist work, such as feeding the homeless, helping refugees, and giving kids an opportunity to go to camp, should be able to access Canada Summer Jobs funding regardless of their private convictions and regardless of whether or not they choose to sign the application attestation.