Opinions expressed on the BC Humanist Association's blog do not necessarily reflect those of the BCHA or the Board of Directors.
Shedding light on religious property tax exemptions
A recent legal battle over the tax status of an island in the Salish Sea sheds some light on the privileges some religious institutions enjoy in British Columbia (BC). Expressly, the conditions under which places of public worship qualify for property tax exemptions.
Read moreAccess to MAID should not cater to faith-based interests
“B.C. Ministry of Health pledges to build a corridor of sin.”
That should have been the headline attached to B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix’s recent announcement that he will instruct Vancouver Coastal Health to make room next to the city’s St. Paul’s Hospital for a dedicated clinical and care space where patients from the hospital can receive “compassionate and dignified MAiD services.”
Read moreFurther delays for MAID for mental illness betrays patients
The BC Humanist Association (BCHA) is deeply disappointed and concerned by the federal government’s decision to further extend the exclusion of eligibility for medical assistance in dying (MAID) for persons suffering solely from mental illness until 2027. This decision violates the rights and dignity of Canadians who are experiencing intolerable suffering due to a mental disorder as their sole underlying medical condition.
Read moreSolstice reflections on 2023
Looking back on this past year, we're seeing the dividends paid out for the investments the members of the Humanist community have been making for the past few years.
Read moreA statement from the Board on the ongoing situation in Israel and Palestine
At its meeting on November 29, 2023, the BC Humanist Association Board of Directors ratified the following statement.
Read moreColwood councillor calls for end to religious property tax exemptions
"This may not be a popular take,"
began Councillor Ian Ward at an October 10, 2023, Colwood City Council Meeting. In his speech, Councillor Ward outlined why two churches in his community should not receive permissive tax exemptions this year.
Read moreNorth Cowichan grants tax exemption to Christian camp, denies CPC
Recently, North Cowichan municipal district council denied a property tax exemption to a crisis pregnancy center.
Read moreCampbell River punishes secular charities for compassion, rewards golf course & churches
Campbell River city council voted on September 28 to cut the property tax exemptions for the Vancouver Island Mental Health Society and the local art gallery.
Read moreThe history of institutional religious obstructions
How did we end up in a situation where some publicly funded facilities are permitted to refuse to provide healthcare services in BC? To answer this question we need to look at the history of healthcare in BC and how religious hospitals came to play a part in our medical system.
Read more