In Canada, the debate over public funding for religious schools is not just contentious—it’s a battle for the soul of our education system. Public money should never be allocated to religious institutions. Here’s why.

Public funding for religious schools obliterates the essential boundary between church and state, leading to government endorsement of specific religious beliefs. This undermines the secular nature of our public institutions and violates the rights of individuals who do not share those beliefs. Public money should never be used to promote religious agendas. The government has no business funding religious indoctrination.

Public schools are designed to be inclusive, welcoming students from all backgrounds regardless of their religious beliefs. Religious schools, by their nature, cater to specific faith groups, leading to segregation and division within communities. Allocating public funds to these schools exacerbates social divisions and undermines efforts to promote equality and inclusivity in education. We must ensure that our education system unites rather than divides us. Public money should build bridges, not walls.

Public funds are limited and should be used to benefit the entire population. Funding religious schools diverts crucial resources away from public schools, which serve the majority of students. This leads to underfunding of public schools, directly affecting the quality of education and resources available. Every dollar spent on religious schools is a dollar stolen from public education. Our children deserve better than to have their futures compromised by funding religious exclusivity.

Public schools are held to rigorous standards and accountability measures to ensure they provide a high-quality education. Religious schools, however, may not be held to the same standards, particularly in areas such as science education and inclusivity. We cannot compromise on educational standards for the sake of religious doctrine. The future of our children depends on maintaining high educational standards, free from religious interference.

Canada is a multicultural and multi-faith society. Public funding for religious schools can be seen as favoring certain religious groups over others, leading to feelings of exclusion and resentment. A truly inclusive education system should respect and accommodate the diversity of beliefs without endorsing any particular faith. Public money should support a diverse and inclusive education system, not one that privileges certain beliefs. We must champion diversity, not division.

Religious schools have a dark and traumatic history in Canada, particularly in their role in the residential school system. These schools were used as tools of assimilation, aiming to eradicate Indigenous cultures and languages. The legacy of these institutions is still felt today, and public funding for religious schools can be seen as a continuation of this harmful practice. We must learn from our past and ensure that public funds do not perpetuate historical injustices. Public money should heal, not harm.

Religious schools adhere to doctrines that can be homophobic and transphobic, creating environments that are not safe or supportive for LGBTQ+ students. Public funding should not support institutions that discriminate against students based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Public money should never fund discrimination. Every student deserves a safe and supportive learning environment.

Religious schools can be used for political purposes, with students being mobilized to participate in activities such as anti-choice protests. This politicization of education is problematic, as it may not reflect the diverse views of all students and their families. Education should empower students, not use them as political pawns. Public money should educate, not indoctrinate.

In Canada, a significant number of religious private schools are Catholic. Providing public funding to these schools effectively gives Catholicism a government subsidy, which can be seen as an endorsement of one particular religion over others. This is contrary to the principles of a secular state and can lead to perceptions of inequality and favoritism. Public funds should not be used to subsidize any religion. We must uphold the principle of secularism, not undermine it.

Using public money for religious schools discriminates against people who don’t follow a religion. It forces non-religious taxpayers to support institutions that promote beliefs they do not share. In contrast, giving tax money paid by religious people to secular schools does not discriminate against religious people because secular schools do not promote any religion. Secular schools provide a neutral ground where all students, regardless of their beliefs, can receive an education free from religious bias.

While religious schools may offer valuable educational experiences for some students, public funding for these institutions raises significant concerns about the separation of church and state, equality, use of public funds, accountability, respect for diversity, historical injustices, LGBTQ+ rights, political purposes, and the subsidization of specific religions. To ensure a fair and inclusive education system, it is crucial that public money is reserved for public schools that serve all students, regardless of their religious beliefs.

By maintaining a clear distinction between public and religious education, Canada can uphold its commitment to secularism, inclusivity, and equality for all its citizens. Public funds should be used to build a stronger, more inclusive education system for everyone, not to support religious agendas. The future of our children and the integrity of our education system depend on it. We must stand firm in our commitment to a secular, inclusive, and equitable education system for all.