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'''Canada Christian College and School of Graduate Theological Studies''', commonly shortened to '''Canada Christian College''', is an [[Evangelicalism|Evangelical Christian]] [[Bible college]] located in [[Whitby, Ontario|Whitby]], [[Ontario]], Canada.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Canada Christian College|url=https://canadachristiancollege.com/|access-date=2020-10-20|language=en-CA}}</ref> {{As of|2020}}, over 6,500 people have graduated from Canada Christian College.<ref name="current" />
'''Canada Christian College and School of Graduate Theological Studies''', commonly shortened to '''Canada Christian College''', is an [[Evangelicalism|Evangelical Christian]] [[Bible college]] located in [[Whitby, Ontario|Whitby]], [[Ontario]], Canada.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Canada Christian College|url=https://canadachristiancollege.com/|access-date=2020-10-20|language=en-CA}}</ref> {{As of|2020}}, over 6,500 people have graduated from Canada Christian College.<ref name="current" /> [[File:Canada Christian College Campus.jpg|thumb|Canada Christian College Campus located on Lake Ontario at Port Whitby]] [[File:Canada Christian College Athletics Centre.jpg|thumb|Canada Christian College Athletics Centre]][[File:Canada Christian College Lobby.jpg|thumb|Canada Christian College Auditorium Lobby]]

== Academic programs ==
The College houses five primary degree-granting departments: Ministry, Sacred Music, Christian Counseling, Business, and Religious Education.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=PEQAB - CCCSGTS|url=http://www.peqab.ca/Private/CCCSGTS/CCCSGTS%20PEQAB%20University%20Application.pdf|url-status=live|website=PEQAB}}</ref> Across these departments, the college offers 14 Bachelor, Master and Doctoral degrees as well as 3 one-year Certificates (Worship Leadership, Bible, or Christian Counseling).<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4">{{Cite web|title=Educational Institution's Profile|url=https://www.cicic.ca/873/canada_christian_college_and_school_of_graduate_theological_studies.canada?id=1496|access-date=2021-05-14|website=www.cicic.ca}}</ref> In coordination with the the degrees above, the school also has thirteen specializations. Program specializations include community outreach, social work, addiction counselling, performing arts, contemporary music, etc.<ref name=":3" />


==History==
==History==
Canada Christian College traces its origins to Richmond College, which was founded in September 1967 as a Christian liberal arts college by Elmer McVety (1928-1993), Canadian evangelist [[John Wesley White]] (1928-2016) who served as chancellor, and his brother, Hugh White, who served as the first dean. The college, which expected to have 100 students in its first year, was originally located on a 7-acre site at Lake Shore Boulevard and Dixie Road leased from the federal government that was formerly a [[Canadian Army]] [[Long Branch Aerodrome|arsenal]]. Its degree-granting powers were based on a [[letters patent]] from Manitoba rather than a provincial charter from Ontario.<ref>"Evangelicals split over new college", ''Toronto Daily Star'', 18 Mar 1967: 12.</ref> McVety was "removed from the board" of Richmond College in June 1969 following a dispute but remained chairman of the Canadian Non-Denominational Association for Education and Evangelism, the organization he founded in Manitoba in 1963 under which the college issued its degrees.<ref name="group">"Religious group sued", Toronto Star (1971-2009); Toronto, Ontario, 27 Apr 1977: A5.</ref><ref name="degrees"/> In 1974, the Canadian Non-Denominational Association for Education and Evangelism launched a theological school named Canada Christian College, with classes being held at space rented from [[McMaster University]] in Hamilton<ref name="hist">https://web.archive.org/web/20000528110158/http://www.canadachristiancollege.com/history.htm</ref> until 1980,<ref name="degrees"/> while Richmond College continued to offer arts programs at its campus at Leslie Street and [[Steeles Avenue]]. In 1981, when Richmond College closed, custody of student records was assigned to [[Trinity Western University]] in [[Langley, British Columbia (district municipality)|Langley, British Columbia]].
Canada Christian College traces its origins to Richmond College, which was founded in September 1967 as a Christian liberal arts college by Elmer McVety (1928-1993), Canadian evangelist [[John Wesley White]] (1928-2016) who served as chancellor, and his brother, Hugh White, who served as the first dean. The college, which expected to have 100 students in its first year, was originally located on a 7-acre site at Lake Shore Boulevard and Dixie Road leased from the federal government that was formerly a [[Canadian Army]] [[Long Branch Aerodrome|arsenal]]. Its degree-granting powers were based on a [[letters patent]] from Manitoba rather than a provincial charter from Ontario.<ref>"Evangelicals split over new college", ''Toronto Daily Star'', 18 Mar 1967: 12.</ref> McVety was "removed from the board" of Richmond College in June 1969 following a dispute but remained chairman of the Canadian Non-Denominational Association for Education and Evangelism, the organization he founded in Manitoba in 1963 under which the college issued its degrees.<ref name="group">"Religious group sued", Toronto Star (1971-2009); Toronto, Ontario, 27 Apr 1977: A5.</ref><ref name="degrees"/> In 1974, the Canadian Non-Denominational Association for Education and Evangelism launched a theological school named Canada Christian College, with classes being held at space rented from [[McMaster University]] in Hamilton<ref name="hist">https://web.archive.org/web/20000528110158/http://www.canadachristiancollege.com/history.htm</ref> until 1980,<ref name="degrees"/> while Richmond College continued to offer arts programs at its campus at Leslie Street and [[Steeles Avenue]]. In 1981, when Richmond College closed, custody of student records was assigned to [[Trinity Western University]] in [[Langley, British Columbia (district municipality)|Langley, British Columbia]].


