Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has seemingly given his support to the month of December being officially noted as “Christian Heritage Month,” pending approval by members of parliament.
On Wednesday (Dec. 11) Liberal MP Jean Yip (Scarborough-Agincourt) hosted the prime minister at a “Christmas on the Hill” celebration at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario.
At the event, Trudeau reportedly thanked Yip for her official motion, "Motion M-171" to the Canadian House of Commons for the country to officially recognize December as “Christian Heritage Month.” He said it was “the kind of recognition… we ought to celebrate,” reported the Western Standard.
Trudeau’s comment came after Yip presented the motion in the House of Commons at the end of November, calling on the parliament to recognise that firstly, “the month of December is significant in the Christian calendar as it marks the beginning of advent and Christmas," secondly, that "there are 19.3 million Canadians identifying as Christians," thirdly, “Christianity in Canada is an example of our diversity, as Canada is home to more than 340 Christian denominations,” and lastly, “in the opinion of the House, the government should designate the month of December, every year, as Canadian Christian Month.”
Confessing his own Christian faith at the parliamentary Christmas event, the prime minister also reportedly said Canada’s diverse Christian communities were united in celebrating the birth of Jesus.
“All of us gather around this deep faith that is grounded in the principles and values of Jesus's message, peace, kindness, generosity, forgiveness and faith,” Trudeau said.
“These are the principles that unite us all, not just as Christians, but in so many cases as Canadians–commitment to each other, commitment to community, that idea of service, of following the example of Christ, our Lord Jesus, in his message, in his teachings, in his humility, but also in his extraordinary leadership.”
Yip had been persuaded and supported in her parliamentary motion by Molly Banerjei, chief executive officer of the Christian Music Festival, which has been campaigning for the Christian Heritage Month to be honored in Canada each December, as previously reported by Christian Daily International.
"Prime Minister Trudeau's personal pledge of support is the Christmas gift I've been waiting for. Meeting so many MPs and ministers who backed our initiative was truly heartwarming. I am deeply grateful for this overwhelming support,” said Banerjei.
“I also want to express my sincere thanks to MP Jean Yip. When I asked her to introduce a motion recognizing Canada's Christian legacy and to host Christmas on the Hill, she delivered on both. Her dedication and commitment to this initiative have been invaluable."
More than 40 municipalities, two regions and the province of Saskatchewan have so far officially recognized the Christian heritage of Canada, as the campaign grows.
"MPs and Ministers from diverse faiths and cultures have personally pledged their support for Motion M-171," Banerjei added. "This reflects the shared understanding that recognizing Christian heritage contributes to the broader story of Canada's multicultural fabric."
Christian Heritage Month initiative is a movement by the Christian Music Festival, a Toronto based non-profit dedicated to fostering unity, inclusivity and multiculturalism through music and community events.
Founded by Jay and Molly Banerjei, the festival itself attracts more than 20,000 attendees annually and serves as a platform to celebrate faith and heritage.
