Saskatoon bishop urges Catholic groups to express concerns about summer jobs reproductive rights clause

A Saskatoon bishop is asking Catholic organizations to write letters of opposition to a clause in a federal funding application that requires groups to say they support reproductive rights.

The form for the Canadian Summer Jobs program, through which groups can apply for funding to hire students on short-term contracts, includes a new requirement that applicants check a box affirming they respect individual and reproductive rights.

The program will not consider applications unless the box is filled out.

The move has been controversial with anti-abortion groups and some religious organizations across Canada.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon voiced its concerns in a news release this week.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen said assenting to support of abortion goes against "conscience and religious belief."

In a letter to parish leaders and Catholic organizations, the bishop encouraged concerned Catholics to express their opposition to elected officials.

Still apply, says bishop

He encouraged groups to still apply for the funding, but to leave the clause section blank and attach a letter of explanation.

"We are called to uphold the dignity and the life of each human person, made in the image and likeness of God, including the lives of unborn children," said Hagemoen in a news release.

"We disagree with the government's interpretation of the Charter and the coercion it is using on those applying for funding."

Labour Minister Patty Hajdu has previously said that prior to the change, the government heard some groups were using the funds from federal grants to "create graphic pamphlets that featured aborted fetuses as a way to shame women about reproductive rights."

Other summer jobs grants were going to camps that "refused to hire members of the LGBTQ community," she said.