⚫
In 1982, it was alleged that awarded degrees were "useless" for further study or teaching jobs in recognized universities and that the religious studies degrees were similarly suspect as the school was not accredited by any recognized religious educational body. At the time, the school had 300 students. According to Elmer McVety, some of the college's courses were prepared by the [[Christian International University]] in [[Phoenix, Arizona]],<ref name="degrees">"Bible college may lose its right to give degrees", ''Toronto Star'', August 12, 1982, pgs A1 and A8 (retrieved via ProQuest)</ref> an unaccredited institution<ref name="degrees" /> whose programs were considered "academically substandard" by the state of Texas.<ref name="group" />
⚫
Elmer McVety died in 1993 and his son, Charles McVety, took over leadership of the college.<ref name="walrus-theocons">{{cite news|last=McDonald|first=Marci|date=December 5, 2006|title=Stephen Harper and the Theo-cons|publisher=The Walrus|url=http://www.walrusmagazine.ca/print/2006.10-politics-stephen-harper-and-the-theocons/|url-status=dead|access-date=December 5, 2006|archive-url=https://archive.is/20070928142903/http://www.walrusmagazine.ca/print/2006.10-politics-stephen-harper-and-the-theocons/#|archive-date=September 28, 2007|df=mdy-all}}</ref>


⚫
Canada Christian College was able to continue issuing theological degrees under the authority of its [[Manitoba]] letters patent. In 1991 an official at the Ministry of Colleges and Universities stated that the Canada Christian College's granting of degrees appeared to contravene the Ontario Degree Granting Act of 1983. However, McVety clarified the college was not in contravention of the Act, but rather, legally granted degrees through the Manitoba College.<ref>"Jews question status of college", Toronto Star (1971-2009); Toronto, Ontario [Toronto, Ontario]30 Nov 1991: A10.</ref> In 1993, Elmer McVety died and his son, Charles McVety, took over leadership of the college.<ref name="walrus-theocons">{{cite news|last=McDonald|first=Marci|date=December 5, 2006|title=Stephen Harper and the Theo-cons|publisher=The Walrus|url=http://www.walrusmagazine.ca/print/2006.10-politics-stephen-harper-and-the-theocons/|url-status=dead|access-date=December 5, 2006|archive-url=https://archive.is/20070928142903/http://www.walrusmagazine.ca/print/2006.10-politics-stephen-harper-and-the-theocons/#|archive-date=September 28, 2007|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
⚫
In 1982, the right of the Canada Christian College to grant degrees was revoked by the Ontario Ministry of Education.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Williams |first1=Robert |title=Canada Christian College president Charles McVety. WATERLOO REGION NDP calls proposed university accreditation for Christian college a 'political favour' from Ford |url=https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/2020/10/20/ndp-calls-proposed-university-accreditation-for-christian-college-a-political-favour-from-ford.html |access-date=October 23, 2020 |work=Kitchener-Waterloo Record |date=October 20, 2020}}</ref> The revocation followed allegations from provincial officials that BA and MA degrees offered by Canada Christian College were "misleading" because they implied a general arts education. They also alleged they were "useless" for further study or teaching jobs in recognized universities and that the religious studies degrees were similarly suspect as the school was not accredited by any recognized religious educational body. At the time, the school had 300 students. According to Elmer McVety, most of the college's courses were prepared by the [[Christian International University]] in [[Phoenix, Arizona]],<ref name="degrees">"Bible college may lose its right to give degrees", ''Toronto Star'', August 12, 1982, pgs A1 and A8 (retrieved via ProQuest)</ref> an unaccredited institution<ref name="degrees"/> whose programs were considered "academically substandard" by the state of Texas.<ref name="group"/>


After having its Ontario degree granting authority revoked, Canada Christian College continued issuing theological degrees under the authority of its [[Manitoba]] letters patent. However, in 1991 an official at the Ministry of Colleges and Universities stated that the Canada Christian College's granting of degrees appeared to contravene the Degree Granting Act of 1983.<ref>"Jews question status of college", Toronto Star (1971-2009); Toronto, Ontario [Toronto, Ontario]30 Nov 1991: A10.</ref> Minister of Colleges and Universities [[Richard Allen (Canadian politician)|Richard Allen]] agreed that the college was not authorized to grant degrees and pledged the college would be made to comply with the law and only grant diplomas and certificates.<ref name="cjn">"Canadian Jewish Congress worried over bill that would upgrade status of Bible college [to academic degree-granting institution]", Csillag, Ron. Canadian Jewish News; Don Mills, Ont. [Don Mills, Ont]19 Nov 1998: 3.</ref> In 1998, the ministry ordered the school to close.<ref name="walrus-theocons"/> That year, a [[private members bill]] introduced by [[Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario|Progressive Conservative]] MPP [[Jim Brown (Ontario politician)|Jim Brown]], sought to grant the institution degree-granting authority in Ontario; the bill died on the order paper without being voted upon.<ref name="csillag">"Canada Christian College drops Jewish studies", Csillag, Ron. Canadian Jewish News; Don Mills, Ont. [Don Mills, Ont]03 Dec 1998: 3.</ref><ref name="walrus-theocons" /> The next year, in 1999, Progressive Conservative MPP [[Frank Klees]] introduced a successful private members bill (Bill PR-4) securing degree-granting authority for the college in Ontario.<ref name="walrus-theocons" />
In 1998 Minister of Colleges and Universities [[Richard Allen (Canadian politician)|Richard Allen]] argued that the college was not authorized to grant degrees and pledged the college would be made to comply with the law and only grant diplomas and certificates.<ref name="cjn">"Canadian Jewish Congress worried over bill that would upgrade status of Bible college [to academic degree-granting institution]", Csillag, Ron. Canadian Jewish News; Don Mills, Ont. [Don Mills, Ont]19 Nov 1998: 3.</ref> Subsequently, a [[private members bill]] was introduced by [[Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario|Progressive Conservative]] MPP [[Jim Brown (Ontario politician)|Jim Brown]] that sought to grant the institution degree-granting authority in Ontario; the bill died on the order paper without being voted upon.<ref name="csillag">"Canada Christian College drops Jewish studies", Csillag, Ron. Canadian Jewish News; Don Mills, Ont. [Don Mills, Ont]03 Dec 1998: 3.</ref><ref name="walrus-theocons" /> The next year, in 1999, Progressive Conservative MPP [[Frank Klees]] introduced a successful private members bill (Bill PR-4) securing degree-granting authority for the college in Ontario.<ref name="walrus-theocons" />

