Faith Based Groups Defend Religious School Funding Plan
Posted August 28, 2007 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
To some it’s a stroke of brilliance, a long overdue platform they heartily endorse. To others, it’s a political minefield, one that could easily blow up in the face of Conservative leader John Tory as the election gets closer. To both it’s definitely one thing – a major dividing line in the campaign. The issue: the Tory promise to officially fund all faith based schools in Ontario if he becomes premier in two months.
Some pundits believe the PC chief may have skewered his chances early on with an idea that’s sure to give his Liberal opponents plenty of ammunition. But there are also signs that the Tory leader may have struck a nerve with other voters – namely, those who have a vested interest in getting that public money. Under the plan, it would no longer be just Catholic schools that are allowed to establish their own boards and obtain taxpayer dollars to subsidize religious instruction, provided they also follow the curriculum set out by the province.
Both the Liberals and the NDP argue it will hurt public education, because there will be less money for the already established system. But those in favour came out strongly in support of the idea Tuesday and are warning those against that – despite preached religious tolerance – they plan to make a political fight out of it.
“We want to teach our children our values, our principles, and we believe that we can do this through the religious schools,” avers Pandit Roopnauth Sharma of the Federation of Hindu Temples. He insists his goal isn’t a slap at Catholic education. He just wants to share the wealth equally and fairly.
“We want to build a system similar to the one that the Catholic schools have and enjoy the privileges, because there we have seen an institution that has proven time and time again our values. We want to teach our children our values, our principles and we believe we can do this through the religious schools.”
“The overriding reality is that Ontario’s education system is not inclusive when it comes to faith based schools,” reminds Shaheen Mirakian of the ARS Armenian Day School. Muslim and Jewish groups were also among those adding their support. But while it’s no surprise that those who stand to benefit the most would support the idea how is it all playing with the audience that really matters: the voters?
“I think its a great idea,” confesses Marcelle de Nu, bedfore adding, “but I just think there’s too many religious denominations out there. And I just don’t think it’s gonna work.”
For Vils de Santo, it’s all about fairness. “I think there should be other religious schools in the province. Everybody’s got a fair right to their faith,” he concurs.
So will it backfire or will those who like the idea keep the faith with the Tories come election day? The answer to their prayers will be revealed on October 10th.
