OTTAWA — The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) issued a statement expressing its “disappointment” today after the federal government voted against a Conservative motion in the House of Commons to renew the mandate of the Office of Religious Freedom.

The motion was voted down 226 to 90, supported by the Liberals, the NDP, and the Green Party.

In addressing the issue, Foreign Affairs Minister Stéphane Dion confirmed that, while the government will continue to defend and promote religious freedom as a part of its human rights agenda, the Office’s mandate will expire on March 31st.

“We are disappointed that the mandate of the Office of Religious Freedom will not be renewed,” said CIJA chair David J. Cape in response. “Operating on a relatively modest budget, the Office established a number of practical initiatives to help protect at-risk communities and strengthen Canada’s role as a leading voice for human rights. We also note that the Office was instrumental in uniting diverse religious communities in Canada – including Jews, Christians, Muslims and Sikhs, among others – to work together as partners in this vital cause.

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“Enshrined as a fundamental freedom in the Charter, freedom of religion is a core Canadian value and a universal human right. While persecution overseas takes various forms, millions of people from vulnerable religious communities face unique and growing threats. Among many examples, this terrible reality is currently illustrated by the plight of Christian minorities in large parts of the world – a tragedy that must be addressed by the international community.”

CIJA ended its statement urging the Liberals to reconsider its decision, while at the same time lauding Dion for affirming the government’s commitment to advocating for religious freedom abroad.

The Office, set up by the previous Conservative government in 2013 and given its own ambassador (Andrew Bennett) and $5 million in funding, was labelled controversial from the outset over its merging of religion and politics. According to Global News, the Office has funded projects in Nigeria, Ukraine, Pakistan, Myanmar and Iraq (to name a few) in its short existence.