The Dominion Report is a weekly newsletter committed to bringing you the most important stories for Canadian Christians to consider as they seek to live faithful lives in the communities God has placed them in.

Communist Party of China May Have Interfered in Canadian Elections 

The story: In recent weeks, multiple stories have emerged with credible accusations of Communist Party of China (CCP) interference in the previous two election cycles. These accusations range from influencing the nomination of a current Liberal Member of Parliament to influencing Justin Trudeau through covert donations funnelled to the Trudeau Foundation. Leaks from Canadian Intelligence members continue to allege that the Prime Minister had been briefed on the issue of CCP interference multiple times and as early as 2021, something he had previously denied. 

In many ways, the story has shifted from the details of the interference itself to the details of how the accusations are being handled. Despite the Prime Minister claiming he will appoint an “independent” individual to study the issue and make recommendations on how to proceed, the reluctance of the Prime Minister to fully answers questions on the issue—and Liberal MPs filibustering the foreign affairs committee so that Trudeau’s Chief of Staff can’t be called to testify on what the Prime Minister knew—indicates that worse news for the Liberal Government is still to come.

Significance: Justin Trudeau surviving a major scandal has become a routine news story over the last four years. However, if evidence emerges that the Prime Minister was fully aware of foreign influence in Canadian Elections and did nothing or, worse, let it continue for political gain, the Trudeau Government may fall. Regardless of the partisan implications of this story, foreign influence having a significant impact on Canadian Elections would be a very bad thing. Conservatives should not be gleeful if this story turns out to be true, and Liberals should not be defensive. The well-ordering of Canadian society—in which Christians have the opportunity to live quiet, godly lives (1 Timothy 2:2) —requires elections that are not determined by China’s Communist dictatorship. We should all be working together to ensure that our voting process is protected and secure. 

Read More: John Ivison, The National Post, “Trudeau can’t make the Chinese Interference Scandal Go Away”

Alberta and BC New Democrats Promise Free Birth Control 

The story: Last week, BC’s NDP Government announced that it will begin providing free birth control for British Columbian women by spending an estimated $119 million to cover contraceptives—including Plan B and other abortifacients. Announcing the policy, Finance Minister Katrine Conroy described controlling reproduction as a “government priority” and referred to contraceptives as a “fundamental right”. This week, the Alberta NDP—currently the Province’s Official Opposition—followed suit by promising to offer free birth control to Albertans if they form Government following this Spring’s Election. 

Significance. While much of the world is beginning to address the harsh economic and societal impact of low-fertility-induced population decline, Canadian politicians continue to incentivize intentional childlessness. More tragically, the recently announced policies in both provinces will fully cover so-called contraceptives that act after fertilization—also known as abortifacients. Currently, surgical abortions are fully financed by all ten provincial governments. Now, the BC Government and Alberta NDP are seeking to cover the cost of abortion at the earliest possible stage. This policy is a matter of fundamental human dignity and should be protested in both Provinces. 

Read More: Chad Pawson, CBC News, “B.C. will make contraception free— a first in Canada”

Read More: Lisa Johnson, Edmonton Journal, “Alberta NDP promises to cover the costs of prescription birth control if elected”

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Calgary Pastor Arrested for Protesting Drag Queen Story Hour

The Story: Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek recently announced that the City of Calgary will begin enforcing its anti-harassment by-law against anti-drag event protestors. According to Gondek, the by-law will now be applied to those who  “openly communicate hateful messaging.” Under the new policy, Calgary Police arrested Pastor Derek Reimer after he protested an all-ages drag queen story hour event at a local public library. Reimer was released on bail after agreeing to stay away from all LGBTQ events. 

Significance: In this story, a major Canadian City is prosecuting a Pastor for speech that does not accord with the fundamental doctrines of Canadian Secularism—once again demonstrating the drastic distinction between Christianity and its chief religious rival: secular humanism. Sadly, the City’s actions are unsurprising. If a person’s dignity is inextricably related to their expressed sexuality, then any discrimination or disapproval of one’s gender identity is a threat against the person themself. As a result, dissent on issues of sexuality are strictly forbidden in the secular conception—even when such dissent has historically been considered a matter of free speech. This narrowing of free speech on matters of human sexuality is an alarming development. When citizens are not permitted to protest a drag queen story hour, every Christian’s freedom to preach the gospel—including the message that all human beings are sexually broken and require salvific redemption—is under threat. All Canadians should be watching this story very closely. 

Read More: Brodie Thomas, Calgary Herald, “Gondek says street harassment bylaw will be used against drag protesters”

Read More: Michael Franklin, CTV News, “Calgary street pastor, who disrupted library drag queen reading event, released on bail”

Ontario Court Releases Trinity Bible Chapel Decision 

The Story: The Ontario Court of Appeal recently ruled that Ontario’s pandemic-era restrictions on religious freedom were demonstrably justified, despite representing a violation of fundamental Charter Principles. The Court recognized that free religious worship and expression are at the heart of religious freedom as protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. However, the court ruled that, due to the nature of the pandemic, these infringements were demonstrably justified. 

Significance: At the core of both the Court’s decision and the Government’s actions is the question of priority in the balance of free religious expression and public health protection. A Government that believes the pursuit of truth—especially eternal truth—is a basic human good will be more likely to hesitate when violating religious expression. When temporal matters are prioritized above eternal ones, however, we can expect the opposite as demonstrated in this case. 

Read More: Superior Court of Justice, ”Ontario v. Trinity Bible Chapel”

Watch: Andre Schutten, ARPA Canada, “Court Denies Ontario Churches’ Charter Challenge”

A Truth To Consider