The BC government has refused to declare December as Christian Heritage Month and cited Christmas as the reason.Molly Banerjei, co-founder and CEO of the Christian Music Festival in Toronto, has led a national campaign for cities, provinces, and the federal government to recognize the month.On November 29, B.C.'s ministry of multiculturalism emailed Banerjei to state their refusal."We understand that your organization has been proudly serving British Columbia, and we thank you for your organization’s work to support the rich multicultural and religious diverse reality we enjoy in British Columbia. We also appreciate the effort required to submit a proclamation request," read the reply."After consideration, the provincial government will not be proceeding with issuing a proclamation this year. Regretfully, your submission overlaps with other significant and nationally recognized statutory holidays celebrating the Christian faith, notably Christmas. Further to this, British Columbia recognizes additional days celebrating the Christian faith throughout the year for the general public, such as Good Friday/ Easter."The advent season that leads up to Christmas was not enough to persuade the government."Thank you for your understanding. We wish you every success with your planned events and opportunities for celebration," the email concluded..Edmonton, Calgary, UCP government stall Christian Heritage Month declaration.Banerjei forwarded the correspondence to Premier David Eby and gave the province another chance."The recent decision to decline our request has saddened and disappointed me, as well as many Christians who proudly call British Columbia home. With 34.3% of the province’s population identifying as Christian, this recognition would mean a great deal to our community," Banerjei wrote."The government of British Columbia has set a commendable example by recognizing numerous heritage months, including:Tamil Heritage Month (January)Black History Month (February)Sikh Heritage Month (April)Asian Heritage Month (May)Italian Heritage Month (June)National Indigenous History Month (June)Polish Heritage Month (September)German Heritage Month (October)Hindu Heritage Month (November)"These observances celebrate the province’s cultural diversity and the contributions of various communities. Recognizing December as Christian Heritage Month would align with this tradition of inclusivity while acknowledging the historical and ongoing contributions of Christians to British Columbia."Your biography highlights your role as a 'determined problem-solver who has spent a lifetime taking on powerful interest groups to get things done for people.' This is one such moment in time when leadership is required. "I believe this is also an opportunity for British Columbia to take the lead in acknowledging Christian heritage and history as part of its broader commitment to embracing the contributions of all communities."I kindly request your immediate intervention in reconsidering this decision. December is almost here. Your support would set a powerful example for other provinces and affirm British Columbia’s leadership in championing inclusivity and honoring its diverse population. Christians are the most multicultural and diverse community in B.C. "I am cc’ing John Rustad in this email because this is not a partisan request. My hope is that both of you, as leaders, can work collaboratively to include the Christian community in this impressive lineup of heritage recognitions."Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the possibility of collaborating with you on this important initiative."BC's Indigenous History Month (June) overlaps the National Aboriginal Day of June 21. Heritage BC also acknowledges September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.A private member's bill by Ontario Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu to declare December as Christian Heritage Month was introduced a year ago but remains stalled.A Government of Canada website declares Pride Season as extending from June to September.