⚫
Presently, the college is an accredited private degree-granting institution listed by the Ontario [[Ministry of Colleges and Universities]] and is permitted to grant 14 degrees "in the field of religious studies and research in higher Christian learning."<ref>https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/bills/parliament-36/session-3/bill-pr4</ref>


===Proposal for university status===
===Proposal for university status===
In 2020, the government of [[Doug Ford]] introduced a bill in the [[Ontario legislature]] which, if passed, would give the institution [[university]] status with the power to confer [[Bachelor of Arts]] and [[Bachelor of Science]] degrees. Former [[Premier of Ontario]] [[Kathleen Wynne]], a political opponent of Dr. McVety, questioned the proposal, asking “why (would) this government...extend the mandate of the most publicly and vocally homophobic man in Ontario?”<ref name="benzie">{{cite news |last1=Benzie |first1=Robert |title=Tories under fire for granting university status to evangelical college |url=https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/2020/10/22/tories-under-fire-for-granting-university-status-to-evangelical-college.html |access-date=October 23, 2020 |work=Toronto Star |date=October 22, 2020}}</ref> In response, McVety told the Toronto Star that “the college, its president, staff, and faculty value all individuals, including the LGBTQ community. ”<ref name="benzie2">{{cite news|last1=Benzie|first1=Robert|date=October 27, 2020|title=Doug Ford accused of 'backroom deal' to reward controversial evangelist Charles McVety|work=Toronto Star|url=https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/2020/10/27/doug-ford-accused-of-backroom-deal-to-reward-controversial-evangelist-charles-mcvety.html|access-date=October 27, 2020}}</ref> Additionally, Toronto Sun reporter [https://torontosun.com/author/jwarmington Joe Warmington] argued that this opposition was not borne out of concern about the college, but rather, due to McVety publicly exposing Wynne's close connection to a convicted pedophile, [[Benjamin Levin (academic)|Bejamin Levin]], who served as her Deputy Ministry of Education.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Toronto Sun - Warmington|url=https://torontosun.com/news/provincial/warmington-premier-ford-stands-up-to-over-the-top-revenge|url-status=live}}</ref>
⚫
The college is currently an accredited private degree-granting institution listed by the Ontario [[Ministry of Colleges and Universities]] and is permitted only to grant degrees "in the field of religious studies and research in higher Christian learning."<ref>https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/bills/parliament-36/session-3/bill-pr4</ref>


In 2020, the government of [[Doug Ford]] introduced a bill in the [[Ontario legislature]] which, if passed, would give the institution [[university]] status with the power to confer [[Bachelor of Arts]] and [[Bachelor of Science]] degrees. Former [[Premier of Ontario]] [[Kathleen Wynne]] criticised the proposal, asking, in reference to college president Charles McVety, “Why (would) this government ... extend the mandate of the most publicly and vocally homophobic man in Ontario?”.<ref name="benzie">{{cite news |last1=Benzie |first1=Robert |title=Tories under fire for granting university status to evangelical college |url=https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/2020/10/22/tories-under-fire-for-granting-university-status-to-evangelical-college.html |access-date=October 23, 2020 |work=Toronto Star |date=October 22, 2020}}</ref> Wynne stated that “McVety is a man who has repeatedly made vile comments about the LGBT community, about Islam and has propagated hatred.”<ref name="benzie2">{{cite news|last1=Benzie|first1=Robert|date=October 27, 2020|title=Doug Ford accused of 'backroom deal' to reward controversial evangelist Charles McVety|work=Toronto Star|url=https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/2020/10/27/doug-ford-accused-of-backroom-deal-to-reward-controversial-evangelist-charles-mcvety.html|access-date=October 27, 2020}}</ref> Ford was accused of giving McVety a [[quid pro quo]] and granting the Canada Christian College university status as a reward for McVety's past political support of Ford's [[2018 Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario leadership election|leadership campaign]] as well as of his [[Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario|Progressive Conservative]] government with [[Leader of the Official Opposition (Ontario)|Opposition Leader]] [[Andrea Horwath]] alleging "a backroom deal" between Ford and McVety.<ref name="benzie2"/> and [[Green Party of Ontario]] leader [[Mike Schreiner]] saying "This is the most blatant example of political back-scratching in Ford's tenure" and [[Ontario New Democratic Party]] MPP [[Catherine Fife]] calling the proposal "an attempt to do a favour for a political ally."<ref name="Crawley"/>
Ford was accused of giving McVety a [[quid pro quo]] and granting the Canada Christian College university status as a reward for McVety's past political support of Ford's [[2018 Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario leadership election|leadership campaign]] as well as of his [[Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario|Progressive Conservative]] government. Regarding this, [[Leader of the Official Opposition (Ontario)|Opposition Leader]] [[Andrea Horwath]] alleged "a backroom deal" between Ford and McVety<ref name="benzie2" /> In response, McVety stated that “this Ontario legislation is based upon fairness, not favoritism. It is an initiative that does nothing more than correct a systemic problem plaguing some long-standing degree-granting institutions that are called colleges, and not universities.”<ref name="Crawley" /> Additionally, he stated that “it is sad that the NDP and MPP Kathleen Wynne would recklessly damage the lives of hundreds of students and thousands of graduates with mindless, hateful name calling, all while reading directly from a disreputable source, [[Wikipedia]].”<ref name="benzie" />


