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Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

Hon. Robert Oliphant

  • Member of Parliament
  • Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs
  • Liberal
  • Don Valley West
  • Ontario
  • Voting Attendance: 58%
  • Expenses Last Quarter: $123,855.38

  • Government Page
Context: House Hansard - 140 - Dec/2/22
Hon. Robert Oliphant (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lib.)
  • Dec/2/22 12:07:18 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. member for raising the issue of chaplaincy in the national defence forces. It is absolutely important to do spiritual care that is sensitive and culturally aware and that engages all people from different faith communities. This government is committed to doing that. We will take his question under advisement and get back to him.
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Context: House Hansard - 132 - Nov/22/22
Hon. Robert Oliphant (Don Valley West, Lib.)
  • Nov/22/22 2:06:14 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak to an issue that, after 25 years of service as a United Church of Canada minister, including six years working in prison chaplaincy in Yukon, is very dear to me. In 2013, the Harper government chose to privatize prison chaplaincy, and almost all non-Christian chaplains had their contracts cancelled. Members of minority faiths incarcerated in federal prisons have not had adequate spiritual care since then. Spiritual care is not a luxury. It is central to the care of a person. It offers opportunities for healing and rehabilitation, leading to better outcomes when they return to society, which I would say is a key goal of our penitentiary system. Today the National Council of Canadian Muslims, the Islamic Family and Social Services Association and community leaders from across Canada will be meeting with members of the House regarding this important issue. I stand with them and with inmates who are trying to receive the spiritual care they deserve, something that will benefit us all.
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