Canada Considers Creating Office of Religious Freedom In Foreign Affairs Ministry

Catholic Register reported that on Monday Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird, with 100 religious leaders present, opened formal consultations on creation by Canada of an Office of Religious Freedom. In his remarks (full text) Baird said in part:

This office will be created to promote and protect freedom of religion and belief, consistent with core Canadian values such as freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Most importantly, it will demonstrate that Canada truly is a free society.

CBC News has additional background.