OTTAWA — The Bloc Québécois wants the "Almighty God" out of the House of Commons.
The party tabled a motion Tuesday to change a standing order requiring that a prayer be read before each daily sitting of the House. In its place, the Bloc says members of Parliament should participate in a "moment of reflection."
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is against the idea, saying the issue of the daily prayer is not a priority for his government or for Canadians.
Bloc MP Martin Champoux, however, says society has evolved. "When we want to be inclusive, we must ensure that the symbols and actions are also inclusive," he told reporters.
The Bloc is using one of its two opposition days to bring forward the motion. On opposition days, parties have the chance to table a motion of their choosing for debate in the House. The Bloc's motion reads that the House should respect the "beliefs and non-beliefs" of parliamentarians and the public. It also discusses the "principle of separation of religion and state" and the respect of "secularism and religious neutrality of the state for the sake of inclusion."
The reading of a prayer at the beginning of each day's sitting has been part of the business of the House of Commons since 1877 but has only been a standing order since 1927. It begins with "Almighty God" and ends in "Amen."
"Guide us in our deliberations as members of Parliament, and strengthen us in our awareness of our duties and responsibilities as members," the prayer says. "Grant us wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to preserve the blessings of this country for the benefit of all and to make good laws and wise decisions."
Trudeau says ending the daily prayer is not top of mind for Canadians.
"When I talk to people in my riding of Papineau, to Quebecers and to people across the country, they talk to me about the cost of living, the issues of the war in Ukraine, inflation, climate change. It is on these major issues that we will continue to focus,” he told reporters.
Conservative House leader John Brassard signalled he would vote against the Bloc's motion, calling it inappropriate for the Bloc to use its opposition day to try and remove the daily prayer.
The NDP, meanwhile, said they would allow members to vote how they please. The party, however, says it will propose the motion be amended. Before the moment of reflection, which would replace the prayer, it should be mentioned that the House of Commons is located on unceded Indigenous land, the third opposition party says.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 10, 2022.
Michel Saba, The Canadian Press
