Equity in Education Tax Credit For Faith-Based Schools Matter of Human Rights

Toronto, October 30, 2003

For Immediate Release

Toronto, October 30, 2003 — B’nai Brith Canada reacted with concern to Premier Dalton McGuinty’s renewed promise to quickly eliminate the tax credit available to parents sending their children to Ontario faith-based schools.

“Premier McGuinty must understand that the Equity in Education Tax Credit (EETC) is not a tax giveaway or handout to the rich. In his apparent rush to end this program, he will be re-imposing a crushing financial burden on families from various religious communities who send their children to faith-based schools as a matter of necessity rather than choice. Many of these families have come to depend heavily on the credit. This promise, if implemented, will clearly have an unjust effect”, concluded Rochelle Wilner, National President of B’nai Brith Canada.

“The EETC is an important way to address a key human rights issue in Ontario. We hope that, not withstanding public declarations during the election campaign, the Liberal Government will be sensitive to the human rights dimension presented in this case. The province of Ontario should no longer discriminate against so many of its students and their families. Members of Ontario’s faith-based communities would certainly welcome the opportunity to meet and discuss the issue of fairness. I am confident that the Premier will be sensitive to the educational needs of students of all religions across this province”, stated Frank Dimant, Executive Vice-President.

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For more information call Joseph Ben Ami, Director of Communications at (613) 294-7313

B’nai Brith has been active in Canada since 1875 as the Jewish community’s foremost human rights agency.