2011 Election Campaign Promise: Ontario Catholic Schools

Religion And Politics Dept: Fulfilling his 2011 election campaign promise, the prime minister has named an ambassador to monitor religious persecution worldwide, according to The Star. But religion and politics are not as separate as we imagine. Our constitution recognizes God. The state funds or subsidizes religion paying for Ontario Catholic schools, and giving property tax breaks and tax deductions for donations to religious institutions. The law also allows religious groups leeway in hiring practices and let s see what s right with Stephen Harper s new Office of Religious Freedom before enumerating what s wrong with it. Critics are accusing him of mixing religion and politics; giving religious freedom more importance than other human rights; turning a blind eye to the fact that most religions discriminate against women and gays; ignoring atheists; allocating only $5 million a year and a staff of five to implement his grand vision; and catering to his evangelical Christian base in his caucus and the electorate. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.