Canada will make history as the first Western country to officially recognise May as Buddhist Heritage Month, following preliminary approval in Parliament and the launch of petition e-6893.

An electronic petition, designated e-6893, has been launched to secure a minimum of 500 signatures from individuals of any nationality residing in Canada. “Upon reaching the requisite number, the motion will advance for approval in Parliament,” said Visita Sirin Leelaratna, a Sri Lankan-born Buddhist and founder of the Buddhist Embassy® and Vesak in Ottawa.

Jenna Sudds, Member of Parliament for Kanata, Ontario, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement, has officially endorsed Leelaratna’s petition e-6893.

Around 200 signatures have already been collected, and organisers are confident that the required number will be reached before the end of the month.

Leelaratna, the visionary behind the initiative, described the move as a significant milestone in recognising the cultural, spiritual, and humanitarian contributions of Canadian Buddhists.

Buddhism is a growing faith in Canada, with over 300,000 followers and numerous meditation centres, temples, and dharma communities across all provinces and territories.

Leelaratna also noted that Canada is the first Western country in the world to install road signs near Buddhist temples.

Canadians are encouraged to support the initiative by signing and sharing Petition e-6893 on the Parliament of Canada website.

Leelaratna was also invited to the recent Kanata Remembrance Day Ceremony, where he had the privilege of laying a wreath on behalf of the Buddhist Embassy.

The petition (https://www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-6893) will remain open until 5 March 2026.

Picture: Visita Leelaratna with MP Jenna Sudds at the Kanata Remembrance Day, along with a specimen of the e-petition and newly installed Buddhist signage in Canada.