Thank you, Madam Chair.
CPC-33 will be followed by CPC-34. CPC-33 is being distributed, so perhaps I'll just wait a moment.
CPC-33 also relates to proposed new clause 1.4.
I move that Bill S‐245 be amended by adding after line 18 on page 1 the following new clause:
1.4 Section 24 of the Act is amended by adding the following:
Respecting holidays and days of significance to promote Canada’s multicultural identity
24.1 (19) Citizenship ceremonies may not be scheduled on Vesak.
Vesak is the most important day in Buddhism, when Buddhists in Canada and around the world commemorate the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha. The community celebrates by going to prayer at the temple and meditating upon Buddhist teachings of kindness, generosity, peace and compassion.
It's an important day, and we should ensure that citizenship ceremonies are not scheduled on the same day that many Buddhists will be celebrating Vesak.
Thank you, Chair.