City Council in Saskatchewan Declares December as Christian Heritage Month

A sign can be seen in Weyburn, Sask., on Oct. 16, 2025. The Canadian Press/Heywood Yu

The City of Weyburn in Saskatchewan has proclaimed December as Christian Heritage Month, recognizing that Christians have made “historical and ongoing contributions” to the community.

Mayor Jeff Richards read the proclamation at a Dec. 8 council meeting of the City of Weyburn, a community of 10,000 about 115 kilometres southeast of Regina.

The proclamation says Christians have contributed to the country in various ways, including in education, health care, community service, and charitable work.

“December, as a season of reflection and goodwill, is a fitting time to celebrate the values of compassion, generosity, and peace that are central to Christian heritage and resonate across our whole community,” the proclamation says.

The declaration, signed by Richards, said December holds significance for Christians as it is the month of Advent and the birth of Jesus Christ.

Ontario Declaration

Ontario Liberal MPP Stephen Blais has introduced a similar motion for the province.

Blais said in a Dec. 7 social media video that Christian pioneers have “played a significant role” in shaping the culture, social, and artistic sectors of the province.

He also said that the Christian community “reflects a rich diversity of backgrounds, including Latin American, European, First Nations, African, Asian, and Middle Eastern heritage,” and the “vibrant community” continues to strengthen the fabric of Ontario, making it a “welcoming and inclusive place.”

Blais said that declaring a Christian Heritage Month would allow Ontarians to “reflect on, celebrate, and learn about the historical roots and enduring contributions of our vast Christian community. “

Blais’s bill, which passed first reading on Dec. 1, said the month of December was “particularly appropriate” as Christians celebrate the birth of the Messiah each year in December.

“Promoting this understanding will also foster greater interfaith dialogue by encouraging mutual respect and shared knowledge,” the bill said.

Manitoba

Progressive Conservative MLA in Manitoba Carrie Hiebert has also called on her province to designate December as Christian Heritage Month, introducing Bill 229 last week.

She said it was a “personal honour” to bring the bill forward.

“It is important to bring awareness to the Christian faith and the meaningful role it contributes to Manitoba. Christians give back in many ways, through charitable works, community service, support for families, and care for the vulnerable. My faith continues to guide my service, and I am honoured to help advance this work,” Hiebert said in a Dec. 4 post on social media.

She said the bill recognizes the “significant contributions” made by Manitoba’s Christian community.

“Christians have played a significant role in shaping communities through their support of charities, schools, hospitals, and many other organizations that provide services to those in need,” the social media post said.

The proposal is currently before the legislature.

More than 30 municipalities across the country have declared December Christian Heritage Month as of last year.

Federal Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu introduced Bill C-369 in 2023, calling for all of Canada to acknowledge Christian Heritage Month.

“We have Sikh Heritage Month, Hindu Heritage Month, Muslim history month, Jewish Heritage Month and so many more,” she said at the time.

She said it was only “fair and right” to have a month for Christians.

The bill was given first reading on Dec. 5, 2023, but has made no progress since that time.

Lee Harding contributed to this report.