Dear Editor,
Our federal government is refusing to provide funding for youth workers at summer camps and businesses, as they have in the past, unless these employers agree that they stand for the government’s policies on certain issues even when this goes against the employer’s beliefs or conscience. This might not seem to affect you. But, do you ever wonder what will be next? Which will be the next sector of the population to be denied funding because they don’t agree with the views of the government? Doctors are being forced to do things against their conscience. Who will be next? Any business or volunteer service or person can be treated the same way, being denied money, services, or tax breaks if they don’t practice and preach what the government dictates. We know that there have been times and places in history where people were imprisoned under these circumstances, not just refused their fair share of the tax pot to which they contributed. Are we prepared to take the chance of following in those footsteps? If not, we had better speak out against this bill, because once a bill gets in, it is that much easier for the terms to be broadened. Our country claims to honour differences of opinion and freedom to live any life-style you choose. Let’s hold them to their word.
There is not much time to speak out. There is a House of Commons e-Petition which you can sign on-line (available at http://petitions.ourcommons.ca), and make your voice heard.
Let’s put a stop to this bullying.
Dorothy Bysterveld
Barrhead
