Buddhist Heritage Month petition tabled in Canadian Parliament

Canada has taken a significant step toward national recognition of Buddhist heritage by officially tabling a federal e‑petition in the House of Commons to designate May as Buddhist Heritage Month.

The petition, registered as e‑6893, garnered 3,102 verified signatures from Canadians nationwide. It was formally presented on Friday, May 8, 2026, by Member of Parliament Jenna Sudds, representing the Kanata riding.

When adopted into law, Canada would become the first country in the world to formally dedicate an entire month at the national level to celebrate Buddhist heritage—marking a historic achievement for the global Buddhist community.

The initiative was led by Sri Lankan-born Canadian Buddhist leader Visita Sirin Leelaratna, who has been advocating for Buddhist cultural recognition in Canada for over ten years through the Buddhist Embassy and Vesak celebrations in Ottawa.

Following the petition’s presentation in Parliament, Leelarathna met MP Sudds at her Kanata constituency office, where he presented a commemorative plaque in gratitude for her ongoing support.

MP Sudds highlighted the importance of this effort, noting that more than 300,000 Canadians identify as Buddhists and play meaningful roles in education, healthcare, interfaith dialogue and community well-being. She stressed that May—aligned with the globally observed Vesak season—is the most appropriate month to honor Buddhist heritage.

This federal milestone builds on other notable developments across the country. The City of Ottawa, under Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, has officially declared May 2026 as Buddhist Heritage Month, making it the first Western capital city to do so.

Prime Minister Mark Carney also issued an official statement recognizing the occasion and encouraging Canadians to deepen their understanding of Buddhist traditions and values.
Picture: MP Jenna Sudds receives a commemorative plaque from Buddhist Embassy founder Visita Sirin Leelaratna at her Kanata constituency office.