Two councillors are backing a motion that would see December proclaimed as Christian Heritage Month in the City of Toronto.
The motion, which will face a vote next week, comes from Scarborough—Agincourt Coun. Nick Mantas and is seconded by Coun. Frances Nunziata, who represents York South—Weston.
It argues that “Christianity is the most followed religion in our country, with more than half of the Canadian population identifying as members of the Christian faith.” The latter point is backed up by data from Statistics Canada.
“The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms even mentions God in its very first sentence,” the motion continues.
It argues that December should be recognized because it commemorates Christmas and the death of Jesus Christ.
Two-thirds of council must vote in favour of the motion for it to be added to next week’s meeting agenda. If it’s added, it just needs a simple majority to pass.
There is an organized effort to get municipalities, provinces and Canada’s federal government to proclaim Christian Heritage Month. A campaign website run by the Christian Musical Festival lists all of the jurisdictions that have done so already, including over 20 towns and cities in Ontario.
When Mississauga council voted recently to recognize Christian Heritage Month, the motion it passed also urged Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s government to follow suit.
A federal private member’s bill was tabled on the matter last year but it has not yet passed second year.
