The BC Humanist Association is asking a House of Commons committee to bolster a restriction on the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program that precludes organizations from using funds to undermine human rights.
In its submission to the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities, the BCHA points to a requirement that was added to the program in 2017 that prevented organizations from qualifying for funding if their "core mandate" was to undermine Canadian's individual human rights, including the right to abortion. That requirement withstood a constitutional challenge at the Federal Court.
Nevertheless, the Government loosened its requirements in 2018 such that recipients simply could not use the funding to undermine human rights.
Ian Bushfield, Executive Director
Every CSJ job position that is funded at an organization that perpetuates discrimination against the 2SLGBTQ+ community, against racial minorities or against women, is a position that is denied to an organization that is inclusive of all Canadians. MPs on this committee have the chance to tell the government that public funds should not be used to discriminate.
The BCHA received CSJ funding in 2019, 2020 and 2022.
Briefs are due by 11:59 pm EDT on Wednesday, October 25, 2023.