They weren’t going to let this slide.
Canadian legislators have come out strongly against a recent report from the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) that labeled Christmas and Easter holidays as instances of “systemic religious discrimination.” The House of Commons, the lower house of the Canadian Parliament, unanimously passed a motion on November 30th condemning the CHRC’s paper. The motion aimed to denounce any efforts to polarize events deeply entrenched in Quebec and Canadian heritage for generations, urging unity as the Christmas season approached.
The tension around this issue escalated when Bloc Quebecois House Leader Alain Therrien questioned Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about the supposed racism tied to Christmas. Trudeau swiftly dismissed the notion, emphasizing Canada’s diversity and the celebration of various cultural events that enrich the country. He pointed out that embracing and sharing these celebrations contribute to Canada’s richness and diversity.
The CHRC report, published on October 23rd, raised concerns that the existing statutory holidays, Christmas and Easter, might disadvantage non-Christian communities in Canada. It highlighted a history of discrimination rooted in colonialism and suggested that non-Christians might need special accommodations to observe their own religious holidays or times when they need to refrain from work.
Moreover, the report addressed what it called “everyday manifestations of religious tolerance,” including actions like scheduling meetings on important days for certain religious groups or assuming the newness of someone solely based on their religious background.
To counter religious intolerance, the report recommended expanding awareness beyond statutory holidays like Christmas and Easter to include a broader understanding of diverse religious and cultural days of significance.
The motion passed by the House of Commons stands as a firm rebuttal to the CHRC report’s characterization of Christmas and Easter as examples of systemic religious discrimination. It asserts the importance of preserving cultural heritage while promoting unity and understanding among Quebecers and Canadians, especially during the festive Christmas season.