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e-4744 (Culture and heritage)

E-petition
Initiated by Waseem Iqbal from Brampton, Ontario

Original language of petition: English

Petition to the Government of Canada

Whereas:
  • Preserving our Christian heritage, rooted in the Canadian Bill of Rights and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, is vital;
  • We seek to celebrate December as Christian Heritage Month annually, promoting love, equality, and peace; and
  • Our Christian foundations, recognized globally, shape our identity as a mosaic of cultures.
We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to celebrate December as Christian Heritage Month annually, promoting love, equality, and peace, and our Christian foundations, recognized globally, that shape our identity as a mosaic of cultures.

Response by the Minister of Canadian Heritage

Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Taleeb Noormohamed

The Government of Canada would like to thank the petitioners for expressing their interest in declaring the month of December as Christian Heritage Month. The promotion and protection of human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, is an important part of Canada’s engagement in the world. Canada’s multi-cultural and multi-faith experience is reflective of our efforts to champion inclusive governance, pluralism, and respect for diversity in all spheres of society.

Please note that it is not necessary for the federal government to officially declare a special day, week, month, or year in order for it to be observed by the Canadian population. In fact, we currently observe a number of special times of recognition that have been declared by entities and organizations other than the federal government. For example, Canadians celebrate Zero Discrimination Day on March 1st and Pride Month in June.

The Government does officially recognize, however, certain months and days such as Black History Month in February and National Indigenous History Month in June. For more information on the recognition of special days, weeks, and months, we invite you to consult the following web page: https://lop.parl.ca/sites/PublicWebsite/default/en_CA/ResearchPublications/201506E? The web page describes the processes by which a day, week or month may be recognized in Canada. It also describes the difference between observances that are legal holidays, where employees are paid for time off, and those that receive symbolic recognition, with particular attention to designations at the federal level.

Open for signature
December 20, 2023, at 12:37 p.m. (EDT)
Closed for signature
January 19, 2024, at 12:37 p.m. (EDT)
Presented to the House of Commons
Marilyn Gladu (Sarnia—Lambton)
February 1, 2024 (Petition No. 441-02052)
Government response tabled
March 18, 2024
Photo - Marilyn Gladu
Sarnia—Lambton
Conservative Caucus
Ontario