How has the state traditionally worked with faith communities in Canada?
- As partners in social welfare, schools, health care and refugee resettlement
- By having them collect taxes
- By letting them choose Members of Parliament
- By letting them run the courts
Answer: As partners in social welfare, schools, health care and refugee resettlement
In Canada the state has traditionally partnered with faith communities to promote social welfare, harmony and mutual respect, to provide schools and health care, and to resettle refugees. This partnership also upholds religious freedom, religious expression and freedom of conscience.
Learn more: Religion, faith communities and equality
- The great majority of Canadians identify as Christians.
- The largest religious affiliation is Catholic, followed by various Protestant churches.
- The numbers of Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Sikhs, other religions and people with “no religion” are growing.
- The state has traditionally partnered with faith communities to promote social welfare, harmony and mutual respect.
- This partnership helps provide schools and health care and resettle refugees.
- It also upholds religious freedom, religious expression and freedom of conscience.
- Gay and lesbian Canadians enjoy full protection and equal treatment under the law, including access to civil marriage.
- Together these diverse groups share a common Canadian identity and form today’s multicultural society.