Christian Heritage Month legislation under consideration provincially, nationally

As provincial and federal politics begin to pick up legislative steam again starting this autumn following the summer recess, a stakeholder group set to pay close attention is the Christian Heritage Month initiative.

In 2025, this endeavour encouraging Canada’s civic leaders to honour the contributions, cultural legacy and inclusivity of this nation’s Christian communities by proclaiming December Christian Heritage Month was embraced by the province of Saskatchewan, three regions and 60 municipalities from across the nation.

This burgeoning initiative is already set to grow for December 2026. The Government of Alberta will officially acknowledge Christian Heritage Month as Motion 509 was approved by the provincial legislative assembly on March 30.

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Now the founders and coordinators of this nationwide effort, married couple Molly and Jay Banerjei, shift their attention towards Parliament Hill and the legislative assemblies of Ontario and Manitoba.

Conservative Senator Leo Housakos, the leader of the opposition in the upper chamber, tabled Bill S-249 on June 9.

The text of the bill identifies how Christianity “has profoundly influenced the principles of compassion, justice and service upon which Canada is founded” and recognizes Canadian Christians for their “significant contributions to the growth and prosperity of Canada throughout its history.” Additionally, the legislative proposal underscored how “it is essential to honour and celebrate the diverse expressions of faith that continue to enrich our communities.”

Molly told the Catholic Register that she remains in dialogue with Housakos about S-249. He has relayed that “the best scenario would be that it will pass the Senate by the end of the year so we can have a celebration regarding (this achievement) in December,” but that depends on the scheduling of second reading.

Weeks before the 44th Canadian Parliament was prorogued on Jan. 6, 2025, by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as he announced his intention to step down, a private member’s motion, M-171, in support of Christian Heritage Month was submitted by Liberal MP Jean Yip on Nov. 27, 2024.

“That did not go anywhere because Parliament was dissolved prematurely, but we would like to highlight that because it shows this is not a partisan (effort),” said Banerjei. “It is not just Conservatives in support.”

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Evidence of the potential bipartisan energy behind Christian Heritage Month was demonstrated by Ontario Liberal MPP Stephen Blais filing legislation in support last December. His Bill 83 also awaits second reading. The text of the bill touts that one of the potential benefits of an official proclamation is that it will foster “greater interfaith dialogue by encouraging mutual respect and shared knowledge.”

Molly said the Christian Heritage Month team will continue its advocacy work with various MPPs.

“We’ve spoken to the majority of them, and they said when it does come up you will have our support,” she said.

She also expressed gratitude that a provincial politician in Canada’s largest province is taking on this effort in light of the struggles she’s experienced engaging the Doug Ford government.

Much more success has been achieved at the municipal level in Ontario. Thirty-five communities, including Toronto and Ottawa, actively participate.

Perhaps even more impactful than a provincial proclamation in Ontario is one in Manitoba. Not a single Manitoban municipality signed onto Christian Heritage Month in 2024 or 2025, but now there is Bill 229 in the legislature.

Progressive Conservative Party MLA Carrie Hiebert told media when she filed the legislation last December that her faith in Christ moves her in life.

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“My Christian faith has been really what drives me to do what I’m doing,” she said. “I want to make a difference. I want to really make an impact in my community and in my province and the world around me.”

Molly said Hiebert told her that a second reading vote will likely be scheduled this fall.

(Amundson is an associate editor and writer for The Catholic Register.)