Politically Motivated Cuts are Unacceptable, say Greens

OTTAWA -- The Green Party of Canada is calling for an immediate reversal of a funding cut to KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives, a cut which was unexpected and appears to be politically motivated.  “KAIROS has been doing extremely important work in Canada and overseas with funding from CIDA for decades.  One has to wonder if this abrupt decision on the part of the Conservative government has to do with KAIROS taking a position against the Alberta Tar Sands,” said Stephen LaFrenie, Green Party International Co-Operation Critic.

As a faith-based non-profit, KAIROS provides humanitarian assistance to marginalized people in many countries struggling with poverty and raises awareness about human rights.  The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) had informally promised funding of $7 million, but suddenly announced that no funding would be forthcoming. 

“There is a lot of international pressure on Canada to stop blocking progress regarding reducing greenhouse gases and KAIROS has taken a strong stand against climate change and has criticized Canadian mining practices, including the Alberta tar sands.  So what we are seeing is a strong message to non-profits that they had better not speak out against government policies if they want any financial support.  This muzzling of our non-profit groups is almost anti-Canadian,” said LaFrenie. “The government can attempt to downplay these cuts under the guise of reducing the deficit, but it is simply an excuse for foisting a strong anti-social justice ideology on the Canadian public.” 

The Green Party calls on International Co-operation Minister Bev Oda to immediately restore the funding to KAIROS.

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