Several federal and provincial lawmakers as well as veterans are condemning Veterans Affairs for calling Easter “March holiday season” in a social media post. The move follows the controversy that erupted last year when the Defence Department told military chaplains they can’t use the word “God” during official ceremonies.
The post drew a barrage of criticism the following day. Many Conservative MPs condemned it.
Conservative deputy leader Tim Uppal called VAC’s post “woke nonsense.”
“53% of Canadians are Christian,“ he added. ”And nobody worth worrying about is offended by wishes of a Happy Easter.”
Several provincial politicians commented on the post as well.
Ontario Progressive Conservative MPP Lisa MacLeod questioned whether Veteran Affairs would extend well wishes to veterans who honour the Christian holiday.
B.C. Conservative MLA Bruce Banman panned the government for being “too afraid” to mention the name of the religious holiday.
‘Gone Too Far’
Some veterans also spoke out against VAC’s post.
The Epoch Times contacted Veterans Affairs for comment but didn’t hear back by publication time.
“Today, millions of Christians in Canada and around the world will celebrate Easter,” Mr. Trudeau said.
Directive to Chaplains
The Epoch Times reported last October that the Department of National Defence had directed chaplains not to use the word “God” and avoid making references to a “higher power such as ‘Heavenly Father.’”
On Oct. 11, a month before Remembrance Day, one of the most important military ceremonies, the Office of the Chaplain General issued a new policy that replaces public prayer with non-religious “spiritual reflections.”
“This is to ensure that all feel included and able to participate in reflection no matter their beliefs,” a department spokesperson told The Epoch Times at the time.
“This woke mentality, or I don’t know how you want to call it, has really taken over the chaplaincy and they’re using threats and fear to really control and submit everyone into obedience,” said an active duty chaplain who asked for anonymity to avoid reprisal.
