Joseph Ben-Ami - Biography

Joseph C. Ben-Ami is the President and CEO of the Canadian Centre for Policy Studies, a conservative public policy think-tank. Before joining the Canadian Centre for Policy Studies he was the executive director of the Institute for Canadian Values (ICV). Before that he was director of Government Relations and Diplomatic Affairs for B'nai B'rith Canada. He is also a member of the international advisory board of the organization Jews Against Anti-Christian Defamation, a US-based Jewish group dedicated to fighting discrimination directed against Christians. Married to Lynne Cohen.

Ben-Ami has close ties to the current pro-Israel leadership of Conservative Party of Canada. He is a former policy aid to both Stockwell Day and Stephen Harper. He had also served as a "top operative" in the Canadian Alliance leadership campaign of Stockwell Day.

Ben-Ami writes extensively and is a frequent radio and television commentator, providing analysis of political issues and current events from a social and economic conservative perspective. A collection of his columns, essays and speeches can be viewed at http://www.josephbenami.com

Advocacy on the same-sex marriage question

Ben-Ami has been a notable opponent of same-sex marriage in Canada. In a news release from ICV, Ben-Ami stated that "Canadians of all backgrounds cherish freedom of religion, ... they are concerned with the impact that same-sex ‘marriage’ legislation is having on religious freedom, and they, quite sensibly, want Parliament to act to protect it."

Quote

"The very tolerance our society cherishes has its roots in religion, particularly the Judeo-Christian intellectual and political heritage. Rob people of that knowledge and you rob them of the theoretical framework that is the basis for democracy. Our goal is not to impose our views on anyone. We just want to contribute as fully as possible in responding to the complex needs of a modern, democratic society."

External links

• Profile, from Proudtobecanadian.ca