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2 more articles
http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2013/02/12/father-raymond-j-de-souza-on-the-pope-the-holy-father-takes-his-leave/
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/commentary/we-need-more-not-less-about-religious-freedom/article1357647/
Ambassador's Biography:
Dr. Andrew P.W. Bennett19 February 2013Vaughan, OntarioDr. Bennett is a public servant and academic with an extensive educational background in history, political science, and religious studies. He received a Bachelor of Arts in History (1st Class Honours) from Dalhousie University in 1995, a Master of Arts in History from McGill University in 1997, and a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Edinburgh in 2002. In addition, he is in the process of completing a part-time degree in theology in Eastern Christian Studies at the Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institute of Eastern Christian Studies at Saint Paul University in Ottawa.Dr. Bennett has worked for the Privy Council Office, Export Development Canada and Natural Resources Canada in a wide variety of analytical, research and corporate roles. He has also held roles as Professor and Dean at Augustine College in Ottawa, as a Scholar Expert on the Americas Desk with Oxford Analytica and as a Researcher with the University of Edinburgh’s Institute on Governance where he focused on the process of devolution in Scotland.Dr. Bennett is a leader in his community, actively involved with the Shepherds of Good Hope mission in Ottawa and the Government of Canada’s Recruitment for Policy Leaders program. He is also a religious leader in his capacity as Subdeacon and Cantor with both the Holy Cross Eastern Catholic Chaplaincy and St. John the Baptist Ukrainian-Catholic Shrine, both in Ottawa, and as Vice-President and Chairman of the Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institute Foundation. http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/media.asp?id=5308
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BackGround
Canada's Office of Religious Freedom19 February 2013Vaughan, OntarioIn 2011’s Speech from the Throne, the Government of Canada committed to promoting religious freedom and speaking out on behalf of vulnerable religious minorities abroad. To this end, on February 19, 2013, Prime Minister Harper announced the establishment of the Office of Religious Freedom within the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and announced the appointment of Dr. Andrew Bennett as Ambassador to the Office.The Office of Religious Freedom will promote freedom of religion and belief, consistent with core Canadian values such as freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.The Office – which is now operational – will build on Canada’s proud tradition of defending fundamental human rights, including freedom of religion and freedom of conscience, and promoting respect for religious pluralism as an inextricable cornerstone of democratic development. It will focus on advocacy, analysis, policy development and programming relating to: protecting and advocating on behalf of religious minorities under threat; opposing religious hatred and intolerance; and, promoting Canadian values of pluralism and tolerance abroad.The Office – which will be operated by a team of five full-time employees, including Ambassador Bennett – will have an annual budget of $5 million. It will support programming aimed at raising greater awareness of threats to religious freedom and by promoting pluralism.In addition to leading the Office of Religious Freedom, the Ambassador will undertake broad outreach, speaking publicly both domestically and abroad, to raise awareness of religious freedom and call attention to its violations.The establishment of the Office of Religious Freedom was a commitment in the Speech from the Throne from June 3, 2011.Canada’s Efforts to Defend Religious Freedom AbroadCanada has been a strong and committed supporter of the individual’s right to freedom of religion and conscie http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/media.asp?id=5307
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ANNOUNCEMENT
PM announces the establishment of the Office of Religious Freedom19 February 2013Vaughan, OntarioPrime Minister Stephen Harper today announced the establishment of the Office of Religious Freedom within the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, which will be dedicated to promoting freedom of religion or belief around the world. He also announced the appointment of Dr. Andrew Bennett as Ambassador to the Office. The Prime Minister was joined by Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, and Julian Fantino, Minister of International Cooperation.“Around the world, violations of religious freedom are widespread and they are increasing,” said the Prime Minister. “Dr Bennett is a man of principle and deep convictions and he will encourage the protection of religious minorities around the world so all can practice their faith without fear of violence and repression.”Under Ambassador Bennett’s leadership, the Office – which is now operational – will promote freedom of religion or belief as a Canadian foreign policy priority. The Office will be an important vehicle through which Canada can advance fundamental Canadian values including freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law worldwide.“Our Government is dedicated to promoting the freedom and prosperity of the people it serves,” added the Prime Minister. We will work with other countries and all people of goodwill, to promote the principles we share.“Specifically, the Office will focus on advocacy, analysis, policy development and programming relating to: protecting and advocating on behalf of religious minorities under threat; opposing religious hatred and intolerance; and, promoting Canadian values of pluralism and tolerance abroad. Activities will be centred on countries or situations where there is evidence of egregious violations of the right to freedom of religion, violations that could include violence, hatred and systemic discrimination.For more information abo http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/media.asp?id=5306
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For more information about the Office, please visit: www.international.gc.ca/religious_freedom-liberte_de_religion/index.aspx
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Canada’s Office of Religious Freedom http://www.international.gc.ca/religious_freedom-liberte_de_religion/index.aspx
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Ambassador's Biography http://www.international.gc.ca/religious_freedom-liberte_de_religion/bio_bio.aspx
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