Lawmakers and Veterans Express Anger Over Veterans Affairs Referring to Easter as ‘March Holiday Season’
Many federal and provincial lawmakers, along with veterans, are criticizing Veterans Affairs for referring to Easter as the “March holiday season” in a social media post. This move comes after a previous controversy last fall when the Defence Department instructed military chaplains not to use the word “God” during official ceremonies.
The post received significant backlash the following day, with many Conservative MPs expressing their disapproval.
Defence critic James Bezan called out Veterans Affairs for their post, stating, “Hey Veterans Affairs Canada, it’s called Easter! Quit your tone-deaf and disrespectful posts.”
Veterans Affairs critic Blake Richards also questioned the choice of words, saying, “March holiday season?? Is this for real??”
Related Stories
Conservative deputy leader Tim Uppal criticized VAC’s post, describing it as “woke nonsense.”
He stated on Twitter, “It’s Easter. Have some respect. Stop this woke nonsense.”
Michael Barrett, shadow minister for ethics and accountable government, tweeted, “Is Veterans Affairs Canada too woke to acknowledge either the cultural or religious significance of Easter?”
He added, “53% of Canadians are Christian. And nobody worth worrying about is offended by wishes of a Happy Easter.”
Based on census data, Statistic Canada reported in October 2022 that “in 2021, over 19.3 million people reported a Christian religion, representing just over half of the Canadian population (53.3%).”
Independent MP Kevin Vuong expressed his wishes for a Happy #Easter to all who have served or continue to serve Canada, sharing VAC’s post on March 30.
Several provincial politicians also weighed in on the controversy.
Ontario MPP Lisa MacLeod questioned whether Veteran Affairs would extend Easter wishes to veterans who observe the holiday.
She stated, “Easter? Do you wish Veterans a happy Easter? And before me – husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather all served King, Queen, and country. They all observed Easter too.”
B.C. MLA Bruce Banman criticized the government for not acknowledging the religious holiday.
He commented on Twitter, “It’s absolutely pathetic that Trudeau’s Government is too afraid to say Easter. Why is it always Christian Holidays that get singled out by the left???”
Former Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall tweeted, “Happy Easter! See – that’s not so hard.”
‘Gone Too Far’
“This has gone too far,” said Eddie Cornell, co-founder of Veterans for Freedom, expressing his disappointment. “It’s called Easter!”
“What is the March Holiday Season?” wrote veteran Tom Quiggin. “Did you mean Easter? Veterans Affairs, when they are not offering MAID to veterans seems to hate Christians as well.”
The Epoch Times reached out to Veterans Affairs for comment but did not receive a response by publication time.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement on March 31 to observe Easter.
“Today, millions of Christians in Canada and around the world will celebrate Easter,” Mr. Trudeau said.
He added, “Commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Easter is a celebration of rebirth and beginning anew. The resurrection of Christ provides hope for our past, present, and future. It serves as an enduring reminder of the power of belief, forgiveness, and resilience… From loving our neighbors to taking care of those most vulnerable.”
Directive to Chaplains
The Epoch Times reported last October that the Department of National Defence had instructed chaplains not to mention the word “God” or references to a “higher power such as ‘Heavenly Father'” during official ceremonies.
Before Remembrance Day, the Office of the Chaplain General issued a policy replacing public prayer with non-religious “spiritual reflections” to ensure inclusivity, the department explained.
The move faced criticism from Conservatives and chaplains who spoke out about the directive.
“This woke mentality has really taken over the chaplaincy… using threats and fear to control and submit everyone into obedience,” an anonymous active duty chaplain commented.
Noé Chartier contributed to this report.