The [[Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations]] stated in a letter to Premier Ford that they are "alarmed that your government is intending to discreetly pass legislation that would allow the Canada Christian College to call itself a "university" and award degrees," adding that "The Ontario government should not grant accreditation and degree-granting privileges to institutions that do not meet the anti-discriminatory and anti-hate speech principles outlined in the [[Ontario Human Rights Code]],"<ref name="Crawley">{{cite news |last1=Crawley |first1=Mike |title=Backlash grows over Ford's move to grant Charles McVety's religious college university status |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/doug-ford-charles-mcvety-canada-christian-college-university-1.5772778 |access-date=October 23, 2020 |work=CBC News |date=October 22, 2020}}</ref> The government was also criticized for introducing the bill without the [[Postsecondary Education Quality Assessment Board]] having completed review of the college's request to create new Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degree programs or its request to change its name to the Canada University and School of Graduate Theological Studies.<ref>{{cite news |title=How Doug Ford's COVID-19 legislation helps advance his party's agenda |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/covid-19-ontario-premier-doug-ford-1.5770744 |access-date=October 23, 2020 |work=CBC News |date=October 22, 2020}}</ref> [[Liberal Party of Ontario|Liberal]] leader [[Steven Del Duca]] said “it certainly looks suspicious, which is troubling” that the government would introduce enabling legislation before the college has even been approved by the PEQAB.<ref name="benzie2"/>
The [[Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations]] stated in a letter to Premier Ford that they are "alarmed that your government is intending to discreetly pass legislation that would allow the Canada Christian College to call itself a "university" and award degrees," adding that "the Ontario government should not grant accreditation and degree-granting privileges to institutions that do not meet the anti-discriminatory and anti-hate speech principles outlined in the [[Ontario Human Rights Code]]."<ref name="Crawley">{{cite news |last1=Crawley |first1=Mike |title=Backlash grows over Ford's move to grant Charles McVety's religious college university status |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/doug-ford-charles-mcvety-canada-christian-college-university-1.5772778 |access-date=October 23, 2020 |work=CBC News |date=October 22, 2020}}</ref> McVety responded to these objections, saying that “It is unconscionable for students, the majority of whom are visible minorities or new Canadians, to have their hard-earned Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral degrees marginalized due to outdated naming practices.”<ref>{{Cite web|title=McVety won't get special treatment in school accreditation process: Ford|url=https://torontosun.com/news/provincial/mcvety-wont-get-special-treatment-in-school-accreditation-process-ford|access-date=2020-10-23|website=Toronto Sun|language=en-CA}}</ref>


On December 8th 2020, the legislation for additional degree granting status and to use the term university was passed at Queens Park Legislature.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Legislation|url=https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/bills/parliament-42/session-1/bill-213/status|url-status=live}}</ref>
McVety responded to the objections, saying that “the college, its president, staff, and faculty value all individuals, including the LGBTQ community.” He stated further that “this Ontario legislation is based upon fairness, not favouritism. It is an initiative that does nothing more than correct a systemic problem plaguing some long-standing degree-granting institutions that are called colleges, and not universities."<ref name="benzie" /> Speaking about the proposed name change, he stated that “It is unconscionable for students, the majority of whom are visible minorities or new Canadians, to have their hard-earned Bachelor, Master and Doctoral degrees marginalized due to outdated naming practices.”<ref>{{Cite web|title=McVety won't get special treatment in school accreditation process: Ford|url=https://torontosun.com/news/provincial/mcvety-wont-get-special-treatment-in-school-accreditation-process-ford|access-date=2020-10-23|website=Toronto Sun|language=en-CA}}</ref> Concerning political opposition, he said that “it is sad that the NDP and MPP Kathleen Wynne would recklessly damage the lives of hundreds of students and thousands of graduates with mindless, hateful name calling, all while reading directly from a disreputable source, [[Wikipedia]].”<ref name="benzie" />


==Campus==
==Campus==
Beginning in 1979, Canada Christian College rented classroom space in the [[Ontario Institute for Studies in Education]] (OISE) building (but had no affiliation with OISE) at 252 [[Bloor Street]] West, near the [[University of Toronto]] campus, as well as classroom and office space at 5799 Yonge Street (now demolished for M2M condo) in [[Willowdale, Toronto|Willowdale]].<ref name="degrees"/><ref name="hist"/> In June 1985, Canada Christian College acquired space at 455 Huron Street (now New Hope Fellowship Church) in Toronto. In 1991, it relocated to a 50,000 square foot facility at 245 Dalesford Road in [[Etobicoke]] (now townhouses). In the summer of 1995, the college purchased and moved to a 110,000 square foot campus at 50 Gervais Drive in [[Don Mills]].<ref name="hist"/><ref name="current">{{Cite web|date=2020-02-25|title=History {{!}} Canada Christian College {{!}} Canada Christian College|url=https://canadachristiancollege.com/history/|access-date=2020-10-24|language=en-CA}}</ref>
Beginning in 1979, Canada Christian College rented classroom space in the [[Ontario Institute for Studies in Education]] (OISE) building (but had no affiliation with OISE) at 252 [[Bloor Street]] West, near the [[University of Toronto]] campus, as well as classroom and office space at 5799 Yonge Street (now demolished for M2M condo) in [[Willowdale, Toronto|Willowdale]].<ref name="degrees"/><ref name="hist"/> In June 1985, Canada Christian College acquired space at 455 Huron Street (now New Hope Fellowship Church) in Toronto. In 1991, it relocated to a 50,000 square foot facility at 245 Dalesford Road in [[Etobicoke]] (now townhouses). In the summer of 1995, the college purchased and moved to a 110,000 square foot campus at 50 Gervais Drive in [[Don Mills]].<ref name="hist"/><ref name="current">{{Cite web|date=2020-02-25|title=History {{!}} Canada Christian College {{!}} Canada Christian College|url=https://canadachristiancollege.com/history/|access-date=2020-10-24|language=en-CA}}</ref>
In 2018, Canada Christian College acquired and renovated a new lakefront campus in Whitby, Ontario with an approximately 200,000 square foot building, 600 feet of lakefront and 12 acres of land with a projected value of $43.8 million.<ref name="current"/>


