The EFC calls attention to significant problems with the Canada Summer Jobs program in a six-page submission to the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of People with Disabilities.
The submission concludes:
Canada Summer Jobs is a vital program that benefits many Canadians – the youth who are employed, the organizations that hire them and the communities they serve. Many faith-based organizations participate in the CSJ program and describe it as a welcome program that helps them serve their communities.
At the same time, it is clear that there are significant problems with the program that must be addressed.
We ask that the committee recommend the CSJ program follow the principles of transparency, procedural fairness and consistency. We ask that the committee recommend a careful consideration of the program’s compliance with Charter protections of conscience, religion, thought, belief, opinion and expression. We ask that applicants be considered on the basis of their activities and actions, and not be screened or excluded on the basis of beliefs.
Download the submission: English / français (PDF).