SoVote

Context: House Hansard - 334 - Jun/18/24

Jun/18/24 11:51:17 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, contrary to what the hon. member suggested, Diwali is a religious and sacred event in the lives of many Hindus and Sikhs across the globe. We are talking about more participation on the Diwali day when people will be celebrating. There will also be a lot more traffic on the streets of major municipalities, which would distract voters from going to the polls. In fact, it is a very good suggestion. On one side, we could celebrate the religious, sacred day of Diwali. On the other side, the voters could go and vote freely with a lot more numbers during the next week, after Diwali.

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Context: House Hansard - 334 - Jun/18/24

Ms. Kristina Michaud (Avignon—La Mitis—Matane—Matapédia, BQ)

Jun/18/24 1:40:38 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, with this bill the government is proposing that the 2025 elections be held a week later than the date that had been set. The government claims that this is on account of a religious holiday, Diwali, a festival held by the Hindu religious group. Apparently there are other groups that celebrate it as well, namely the Sikhs and Buddhists. I quickly logged on to the Statistics Canada site to ascertain the proportion of religious groups present in Canada. The site counts over 21 religious groups. I noted that 2.3% of Canada's population is Hindu, 2.1% Sikh and 1% Buddhist. What this government is proposing to do, then, is to push back the elections to allow less than 4.5% of the Canadian population to celebrate their religious holiday. I would remind members that in Canada, over 34.6% of the population do not practise any religion and 29.9% are Catholic, so I find this a little curious. I have to ask myself whether it is not irresponsible, or even dangerous, to start changing such an important date as the federal election date on account of a religious holiday. I was speaking about the 21 religious groups identified. There are probably a number of religious holidays for these groups, perhaps more than 365, so if we try to be fair, we might end up never finding a day during the year to hold the federal elections. I wonder whether it is not irresponsible on the government's part to invoke this reason for postponing the elections.

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Context: House Hansard - 334 - Jun/18/24

Ms. Leah Taylor Roy (Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill, Lib.)

Jun/18/24 2:02:09 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, this past weekend, I marched in the York Pride parade alongside York Pride, PFLag, the York Region Liberals and thousands of others who joined in unity to celebrate and support the 2SLGBTQI+ community. This past weekend also marked the beginning of Eid al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice, one of the most important celebrations in the Muslim community, which is observed by many in my riding. In the past I have also joined with them. When communities gather to celebrate, we all can observe or participate to learn more. With understanding and familiarity, we are able to accept and appreciate the unique and diverse neighbours we all have here in Canada. These occasions remind us to stand against discrimination and to ensure that everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or culture feels valued and safe. As we approach Canada Day, let us all do our part to ensure we are inclusive and proudly united as we work together to build an even better Canada. Happy Pride. Eid Mubarak. Happy Canada Day.

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Context: House Hansard - 334 - Jun/18/24

Mr. Pierre Paul-Hus (Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, CPC)

Jun/18/24 2:05:27 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, the francophonie is at the heart of Canadian identity. It represents a fundamental pillar of our history and culture. It is a source of pride for our country to count among us francophones who, across the country, contribute to Canada's vitality and linguistic diversity. On June 24, I am very proud as a Quebecker to celebrate Quebec's national holiday, an emblematic day that brings together Quebeckers and all those who carry in their hearts the love of our dynamic and endearing nation. How can we talk about Quebec's national holiday without talking about Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day? This celebration, that draws its origins from popular traditions, has become a time for festivities across Quebec, but also in countless francophone communities from coast to coast to coast. Throughout Canada's history, as Quebeckers, we have contributed to building a unique and prosperous country. I wish everyone a happy national holiday and a happy Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day.

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