The Kanata Santa Claus Parade in the west end of Ottawa is making a comeback this year, but the Girl Guides of Canada (GGC) will not be participating because of its secularism policy. “We got a response from the Girl Guides that Girl Guides of Canada does not allow them to be part of a Christmas parade,” said Ottawa Coun. Allan Hubley in a Monday interview with CTV News Ottawa. Hubley said he reached out to several community groups to let them know the Kanata Santa Claus Parade was returning and invited them to participate, but the local GGC chapter replied to say it would not be coming. It is part of GGC’s wider diversity, inclusion and equity policy found in its handbook. “GGC is a secular organization, which means that Guiding is not affiliated with nor privileges any religion or faith-based beliefs, behaviours and traditions,” it said. “As a secular organization, we welcome girls and women from all and no religious affiliations.”It said being a secular organization “signals Guiding’s belief in providing a safe space and sense of belonging for all girls.”If it participates or promotes religious practices, it said it could turn away future members who do not share those beliefs. Therefore, it tries to avoid events rooted in religion such as a Christmas parade. GGC was unavailable for an interview with CTV News Ottawa, but CEO Shannon Benner repeated its commitment to secularism. “GGC has been working diligently to ensure that all activities offered by the organization are of a secular nature so that we are providing an inclusive space for all who choose to be members of Girl Guides of Canada,” said Benner. “As a result, participating in activities that have a connection to a specific religious celebration are not part of the program offering at GGC.”Benner acknowledged the GGC program platform “offers suggestions for Guiders and members looking to create inclusive and fun unit experiences.”Several local GGC leaders confirmed they would not be participating in the Kanata Santa Claus Parade. Hubley said he could not believe it at first. He asked for it to check. “Apparently, there is something being sent out to all the groups to tell them that they can't do that,” he said.He confirmed the Scouts will be able to participate. In this case, he will tell his two granddaughters they cannot be in the parade, but their brother can because he is in the Scouts. The Kanata Santa Claus Parade is taking place on November 25, starting at 10 a.m. It starts at Holy Redeemer Church, goes down Rothesay, across Glamorgan to Castlefrank, up Castlefrank to Abbeyhill, up that way, and ends at Hazeldean Mall.Hubley concluded by saying he hopes to see GGC at the parade. “We just want everyone who can to be part of the parade because it's all about celebrating the caring and giving and kindness of the season,” he said.This ordeal comes after GGC changed the name of the Brownies in November.READ MORE: Girl Guides is dropping the name Brownies for a more ‘inclusive’ nameIt told volunteers the Brownies name will be changed, which will affect seven- and eight-year-old girls.The reason for the name change is to be more inclusive as laid out in an email to volunteers.
