- to conduct a public and independent review of legal and illegal gambling in Canada and of its social, economic, and legal impacts
- to make recommendations for public policy and for effective oversight of the gambling industry within the requirements of the Criminal Code, especially regarding electronic gambling
- to establish national standards for assessing gambling proposals, including economic, legal, and social-impact assessments
- to establish a single format for provinces to provide information on gambling and gambling-generated revenues to the Government of Canada and the Canadian public, and require full annual disclosure of such information
- to establish an independent review of provincial gambling commissions and issue a public report on the findings, with particular attention to public decision-making about allocation of gambling-generated funds, public accountability, and standards of governance that serve the public interest.
Friendly amendment
The mover and seconder agreed to the wording "Call upon the government of Canada ...."
Motion to refer
Text
That the Council of General Synod refer Section 4 back to EcoJustice for their consideration in light of their developing with ACIP a statement on gambling. CARRIED #26-11-02
"This bulletin is issued to meet a challenging situation and to illustrate, for future purposes, how the Church may effectively act in such situations. The occasion is the Sessions of a Parliamentary Committee in Ottawa studying the question of Public Lotteries, hearing deputations from many sources, and preparing to make representations to Government and Parliament concerning the matter." "Copies of the bulletin are being sent to all members of Parliament. This bulletin, however, is issued for another purpose as well. It will, we hope, help clergy and people to understand more about this menacing problem and will provide a fund of source material for parochial study groups and individual Church members. In this respect it is in succession to earlier Bulletins, and to Annual Reports dealing with the subject." -- Foreword.
Contents: Foreword / W.W. Judd -- Concerning Public Lotteries -- Pertinent Books in the Council's Library.
Concerning Public Lotteries consists of the following sections: I : A Brief from the Council for Social Service [dated 24 February 1954 and signed: Robert Jefferson, Bishop of Ottawa, and W.W. Judd, General Secretary] -- II : From the Christian Social Council of Canada [signed by the Rev. H.E. Wintemute and the Rev. F.N. Poulton] -- III : From the Diocesan Council for Social Service, Diocese of Newfoundland [dated 12 March 1954 and signed by the Very Rev. R.S. Rayson and Mr. Eric Cook] -- IV : Gambling [A statement submitted by the Reverend T.F. Summerhayes, formerly Secretary of the Toronto D.C.S.S.].
Reporting on behalf of the Committee, Archdeacon Crawley said that a delegation from the Committee met with the House of Bishops, and that the Holy Week Services will be available for Holy Week, 1982,. He reported, also, that the House of Bishops had extended an invitation to discuss an Alternative Services book and which rites should be included.
Text
That this National Executive Council concur in the recommendation of the Doctrine and Worship Committee that no action be taken on the resolution on lotteries without a full-scale study of the subject, and that a full-scale study be authorized, preferably on an ecumenical basis. CARRIED
a) Receive the "Statement on Gambling" from the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples. (Appendix A);
b) Request the EcoJustice Committee to work with ACIP to develop a statement on gambling for the Anglican Church of Canada;
c) Request the EcoJustice Committee to monitor gambling activities and their social and economic impact on Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
Motion to table
Moved by: Mr. James Sweeny
Seconded by: Archdeacon James Cowan
That the motion be tabled. DEFEATED #23-11-02
Vote on the motion - #005-04A-02-11 Statement on Gambling CARRIED #24-11-02
Notes
APPENDIX A
(COGS Doc. #005-04-02-11 Appendix A)
Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples
Statement on Gambling
July 2002
As members of the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples, we find the issue of gambling to be a challenging one. As we look at our communities who engage in organized gambling, we see both positive and negative outcomes.
Gambling has been a means of building up our communities that have suffered from lands taken and resources lost. Revenues from gambling allow some of our badly under-funded reserves to restore and rebuild social networks and programs, including education and training infrastructures; it has granted them the monetary resources to re-discover lost community ties and gathering places; it has provided jobs; and it has helped them on the journey to self-sufficiency and freedom from government dependency.
At the same time, gambling has torn down our communities, and created divisions between our communities, as reserves compete with one another over gambling contracts. Gambling has also created divisions within our communism, as casinos bring more destructive influences when people choose the social isolation -- and sometimes addiction -- of slot machines or bingo halls over social gatherings or church activities. We also see those same video lottery terminals slowly taking over the spaces in our arenas and community centres.
The paradoxes and the tensions continue. We recognize that institutional gambling is a much-needed source of employment for our people, yet we know that Indigenous workers in the gaming industry still receive unfair treatment, lower wages, and experience racism in their workplace. We see that gambling is sometimes our only means of raising funds for sports and recreation programs for young people, and we worry that institutional gambling will also displace and alienate these same young people, drawing them into an unhealthy lifestyle with possible ties to criminal elements.
