TORONTO (CCN) — It has become apparent to Molly Banerjei the Government of Ontario has no enthusiasm nor urgency to join with nearly 60 municipalities, three regions and the province of Saskatchewan in declaring December as Christian Heritage Month.
Ontario is not alone in not granting a provincial statutory declaration. British Columbia Premier David Eby outright refused the request because the “submission overlaps with recognized statutory holidays celebrating the Christian faith, notably Christmas.” The City of Vancouver denied the request as well.
Quebec, Manitoba and the territories are not a surprise as no municipalities within those jurisdictions have approved this endeavour, honouring the contributions, cultural legacy and inclusivity of Christian communities. In Atlantic Canada, only the Cape Breton Regional Municipality in Nova Scotia has signed on.
Banerjei, the CEO of the Christian Heritage Month initiative, said Alberta will debate a motion in March and “we don’t anticipate any issues” with a provincial designation on track for December 2026.
The lack of movement in Ontario has been stupefying, considering Ottawa, Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, Markham, Kingston and Barrie are among the 35 municipalities in Canada’s most populous province to participate, along with the Durham and York Regions.
“Ontario is being very problematic,” said Banerjei. “It is a Conservative government here in Ontario. Christians have supported this current government quite a bit, but it’s not even a matter of Christian support; it’s (about) doing the right thing.
“Ontario has recognized Hindu Heritage Month, Sikh Heritage Month, Islamic Heritage Month, along with a whole lot of other heritage months,” continued Banerjei. “When it comes to Christian Heritage Month, it appears to me they’re not too keen on it.”
In 2024, Banerjei, who oversees the annual Christian Music Festival in Toronto, met with Premier Doug Ford multiple times. Banerjei said Ford requested she send the information to his office to see what could be done.
