A local MLA says he’s been hearing concerns from people uncomfortable with a requirement from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding summer grants.
Allan MacMaster, the MLA for Inverness, says constituents fundamentally have the right to have their conscience and have it respected, so they feel uncomfortable swearing an attestation to be eligible for student employment grants.
MacMaster tells The Hawk it sounds like you’re expected to be on the same page as federal officials.
“What I’ve been hearing from people is that they’re not comfortable making the attestation in favour of reproductive rights, which requires them to say that they’re ok with taking the life of an unborn child.”
MacMaster says applications are thrown out if the box isn’t checked.
He says it’s created a conflict.
“It’s been very simple- some people have felt uncomfortable (and) they’ve chosen not to check the box, and some of them have written an explanation why,” he said. “There are also people who felt like they had to lie and check the box to gain access to be able to apply.”
MacMaster says he’s listening to concerns, and the issues will be brought up to officials with the federal government.
He says it also needs to be discussed in the provincial legislature.