== Academic programs ==
=== Current Campus ===
In 2018, Canada Christian College acquired and renovated a new lakefront campus in Whitby, Ontario with a projected value of $43.8 million.<ref name="current" /> The new campus has over 200,000 sq. ft. of facilities on 12+ acres located on Lake Ontario, including state-of-the-art classrooms, a research library, technology lab, and other facilities.<ref name=":3" /> The college also maintains physical and online libraries.<ref name=":3" /> The current campus includes Canada's largest Christian event centre, a modern facility with over 4,000 seats, the nation's largest installed LED presentation wall, and significant stage lighting and sound. A state of the art Athletics Centre is also located on campus, including two professional basketball courts, an indoor soccer facility, and a high performance strength and conditioning centre. Currently, over 18 local community and outreach groups utilize the athletics centre. <ref>https://truthchangesyou.ca</ref>
Canada Christian College houses five primary degree-granting departments: Ministry, Sacred Music, Christian Counseling, Business, and Religious Education. Across these departments, the college offers 14 Bachelor, Master and Doctoral degrees as well as 3 one-year Certificates (Worship Leadership, Bible, or Christian Counseling).

== Community Involvement ==

=== Martin Luther King Jr. Celebrations ===
Canada Christian College has hosted the [[Martin Luther King Jr.]] Celebration organized by the Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA) for over a decade. Over the past several years, the events have been attended by Toronto Mayor [[John Tory]], Liberal MP Ahmed Hussen, Liberal MPP [[Mitzie Hunter]], NDP Leader [[Jagmeet Singh]] (when he was still an NDP MPP), former Toronto Chief of Police [[Mark Saunders (police officer)|Mark Saunders]], York Region Deputy Chief of Police Andre Crawford, President of Ontario Conference Dr. Mansfield Edwards, Andre Lucas from Toronto Dominion Bank and Gwyn Chapman Strategic Youth Advisor for the City of Toronto.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Warmington|first=Joe|title=MLK Day: Toronto Celebrates Canadian Fan Dr. Martin Luther King|work=Toronto Sun|url=https://torontosun.com/news/local-news/martin-luther-king-day-joe-w/wcm/c0d9fce5-50ae-4a6d-8654-79b146b6fcbe/amp/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration|url=https://bbpa.org/events-programsmartin-luther-king/|url-status=live|website=Black Business and Professional Association}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=The BBPA celebrates the journey and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.|work=Toronto Caribbean:|url=https://torontocaribbean.com/the-bbpa-celebrates-the-journey-and-legacy-of-martin-luther-king-jr/}}</ref>


==Past controversies==
==Past controversies==
The president of the college, [[Charles McVety]], has a history of making controversial remarks regarding [[homosexuality]] and [[Islam]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Steven Zhou|author-link=Steven Zhou|title=Doug Ford headlines Christmas concert with controversial evangelical pastor|url=https://www.vice.com/en_ca/article/j5za8p/doug-ford-headlines-christmas-concert-with-controversial-evangelical-pastor|date=2018-12-10}}</ref> In 2019, Canada Christian College organized a protest in support of [[Chick-fil-A]] amid [[Chick-fil-A and LGBT people|its controversial relationship with LGBT people]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Christian group plans counter-protest in support of Toronto Chick-fil-A|url=https://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2019/09/chick-fil-a-toronto-counter-protest-christians/}}</ref>
The president of the college, [[Charles McVety]], has a history of making controversial remarks regarding [[homosexuality]] and [[Islam]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Steven Zhou|author-link=Steven Zhou|title=Doug Ford headlines Christmas concert with controversial evangelical pastor|url=https://www.vice.com/en_ca/article/j5za8p/doug-ford-headlines-christmas-concert-with-controversial-evangelical-pastor|date=2018-12-10}}</ref> In 2019, McVety organized a protest in support of [[Chick-fil-A]] amid [[Chick-fil-A and LGBT people|its controversial relationship with LGBT people]], concerning which he stated that his intention was to "pray that those who hate us will find love in their hearts and support freedom."<ref>{{cite news|title=Christian group plans counter-protest in support of Toronto Chick-fil-A|url=https://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2019/09/chick-fil-a-toronto-counter-protest-christians/}}</ref>


===Department of Jewish Studies===
===Department of Jewish Studies===
Line 67: Line 76:


===Muslims===
===Muslims===
In 2011, Canada Christian College invited and hosted [[Geert Wilders]], an anti-Islam politician<ref name=hume/> who has called for the banning of the [[Koran]]. During his speech, Wilders said that moderate Islam does not exist,<ref>{{cite book|title=Islam on YouTube: Online Debates, Protests, and Extremism|author=Ahmed al-Rawi|page=72|publisher=[[Springer Publishing|Springer]]}}</ref> and that Canadian Muslims were a danger to democracy.<ref>{{cite news|author=JOHN MICHAEL MCGRATH|title=Five stupid things Geert Wilders said during his stay in Toronto|url=https://torontolife.com/city/toronto-politics/five-stupid-things-geert-wilders-said-during-his-stay-in-toronto/}}</ref>
In 2011, Canada Christian College's auditorium was rented to [[Geert Wilders]], an anti-Islam politician<ref name=hume/> who has called for the banning of the [[Koran]]. During his speech, Wilders said that moderate Islam does not exist,<ref>{{cite book|title=Islam on YouTube: Online Debates, Protests, and Extremism|author=Ahmed al-Rawi|page=72|publisher=[[Springer Publishing|Springer]]}}</ref> and that Canadian Muslims were a danger to democracy.<ref>{{cite news|author=JOHN MICHAEL MCGRATH|title=Five stupid things Geert Wilders said during his stay in Toronto|url=https://torontolife.com/city/toronto-politics/five-stupid-things-geert-wilders-said-during-his-stay-in-toronto/}}</ref>


Charles McVety, president of the Canada Christian College, has said,
Charles McVety, president of the Canada Christian College, has said,

Revision as of 14:42, 15 May 2021

43°43′31″N 79°20′13″W / 43.72528°N 79.33694°W / 43.72528; -79.33694

Canada Christian College and School of Graduate Theological Studies
TypeBible college
Established1967; 57 years ago (1967)
FounderElmer S. McVety
AffiliationEvangelical Christian
PresidentCharles McVety (since 1993)
Academic staff
70
Address
300 Water Street
,
Whitby
,
Ontario
,
Canada

43°51′10″N 78°55′29″W / 43.85278°N 78.92472°W / 43.85278; -78.92472
Campussuburban
ColoursRed & black
Websitehttp://www.canadachristiancollege.com/

Canada Christian College and School of Graduate Theological Studies, commonly shortened to Canada Christian College, is an Evangelical Christian Bible college located in Whitby, Ontario, Canada.[1] As of 2020, over 6,500 people have graduated from Canada Christian College.[2]

File:Canada Christian College Campus.jpg
Canada Christian College Campus located on Lake Ontario at Port Whitby
File:Canada Christian College Athletics Centre.jpg
Canada Christian College Athletics Centre
File:Canada Christian College Lobby.jpg
Canada Christian College Auditorium Lobby

Academic programs

The College houses five primary degree-granting departments: Ministry, Sacred Music, Christian Counseling, Business, and Religious Education.[3] Across these departments, the college offers 14 Bachelor, Master and Doctoral degrees as well as 3 one-year Certificates (Worship Leadership, Bible, or Christian Counseling).[3][4] In coordination with the the degrees above, the school also has thirteen specializations. Program specializations include community outreach, social work, addiction counselling, performing arts, contemporary music, etc.[3]

History

Canada Christian College traces its origins to Richmond College, which was founded in September 1967 as a Christian liberal arts college by Elmer McVety (1928-1993), Canadian evangelist John Wesley White (1928-2016) who served as chancellor, and his brother, Hugh White, who served as the first dean. The college, which expected to have 100 students in its first year, was originally located on a 7-acre site at Lake Shore Boulevard and Dixie Road leased from the federal government that was formerly a Canadian Army arsenal. Its degree-granting powers were based on a letters patent from Manitoba rather than a provincial charter from Ontario.[5] McVety was "removed from the board" of Richmond College in June 1969 following a dispute but remained chairman of the Canadian Non-Denominational Association for Education and Evangelism, the organization he founded in Manitoba in 1963 under which the college issued its degrees.[6][7] In 1974, the Canadian Non-Denominational Association for Education and Evangelism launched a theological school named Canada Christian College, with classes being held at space rented from McMaster University in Hamilton[8] until 1980,[7] while Richmond College continued to offer arts programs at its campus at Leslie Street and Steeles Avenue. In 1981, when Richmond College closed, custody of student records was assigned to Trinity Western University in Langley, British Columbia.

In 1982, it was alleged that awarded degrees were "useless" for further study or teaching jobs in recognized universities and that the religious studies degrees were similarly suspect as the school was not accredited by any recognized religious educational body. At the time, the school had 300 students. According to Elmer McVety, some of the college's courses were prepared by the Christian International University in Phoenix, Arizona,[7] an unaccredited institution[7] whose programs were considered "academically substandard" by the state of Texas.[6]

Canada Christian College was able to continue issuing theological degrees under the authority of its Manitoba letters patent. In 1991 an official at the Ministry of Colleges and Universities stated that the Canada Christian College's granting of degrees appeared to contravene the Ontario Degree Granting Act of 1983. However, McVety clarified the college was not in contravention of the Act, but rather, legally granted degrees through the Manitoba College.[9] In 1993, Elmer McVety died and his son, Charles McVety, took over leadership of the college.[10]

In 1998 Minister of Colleges and Universities Richard Allen argued that the college was not authorized to grant degrees and pledged the college would be made to comply with the law and only grant diplomas and certificates.[11] Subsequently, a private members bill was introduced by Progressive Conservative MPP Jim Brown that sought to grant the institution degree-granting authority in Ontario; the bill died on the order paper without being voted upon.[12][10] The next year, in 1999, Progressive Conservative MPP Frank Klees introduced a successful private members bill (Bill PR-4) securing degree-granting authority for the college in Ontario.[10]

Presently, the college is an accredited private degree-granting institution listed by the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities and is permitted to grant 14 degrees "in the field of religious studies and research in higher Christian learning."[13]

Proposal for university status

In 2020, the government of Doug Ford introduced a bill in the Ontario legislature which, if passed, would give the institution university status with the power to confer Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. Former Premier of Ontario Kathleen Wynne, a political opponent of Dr. McVety, questioned the proposal, asking “why (would) this government...extend the mandate of the most publicly and vocally homophobic man in Ontario?”[14] In response, McVety told the Toronto Star that “the college, its president, staff, and faculty value all individuals, including the LGBTQ community. ”[15] Additionally, Toronto Sun reporter Joe Warmington argued that this opposition was not borne out of concern about the college, but rather, due to McVety publicly exposing Wynne's close connection to a convicted pedophile, Bejamin Levin, who served as her Deputy Ministry of Education.[16]