For many of our people, gambling has been a respected part of our traditional way of life. It has been integrated into our cultures and connected to our basic values -- that life is to be enjoyed, wealth is to be shared, and that no one should go hungry.
Gambling has deep cultural significance for us. At wakes, for example, it provides a way for people to come together at a difficult time, to grieve and to celebrate. At the same time, we recognize and mourn the fact that over the years, some of the traditions that support healthy perspectives on gambling have been lost -- traditions that include the need to reclaim our ability to care for one another.
For those among us who have developed addictions in response to grief and loss, gambling presents a powerful temptation. As indigenous peoples, we are deeply pained when we see members of our communities -- sometimes members of our own families -- losing their possessions, their self-reliance and self-esteem, their families and friends, and sometimes even their own lives, to gambling addictions. Most of all, we think of the children in our communities who are neglected, who go hungry, and who search in vain for their parents outside of bingo halls and casinos. We know that it is the most vulnerable among us who are the most likely to bear these costs.
We see all of these conflicts swirling around us and we ask ourselves: How do we respond to the complex realities of gambling in our communities ?
Outright condemnation or expulsion of gambling is futile. Where would we draw the line ? Is it gambling to give money to the bank for our RRSP contribution, betting that we will increase our profits ? Is buying stocks a more formal, legalized approach to gambling, and one that we are actively encouraged to pursue ?
If, as a community, we choose to refuse funds that have been raised through gambling, how do we decide which funds to accept and which to turn down ? How do we know the true origins of the money placed in the offering plate ? Is any source of funding "pure" -- even the funding that comes to our church committees from the General Synod ?
We believe that gambling is here to stay. In response to its consequences we must address questions of responsibility, healing and pastoral care through our ministry:
- Why do people gamble in the first place ? How might the church provide people with opportunities for more meaningful interaction ?
- How should we take responsibility for the impact of gambling in our communities -- through rules and regulations, community decision-making processes, and/ore structures of accountability ? How can our communities balance the benefits of gambling with the social upheaval gambling so often produces ?
- How do we provide education, counseling and support in this context, particularly for young people ?
- How do we include a focus on returning to a traditional healthy perspective on gambling issues, particularly in raising our children ?
- What avenues and opportunities for healing are available to those who seek recovery from gambling addictions ?
- How do we respond through our ministry to the negative impact that gambling has on our people ?
As we walk with God through our Creator into this challenging territory, we tread lightly, waiting for the Spirit to guide us so that we may respond in ways that show respect for our shared traditions, that recognize our differing perspectives and experiences, and that address our varied needs.
1. Commit General Synod not to receive any funds that are raised from lotteries, casinos, or other activities in the gambling industry.
2. a) Affirm the "Statement on Gambling" of the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples (Appendix A)
b) Continue to work with the ACIP on monitoring gambling activities and their social and economic impact on Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
3. Request the EcoJustice Committee of General Synod
- to provide dioceses with educational materials about all forms of gambling
- to maintain a "watching brief" on government sponsored gambling activities, with input from the dioceses
- to collaborate with other denominations in monitoring and responding to gambling expansion in Canada.
4. Call upon the federal government of Canada:
- to conduct a public and independent review of legal and illegal gambling in Canada and of its social, economic, and legal impacts
- to make recommendations for public policy and for effective oversight of the gambling industry within the requirements of the Criminal Code, especially regarding electronic gambling
- to establish national standards for assessing gambling proposals, including economic, legal, and social-impact assessments
- to establish a single format for provinces to provide information on gambling and gambling-generated revenues to the Government of Canada and the Canadian public, and require full annual disclosure of such information
- to establish an independent review of provincial gambling commissions and issue a public report on the findings, with particular attention to public decision-making about allocation of gambling-generated funds, public accountability, and standards of governance that serve the public interest.
Text
That this motion be presented in four separate motions. CARRIED #05-11-02
Notes
1. Receipt of Money from the Gambling Sources
Moved by: Mr. Matthew Kett
Seconded by: Rev. Canon Dr. Bill Prentice
That this Council of General Synod commit General Synod not to receive any funds that are raised from lotteries, casinos, or other activities in the gambling industry. DEFEATED #06-11-02
2. ACIP Statement on Gambling
Seconded by: Rev. Canon Dr. Bill Prentice
That this Council of General Synod:
a) Affirm the "Statement on Gambling" of the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples (Appendix A)
b) Continue to work with the ACIP on monitoring gambling activities and their social and economic impact on Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
Amendment
Moved by: Bishop Donald Harvey
Seconded by: Chancellor Robert Falby
That the word"affirm" be replaced with the word "receive". CARRIED
Moved by: Archdeacon James Cowan
Seconded by: Mr. James Sweeny
That this Council of General Synod request the EcoJustice Committee to continue to work with the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples on developing a joint statement on gambling for the Anglican Church of Canada.
