Pro-choice group calls for rewording of job grant form

OTTAWA • A pro-choice group that has been urging the government to cut off Canada Summer Jobs funding from pro-life groups now says the wording of the attestation on this year’s form should be changed to address the concerns of churches and religious organizations.

The Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada played a large role in kicking off the controversy, as it put out reports last year on the anti-abortion groups that had been getting federal grants through the program. In response, Employment Minister Patty Hajdu’s office said in April 2017 that groups opposing abortions in Liberal-held ridings would not receive any summer jobs grants.

This year, the Liberal government created a mandatory attestation on the application form that states the organization’s “core mandate” must respect individual human rights, including reproductive rights.

The attestation has already prompted a court challenge from a Toronto anti-abortion group, but also protests from churches and religious groups.

Joyce Arthur, the abortion rights coalition’s executive director, now says the government should amend the statement so religious groups are able to sign it.

“We support the attestation requirement, but unfortunately it has resulted in a lot of confusion and backlash, so we thought as a way of trying to clarify the situation, it might be better if they could clarify the wording,” Arthur said Thursday.

In an email to the offices of both Employment Minister Patty Hajdu and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Jan. 12, the coalition thanked the government profusely for adding the attestation, but says there has been “a great deal of confusion” from faith-based organizations.

“May we please recommend that you clarify the wording on your CSJ website to correct the confusions around the requirements, and also to help mitigate the effects of any lawsuits?” the email says.

Applications opened on Dec. 19, and close on Feb. 2. MPs’ offices have been hosting information sessions to help guide applicants through the process.