Freedom of Religion

Regardless of what you believe or practice, and whether you subscribe to a particular set of religious beliefs or don’t, protecting freedom of religion is an important part of ensuring that all people are treated with equal dignity and respect.

Freedom of religion helps to ensure that religious minorities are not the subject of discrimination. It also protects the rights of those whose beliefs may lie with the majority.

Freedom of religion is crucial to maintaining a private sphere for individuals and communities where the government does not—and cannot—intrude.  The state should be neutral and impartial when it comes to matters of deeply-held personal beliefs

The freedom to believe and practice as we choose is closely related to core values of liberty and autonomy. Religious freedom in Canada means that there are no state-sponsored religions and that the government cannot prefer some religious beliefs or groups over others.

Similarly, religious belief cannot be preferred to non-belief.  We strive to ensure that any restrictions on freedom of religion are necessary and minimally intrusive and that our public institutions treat all individuals equally, regardless of religious affiliation.