- by Anne Finlay-Stewart

In response to MP Larry Miller's letter of January 9, readers wanted to know who was having difficulty completing the application for summer job funding, and why. We asked, and Mr. Miller's office promptly responded.

"In respect of the confidentiality of organizations that contact our office I am not able to provide specific examples ornames of the organizations. That being said, I can say that, generally, concerns have been raised by faith-based organizations throughout Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound.

The text that they have concerns with is attached with this e-mail. This is a screenshot of the very last step in the application process for Canada Summer Jobs. Under "Attestation" you will see that the Government is requiring the applicant to attest to a number of points. This is the wording that these organizations have concerns with and are stating that preclude them from applying as they are unable to agree with some sections of the attestation."

Text:

"Canada Summer Jobs provides wage subsidies to employers to create employment for secondary and post secondary students. Again this year, Canada Summer Jobs welcomes applications from small businesses. not-for-profit employers, public sector, and faith-based organizations that provide quality summer jobs for students.

Attestation: (excerpt)

Both the job* and my organization's core mandate* respect individual human rights in Canada including the values underlying the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms as well as other rights.These include reproductive rights and a right to be free from discrimination on the basis of sex, religion, race, national or ethnic origin, colour, mental or physical disability or sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression;"