e-4744 (Culture and heritage)

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.