The day after the National Assembly passed a motion defending Christmas, the House of Commons followed Quebec’s lead and passed a similar motion.
Posted at 6:44 p.m
Katrine Desautels The Canadian Press
The motion submitted by the Bloc Québécois was unanimously approved by elected members of Parliament on Thursday.
In a press release, the Bloc explains that the purpose of the motion is to recall the importance of the traditional Christmas celebration for Quebecers and to condemn the position of the Canadian Human Rights Commission, which judges Christmas holidays and Easter as “discriminatory” to religious minorities.
The motion states that the House of Representatives denounces the Canadian Human Rights Commission’s comments that “holidays associated with Christianity, including Christmas and Easter,” constitute a “clear example” of “systemic religious discrimination.”
In its “Reflection Paper on Religious Intolerance,” the Commission adds that “discrimination against religious minorities in Canada is rooted in the history of colonialism in Canada.” This history manifests itself today in systemic religious discrimination. An obvious example is public holidays in Canada.
The motion also states that the chamber “denounces any attempt at polarization to unify events that have been part of the heritage of Quebec and Canada for several generations.” It invites all Canadians to come together this holiday season.
The bloc’s parliamentary leader, Alain Therrien, who introduced the motion, said he was pleased that elected officials from all parties had agreed to remember that Christmas was not discriminatory. “Everyone agrees on the importance of this traditional celebration, which represents a unique opportunity for gathering and gathering for Quebecers of all generations,” he said in a news release.
On Wednesday, the Christmas theme of discrimination played out during question time in the House of Representatives. Bloc leader Yves-François Blanchet said that according to the Canadian Human Rights Commission, “the simple celebration of Christmas, the tree, the family, the music, the gifts” is “systemic racism.” He asked Prime Minister Justin Trudeau if he thought Christmas was racist.
Mr. Trudeau responded: “Obviously Christmas is not racist.” He added that Canada is a country that celebrates personal beliefs and shares the different holidays of our neighbors, and that this makes Canada a rich and diverse country.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre added to the Christmas theme by criticizing Mr. Trudeau and his carbon tax. “Will he stop preying on Canadians so they can enjoy nice presents this year and maybe even a turkey and a hot meal for Christmas?” “.
Mr. Trudeau’s responses to the Conservative leader also focused on defending Christmas, notably reiterating that the Conservative Party’s climate skepticism threatens future white Christmases.