Ford was accused of giving McVety a quid pro quo and granting the Canada Christian College university status as a reward for McVety's past political support of Ford's leadership campaign as well as of his Progressive Conservative government. Regarding this, Opposition Leader Andrea Horwath alleged "a backroom deal" between Ford and McVety[15] In response, McVety stated that “this Ontario legislation is based upon fairness, not favoritism. It is an initiative that does nothing more than correct a systemic problem plaguing some long-standing degree-granting institutions that are called colleges, and not universities.”[17] Additionally, he stated that “it is sad that the NDP and MPP Kathleen Wynne would recklessly damage the lives of hundreds of students and thousands of graduates with mindless, hateful name calling, all while reading directly from a disreputable source, Wikipedia.”[14]

The Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations stated in a letter to Premier Ford that they are "alarmed that your government is intending to discreetly pass legislation that would allow the Canada Christian College to call itself a "university" and award degrees," adding that "the Ontario government should not grant accreditation and degree-granting privileges to institutions that do not meet the anti-discriminatory and anti-hate speech principles outlined in the Ontario Human Rights Code."[17] McVety responded to these objections, saying that “It is unconscionable for students, the majority of whom are visible minorities or new Canadians, to have their hard-earned Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral degrees marginalized due to outdated naming practices.”[18]

On December 8th 2020, the legislation for additional degree granting status and to use the term university was passed at Queens Park Legislature.[19]

Campus

Beginning in 1979, Canada Christian College rented classroom space in the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) building (but had no affiliation with OISE) at 252 Bloor Street West, near the University of Toronto campus, as well as classroom and office space at 5799 Yonge Street (now demolished for M2M condo) in Willowdale.[7][8] In June 1985, Canada Christian College acquired space at 455 Huron Street (now New Hope Fellowship Church) in Toronto. In 1991, it relocated to a 50,000 square foot facility at 245 Dalesford Road in Etobicoke (now townhouses). In the summer of 1995, the college purchased and moved to a 110,000 square foot campus at 50 Gervais Drive in Don Mills.[8][2]

Current Campus

In 2018, Canada Christian College acquired and renovated a new lakefront campus in Whitby, Ontario with a projected value of $43.8 million.[2] The new campus has over 200,000 sq. ft. of facilities on 12+ acres located on Lake Ontario, including state-of-the-art classrooms, a research library, technology lab, and other facilities.[3] The college also maintains physical and online libraries.[3] The current campus includes Canada's largest Christian event centre, a modern facility with over 4,000 seats, the nation's largest installed LED presentation wall, and significant stage lighting and sound. A state of the art Athletics Centre is also located on campus, including two professional basketball courts, an indoor soccer facility, and a high performance strength and conditioning centre. Currently, over 18 local community and outreach groups utilize the athletics centre. [20]

Community Involvement

Martin Luther King Jr. Celebrations

Canada Christian College has hosted the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration organized by the Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA) for over a decade. Over the past several years, the events have been attended by Toronto Mayor John Tory, Liberal MP Ahmed Hussen, Liberal MPP Mitzie Hunter, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh (when he was still an NDP MPP), former Toronto Chief of Police Mark Saunders, York Region Deputy Chief of Police Andre Crawford, President of Ontario Conference Dr. Mansfield Edwards, Andre Lucas from Toronto Dominion Bank and Gwyn Chapman Strategic Youth Advisor for the City of Toronto.[21][22][23]

Past controversies

The president of the college, Charles McVety, has a history of making controversial remarks regarding homosexuality and Islam.[24] In 2019, McVety organized a protest in support of Chick-fil-A amid its controversial relationship with LGBT people, concerning which he stated that his intention was to "pray that those who hate us will find love in their hearts and support freedom."[25]

Department of Jewish Studies

In 1991, the college was the subject of complaints by the Canadian Jewish Congress for its plans to have a "Jewish studies" department which, it was alleged, would be teaching classes meant to train students to convert Jews to Christianity. Bernie Farber of the CJC said of the college "We will take on any group whose aim is to destroy Judaism, philosophically, spiritually or directly." Rev. Malvern Jacobs and Rev. Edward Brotsky were the dean and vice-dean of the new department and were described as messianic Jews.[26] Jacobs later served as dean of Canada Christian College.[27]

In 1998, the Canadian Jewish Congress opposed a private members bill that would have conferred degree-granting status on Canada Christian College. The Congress alleged that the college's Jewish Studies Department had been promoting the proselytization of Jews. The CJC withdrew its opposition after the college agreed to disband the department.[10][12] McVety told Canadian Jewish News, "We want to make it very clear that the Canada Christian College does not approve of or engage in any process to convert Jews to Christianity."[28]

In 2003, McVety joined with B'nai Brith to participate in its countermissionary campaign and voiced his opposition to groups such as Jews for Jesus.[29] "As a committed Christian I support the idea of preaching Christianity, but preaching Christianity under the guise of Judaism to those who are in fact seeking Judaism, is plainly wrong," said McVety.[30]

In 2008, Frank Dimant, executive vice-president of B'nai Brith Canada, was appointed the Chair of the newly inaugurated Department of Modern Israel Studies; he was promoted to dean in 2015 and remained with the college until 2019.[31]

College president Charles McVety is national chairman of Christians United for Israel - Canada,[32] a pro-Israel advocacy organization and the Canadian affiliate of the American Christian Zionist organization led by John Hagee. The college houses the Canadian seminary outreach program of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, one of the foremost humanitarian organizations operating in the Middle East.

