Mr. Speaker, I have one petition to table today. This petition relates to recommendations 429 and 430 in the finance committee's pre-budget consultation report, which aim to remove the advancement of religion as a recognized charitable purpose and revoke charitable status from organizations with pro-life convictions. This would have the effect of stripping charitable status from vital faith-based organizations, such as food banks, seniors care facilities and those offering newcomer support, mental health outreach, youth programs, employment programs, etc. These communities promote hope, belonging, social cohesion and compassion, benefiting both their members and the broader public.
Further, the petitioners note the importance of freedom of religion in the charter and that singling out or excluding faith-based charities from the charitable sector based on religious beliefs undermines the diversity and pluralism foundational to our country. They call on the government to reject recommendations 429 and 430, refrain from including these recommendations in the federal budget or related legislation and affirm the charitable status of faith-based organizations, whose work flows from sincerely held beliefs and whose contributions serve the common good of Canada.