Shining the light of faith on the referendum questions

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On October 19, Albertans will be going to the polls to vote on a set of 10 questions prepared by Danielle Smith's UCP government. It's vitally important that those who are eligible get out and vote. While there's been a lot of news surrounding the question about holding a binding referendum to remain in Canada or separate, the other 9 questions may not be as well understood. Over the coming weeks, we will look at these questions through the lens of faith.

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We are privileged to live and worship on Treaty 7 land, home to the Nakoda First Nations: Chiniki, Bearspaw, Goodstoney; the Blackfoot Confederacy: Kainai, Pikani, and Siksika, and the Tsuut’ina Nation. This territory is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3. We commit to walking alongside our Indigenous neighbours in respect, listening, and partnership, trusting that the Spirit is leading us toward a more just and healed future.

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Question 1:

Do you support the Government of Alberta taking increased control over immigration for the purposes of decreasing immigration to more sustainable levels, prioritizing economic migration and giving Albertans first priority on new employment opportunities?

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Our response:

Acts 10:34 God plays no favorites! It makes no difference who you are or where you’re from...the door is open.

Welcoming the stranger is a recurring theme in scripture. As people of faith following the path of Christ, we are called to the practice of radical hospitality, of loving our neighbour without conditions. As residents of the Bow Valley, immigrants are a vital part of the work force in health care and the service industry.

They enliven the cultural fabric of our towns, and they are our neighbours. It is important that we let the government of Alberta know where we stand on this issue.

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“The Alberta government already has the tools it needs to influence economic migration. This question is unnecessary, confusing and misleading. We are voting NO on Question 1.” -Founders & Contributors of BeforeVoting.ca: https://beforevoting.ca/article-source/question-1

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Loving God, help us to welcome immigrants with open hearts. We acknowledge that we ~ or our ancestors, were once immigrants to this province. May we make room for all who come looking for a better life within the boundaries of this province.

May we be good neighbours.

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Amen

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Question 2:

Do you support the Government of Alberta introducing a law mandating that only Canadian citizens, permanent residents and individuals with an Alberta-approved immigration status will be eligible for provincially funded programs, such as health care, education and other social services?
 

Our response:

Matthew 25:35 - 36, 40 35 for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.’

“True discipleship is …a way of living that is not political but which has serious political implications….The disciple takes public issue with the values of a world that advantages only those who are already advantaged…True discipleship takes the side always, always, always of the poor, the minority, the outcast, the reviled, the rejected, the other, despite the power of the rich and powerful.” ~ Sister Joan Chittister

“This question ignores the economic and community contributions made by newcomers in the province. Beyond pure economic considerations, there are basic concerns about how we treat people in Alberta, and whether we view things like basic health care and education for children as rights that serve the collective good.

We are voting NO on Question 2.”

-Founders & Contributors of BeforeVoting.ca: Click on their link below
 

Loving God, help us to practice true discipleship ~ caring for the sick, clothing the naked, feeding the hungry, opening school doors to all your children. May our welcome of strangers be wide and generous.
 

Amen