Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present petition e-6893, signed by over 3,100 Canadians, calling on the House to designate May as Buddhist heritage month.
Buddhism is a growing faith in Canada. Over 300,000 Canadians practice Buddhism, with communities in every province and territory. Buddhist Canadians make real contributions to our country every day, through mindfulness programs in schools and hospitals, through interfaith dialogue and through supporting vulnerable people in our communities.
Each May, Buddhists around the world celebrate Vesak, marking the birth, enlightenment and passing of Gautama Buddha. It is the holiest observance for 500 million people worldwide. Designating May as a natural and meaningful choice moving forward, Buddhist heritage month would complement Asian Heritage Month, Black History Month and Women's History Month, reflecting who we are as a country.
Canada is built on inclusion, religious freedom and multiculturalism. This petition asks us to live by those values.