Mr. Speaker, Canadians are getting ready for the Christmas festivities. It’s time for generosity, giving, and helping the less fortunate. But, Mr. Speaker, the spirit of the season is often bruised by unnecessary political correctness. Attempts are made to ban nativity scenes; holiday trees replace Christmas trees; the 12 days of giving replace the 12 days of Christmas; and reference to God, Christ, and the Lord are cast aside leaving us with just a meaningless, consumer-oriented holiday.

Mr. Speaker, I'm a Sikh and I'm not offended when Christians celebrate Christmas. Rather, I wish my Christian friends a Merry Christmas and they wish me a Happy Gurpurb or Happy Vaisakhi.

Cultural tolerance or ethnic equality should never mean diluting someone's faith. It’s time we move from tolerance to acceptance. We should accept and respect each other’s beliefs. Let's not deprive Christians of Christianity – let’s celebrate it! Merry Christmas everyone!