Justine Hendricks, President and CEO
Farm Credit Canada
1800 Hamilton Street
Regina, SK S4P 4L3
Dear Ms. Hendricks,
As a national association of evangelical Christians in Canada, we see the contribution of churches and religious groups in Canada, evident in both rural and urban communities across the country. We recognize the significant role they play in offering spiritual care and support, fostering a sense of meaning and purpose, promoting social connection, spurring volunteerism and service, and meeting physical needs with tangible support.
The FCC AgriSpirit Fund is directed toward capital projects that enrich the lives of residents in rural communities, enhancing the quality of life.
Some Ottawa Valley churches affiliated with our organization have brought to our attention the AgriSpirit Fund’s description of religious groups as ineligible for funding. We respectfully ask for your clarification.
We understand that the FCC AgriSpirit Fund intends to benefit either the public as a whole, a significant section of it, or a smaller section with specific unmet needs.
Could you clarify whether a project that otherwise meets the criteria, benefitting and enriching the broader community, would be considered ineligible for funding solely on the basis of religious beliefs and association?
We would appreciate the opportunity to dialogue with you about this fund and its policies with respect to faith-based organizations across rural Canada.
Sincerely,
Julia Beazley
Director, public policy