The motion was referred to the Resolutions Committee for rewording. (See Statement on Gambling #005-04A-02-11)
APPENDIX A
(COGS Doc. #005-04-02-11 Appendix A)
Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples
Statement on Gambling
July 2002
As members of the Anglican Council of Indigenous People, we find the issue of gambling to be a challenging one. As we look at our communities who engage in organized gambling, we see both positive and negative outcomes.
Gambling has been a means of building up our communities that have suffered from lands taken and resources lost. Revenues from gambling allow some of our badly under-funded reserves to restore and rebuild social networks and programs, including education and training infrastructures; it has granted them the monetary resources to re-discover lost community ties and gathering places; it has provided job; and it has helped them on the journey to self-sufficiency and freedom from government dependency.
At the same time, gambling has torn down our communities, and created divisions between our communities,as reserves compete with one another over gambling contracts. Gambling has also created divisions within our communities, as casinos bring more destructive influences when people choose the social isolation -- and sometimes addiction -- of slot machines or bingo halls over social gatherings or church activities. We also see those same video lottery terminals slowly taking over the spaces in our arenas and community centres.
The paradoxes and the tensions continue. We recognize that institutional gambling is a much-needed source of employment for our people, yet we know that Indigenous workers in the gaming industry still receive unfair treatment, lower wages, and experience racism in their workplace. We see that gambling is sometimes our only means of raising funds for sports and recreation programs for young people, and yet we worry that institutional gambling will also displace and alienate these same young people, drawing them into an unhealthy lifestyle with possible ties to criminal elements.
For many of our people, gambling has been a respected part of our traditional way of life. It has been integrated into our cultures and connected to our basic values -- that life is to be enjoyed, wealth is to be shared, and that no one should go hungry.
Gambling has deep cultural significance for us. At wakes, for example, it provides a way for people to come together at a difficult time, to grieve and to celebrate. At the same time, we recognize and mourn the fact that over the years, some of the traditions that support healthy perspectives on gambling have been lost -- traditions that include the need to reclaim our ability to care for one another.
For those among us who have developed addictions in response to grief and loss, gambling presents a powerful temptation. As indigenous peoples, we are deeply pained when we see members of our communities -- sometimes members of our own families -- losing their possessions, their self-reliance and self-esteem, their families and friends, and sometimes even their own lives, to gambling addictions. Most of all, we think of the children in our communities who are neglected, who go hungry, and who search in vain for their parents outside of bingo halls and casinos. We know that it is the most vulnerable amongst us who are the most likely to bear these costs.
We see all of those conflicts swirling around us and we ask ourselves: How do we respond to the complex realities of gambling in our communities ?
Outright condemnation or expulsion of gambling is futile. Where would we draw the line ? Is it gambling to give money to the bank for our RRSP contribution, betting that we will increase our profit ? Is buying stocks simply a more formal, legalized approach to gambling, and one that we are actively encouraged to pursue ?
If, as a community, we choose to refuse funds that have been raised through gambling, how do we decide which funds to accept and which to turn down ? How do we know the true origins of the money placed in the offering plate ? Is any source of funding "pure" -- even the funding that comes to our church communities from the General Synod ?
We believe that gambling is here to stay. In response to its consequences we must address questions of responsibility, healing, and pastoral care through our ministry:
- Why do people gamble in the first place ? How might the church provide people with opportunities for more meaningful interaction ?
- How should we take responsibility for the impact of gambling in our communities -- through rules and regulations, community decision-making processes, and/or structures of accountability ? How can our communities balance the benefits of gambling with the social upheaval gambling so often produces ?
- How do we provide education, counseling and support in this context, particularly for young people ?
- How do we include a focus on returning to a traditional healthy perspective on gambling issues, particularly in raising our children ?
- What avenues and opportunities for healing are available to those who seek recovery from gambling addictions ?
- How do we respond through our ministry to the negative impact that gambling has on our people ?
As we walk with God our Creator into this challenging territory, we tread lightly, waiting for the Spirit to guide us so that we may respond in ways that show respect for our shared traditions, that recognize our differing perspectives and experiences, and that address our varied needs.
