I think the Canadian government has committed $300 million to providing medicines to developing parts of the world, mainly for HIV/AIDS sufferers in Africa. I believe that it's important for the bulk of government funding to pass through non-religious channels. Some funding should be..and is...made available to orgainizatons of various religious affiliations such as World Vision, Primates World Relief Fund etc. Support of religious organizations should rest more with the supporters of said religions/organizations. Seperation of church and state is a very cherished Canadian ideal. I, for one, would have a seroius problem with our government using our tax dollars to lucratively support ANY religious organization, be it christian, jewish, muslem or whatever. If you support one organization to the tune of $100 million you immediately set a precident where other religious international charities have the right to expect equal treatment. We have a responsibility to the international community based on humanitarian grounds, not religious ones. But, think of it this way; everytime we make a donation to the charity of our choice, the government does contribute by refunding tax dollars on our donation making it more affordable for us to be more generous. Just as the state has no place in the bedrooms of the nation, the church has no place in the voting booth. Just my opinion, although I support and share your concern for social justice.
Margaret | 