Muslims

In 2011, Canada Christian College's auditorium was rented to Geert Wilders, an anti-Islam politician[33] who has called for the banning of the Koran. During his speech, Wilders said that moderate Islam does not exist,[34] and that Canadian Muslims were a danger to democracy.[35]

Charles McVety, president of the Canada Christian College, has said,

Islam is not just a religion, it’s a political and cultural system as well and we know that Christians, Jews and Hindus don’t have the same mandate for a hostile takeover.[33]

The Toronto Muslim community rejected the above comment, stating they had no intention of any hostile takeover.[33] Canadian Council on American-Islamic Relations also expressed concern at the remarks made by McVety.[36]

In December 2017, the auditorium of Canada Christian College was rented to host Pamela Geller, who is known for her anti-Muslim views, to speak at an event.[37][38]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Canada Christian College". Retrieved October 20, 2020.
  2. ^ a b c "History | Canada Christian College | Canada Christian College". February 25, 2020. Retrieved October 24, 2020.
  3. ^ a b c d e "PEQAB - CCCSGTS" (PDF). PEQAB.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  4. ^ "Educational Institution's Profile". www.cicic.ca. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
  5. ^ "Evangelicals split over new college", Toronto Daily Star, 18 Mar 1967: 12.
  6. ^ a b "Religious group sued", Toronto Star (1971-2009); Toronto, Ontario, 27 Apr 1977: A5.
  7. ^ a b c d e "Bible college may lose its right to give degrees", Toronto Star, August 12, 1982, pgs A1 and A8 (retrieved via ProQuest)
  8. ^ a b c https://web.archive.org/web/20000528110158/http://www.canadachristiancollege.com/history.htm
  9. ^ "Jews question status of college", Toronto Star (1971-2009); Toronto, Ontario [Toronto, Ontario]30 Nov 1991: A10.
  10. ^ a b c d McDonald, Marci (December 5, 2006). "Stephen Harper and the Theo-cons". The Walrus. Archived from the original on September 28, 2007. Retrieved December 5, 2006.
  11. ^ "Canadian Jewish Congress worried over bill that would upgrade status of Bible college [to academic degree-granting institution]", Csillag, Ron. Canadian Jewish News; Don Mills, Ont. [Don Mills, Ont]19 Nov 1998: 3.
  12. ^ a b "Canada Christian College drops Jewish studies", Csillag, Ron. Canadian Jewish News; Don Mills, Ont. [Don Mills, Ont]03 Dec 1998: 3.
  13. ^ https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/bills/parliament-36/session-3/bill-pr4
  14. ^ a b Benzie, Robert (October 22, 2020). "Tories under fire for granting university status to evangelical college". Toronto Star. Retrieved October 23, 2020.
  15. ^ a b Benzie, Robert (October 27, 2020). "Doug Ford accused of 'backroom deal' to reward controversial evangelist Charles McVety". Toronto Star. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  16. ^ "Toronto Sun - Warmington".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  17. ^ a b Crawley, Mike (October 22, 2020). "Backlash grows over Ford's move to grant Charles McVety's religious college university status". CBC News. Retrieved October 23, 2020.
  18. ^ "McVety won't get special treatment in school accreditation process: Ford". Toronto Sun. Retrieved October 23, 2020.
  19. ^ "Legislation".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  20. ^ https://truthchangesyou.ca
  21. ^ Warmington, Joe. "MLK Day: Toronto Celebrates Canadian Fan Dr. Martin Luther King". Toronto Sun.
  22. ^ "Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration". Black Business and Professional Association.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  23. ^ "The BBPA celebrates the journey and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr". Toronto Caribbean:.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link)
  24. ^ Steven Zhou (December 10, 2018). "Doug Ford headlines Christmas concert with controversial evangelical pastor".
  25. ^ "Christian group plans counter-protest in support of Toronto Chick-fil-A".
  26. ^ McAteer, Michael, "Jews question status of college", Toronto Star, November 30, 1991
  27. ^ van Rijn, Nicolaas, "Jewish cemetery refuses educator's body --- Man rejected because he abandoned faith, rabbis' council rules", Toronto Star, June 28, 1999
  28. ^ Lowes, Carol "Jews for Jesus campaign exposes growing tensions", Christian Week, September 30, 2003
  29. ^ Scrivener, Leslie, "Jewish leaders take on evangelical promoters; Vow opposition to Jews for Jesus 'Fighting them on street corners'", Toronto Star, August 24, 2003
  30. ^ "Jewish and Christian leaders launch countermissionary campaign", Jerusalem Post, August 28, 2003
  31. ^ "A Word from the Dean". Canada Christian College. Canada Christian College. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 11, 2015.
  32. ^ "Christian Zionists under attack by Protestant brethren". National Post. May 9, 2012. Retrieved October 28, 2020.
  33. ^ a b c Jessica Hume, Anti-Islamic political leader Geert Wilders comes to Canada, National Post, May 5, 2011.
  34. ^ Ahmed al-Rawi. Islam on YouTube: Online Debates, Protests, and Extremism. Springer. p. 72.
  35. ^ JOHN MICHAEL MCGRATH. "Five stupid things Geert Wilders said during his stay in Toronto".
  36. ^ Ask Federal Leaders to Condemn Anti-Muslim Views of Visiting Politician Geert Wilders Archived July 6, 2011, at the Wayback Machine, CAIR-CAN, May 06, 2011.
  37. ^ ""World's top Islamophobe," Pamela Geller, to speak at Jewish Defence League event in Toronto". Now Toronto.
  38. ^ Bernie Farber and Mira Sucharov. "We must overcome Islamophobia in 2018". Toronto Star.

External links

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