"This Bulletin reflects the opinion of the Council as to the urgency of facing the matter of gambling today. Gambling is increasing. The public mind, the Church mind, should be made alert to the dangers. The problem of public sweepstakes and lotteries on a large scale which is before the Federal Parliament is an indication of the special interests which have been urging this step and a reflection of the loose, widespread opinion in Canada which, not having thought much about it, desires another form of excitement. ... We have so written, and so arranged this Bulletin, as to offer easy analysis for, and outlines of, sermons or addresses. With its numerous paragraph headings it should be helpful for Study Group purposes by the A.Y.P.A., Men's Clubs and others. In Part II several items and opinions are given for use as illustrations and two or three comprehensive summaries follow." -- Editorial Note.
"Never before in the history of the Council has the library been made use of by clergy and the Church leaders to such an extent as in the past eight months. In the fields of welfare and Christian sociology we have added a hundred volumes of the newest and best publications. It is right up to date !" -- The Council's Lending Library, p. 15.
Contents: Editorial Note / W.W.J. -- Part I: The Menace of Gambling / W.W. Judd -- Statement on Gambling and Lotteries : Reprinted from "Social Welfare", March, 1938, official organ of the Social Service Council, of Canada, Toronto -- Pronouncement, Church of England in Canada [re Sweepstakes for Hospitals] -- Sweepstakes Not Favored by Hospitals : Statement Issued by Canadian Hospital Council -- Part II: Compendium -- Part III: The Council's Lending Library.
"The Menace of Gambling" divided into sections: I: Introductory -- II: What is Gambling ? -- III: Areas of Gambling -- IV: "Getting Something for Nothing" -- V: Loss in Production: Gangsterdom -- VI: Gambling and Economic Injustice -- VII: Moral and Spiritual Values.
Contents of "Part II: A Compendium": Irish Hospital Sweepstakes -- When the Gambling Spirit Wins -- Proper Speculation vs. Gambling -- Legalizing Gambling -- Professional Gamblers Are Outlaws -- Gambling in the Churches -- Bingo, Illegal -- Gambling in Churches: ... Games in Churches -- Licit and Illicit: ... Discuss Chicago Plan -- An Excellent Summary -- A Challenge from England -- Gambling and Religious Tradition.
"Bulletin No. 96, on `Gambling', had a wider circulation than any we have issued with the exception of No. 103 which dealt with the Malvern Conference. The subject must gave been interesting and the Bulletin must have been helpful to clergy and others. The supply has long been exhausted. For this reason we issue another dealing with the same subject.
There is another reason.
During the war some forms of gambling have involved more and more people. These included lotteries and games of chance, most of them arranged for patriotic purposes. Most of these were illegal and carried -- carried on in defiance of the Criminal Code of Canada. .... Some people and some group do not want it stopped ! Careful thought, therefore, should be given by the Canadian people as a whole and stern measures should be taken by those whose duty it is to see that the law is obeyed. Already, too, pressure has been brought to bear on Government to amend the Code, to extend the opportunities of gambling. (See Resolution of Executive Council and C.S.S., 1945, quoted later in this Bulletin.) The pressure is not occasional: it is persistent !
Citizens generally and their representatives in Parliament and in Legislature should be conscious of the grave menace to the moral fibre of our people and aware of the many other social and economic disasters which will ensue if such a spirit triumphs. To inform our Church people and other readers of these dangers, often unrecognized by them, we publish this Bulletin. The leading article will, we trust, be helpful to our clergy in their teaching. The Compendium which follows it draws lessons from the past in our country and abroad. The experience of others over the years, indeed over the centuries, should help us to estimate the dangers of gambling to persons, families and societies, and should point out the fallacies of the many weak arguments advanced by the unthinking people who participate in the practice.
We are grateful to the Reverend Summerhayes for his article and for most of the work of publishing this Bulletin. Mr. Summerhayes, now retired, was until recently Secretary of the Toronto Diocesan Council for Social Service". -- Foreword.
Contents: Foreword / W.W. Judd -- Part I : Gambling: Law Versus License / T.F. Summerhayes -- Part II : A Compendium -- Pertinent Books in the Council's Library -- Recent Books in the Council's Library.
Contents of Part II: A Compendium include: I: Recent Pronouncements, Church of England in Canada -- II: Concerning Gambling in Churches / Dr. Heywood, Bishop of Ely, 1936 -- Religious Sanctions / W.W. Judd -- Gambling and Religious Traditions / C.E. Silcox -- III: From the Annual Report of the General Secretary of the Christian Social Council of Canada / W.J. Gallagher, January 1946 -- IV: Gambling in General : Areas of Gambling / W.W. Judd. -- Another Attempt at Ottawa: From an Editorial from the Toronto Daily Star May 14, 1946.