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FAITH BASED GROUPS DEFEND RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FUNDING PLAN
CityNews, Canada
Aug 28 2007
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.
CityNews, Canada
Aug 28 2007
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.