Fortunately, I do not think so (though the issue bears constant vigilance). Mackey identifies only two cases where the new grants, which are being doled out under the existing New Horizons for Seniors program, actually went to churches: respectively, St. Andrew’s United and Chilliwack Alliance, both in B.C. Both are getting $25 000 to renovate: one is fixing up its community kitchen, and the other is getting a new roof. Mackey is excited that other programs, including religious ones, will benefit from these renovations, including an Alpha evangelism program. However, I am happy to say that I do not see anything overly sinister in the Conservatives’ new funding. However:

On the other hand, there is still a bit of a slimy residue to the whole affair. Both church grants went to Conservative ridings – those of Chuck Strahl and Randy Kamp (I explored Kamp’s religious past here). What’s more, Strahl is a member of Chilliwack Alliance, the one that got the $25 000 kitchen grant. How nice for him and his congregation that they will soon be getting a cheque cut by his government.

One of the most interesting facets of this whole affair is that, according to Mackey, the funding contracts included a 60-day gag order, during which period recipients are not allowed to “publicize” their new money. That order doesn’t expire until May 18, but Mackey says he got special permission from the government to print his piece. Leaving aside his presumed connections, this raises the important question: what is it about this announcement that the government is trying to time properly? Could it be the handout to Strahl’s personal congregation, perhaps?

By the by, Chilliwack Alliance belongs to the Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination. That’s the same denomination that the honourable Stephen Harper belongs to.

Terrible Depths. Used by permission.