In its response to the province's Budget 2022 consultation, the BCHA is calling on the Government of BC to end the funding of private schools and property tax exemptions for places of worship
The Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services is currently hosting its annual public consultation in advance of the provincial budget.
In the introduction to its submission, the BCHA writes:
As supporters of the $10aDay Campaign, we are encouraged by the government’s investments in childcare and we wish to emphasize the importance of ensuring these spaces are public or not-for-profit, and inclusive of all children. Public funds should not go to faith-based childcare facilities.
We further urge the Government to apply that same standard to all its partnerships. When social housing or addictions recovery beds are delivered by faith groups, individuals in precarious situations are put at the mercy of the provider. People should not be subject to proselytization, including through the 12 Steps Program, to have a roof over the head or to receive treatment.
Building on this, the submission goes into depth on two key recommendations: The phase out of public funding of private schools and an end to the statutory property tax exemptions for places of worship.
Read the BCHA's Budget 2022 submission
Members of the public can provide their comments to the committee through the committee's online consultation portal prior to Thursday, September 30, 2021 at 5:00 PM PDT.