Faith-based groups welcome to apply

Re: “Religious freedom at risk, say faith groups” (NP Montreal, Jan. 17) Some recent articles have implied that faith-based organizations are ineligible for funding through the Canada Summer Jobs program.

Let me set the record straight: Churches, religious and faith-based organizations are eligible, welcome and encouraged to apply. Faith-based groups add tremendous value to our communities, much of which is focused on compassion and helping those most in need in our society.

Applicants are not asked to provide their views, beliefs or values as these are not taken into consideration during application for the program.

The application process includes an attestation that 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.

We are committed to ensuring summer jobs for young Canadians funded by the federal government respect everyone’s rights, as well as existing laws, including human rights law and labour law, to which public, private and not-for-profit organizations are already subject.

The application period for employers to hire a student is open until Feb. 2. I encourage all eligible employers to apply to help young Canadians gain the experience they need to succeed. Marc Garneau, MP, Notre-Dame-de-Grâce —Westmount