On Tuesday February 19, 2013, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the creation of Canada’s first ever Office of Religious Freedom. I thought it was meaningful that he announced it at the Baitul Islam Ahmadiyya Muslim mosque in Maple, Ontario, a sect of Islam known for its sponsorship of interfaith dialogue. There does seem to be a growing wave of persecution against vulnerable religious minorities around the world, and so I am proud that our country will speak up for them and call for their protection and equal treatment. So far the mandate of the office seems quite general so I am looking forward to seeing the office in action, what kind of stands they will take and what issues they will confront. That being said, its a good first start and I hope Canada will lead the way in speaking out against religious intolerance.
