NDP calls on Ford government to recognize May as Buddhist Heritage Month

QUEEN’S PARK — Ontario NDP MPPs Alexa Gilmour (Parkdale—High Park), Tom Rakocevic (Humber River—Black Creek), and Kristyn Wong-Tam (Toronto Centre) joined Buddhist community leaders as they called on the Ford government to recognize May as Buddhist Heritage Month in Ontario:

“This bill would recognize the many contributions of Ontario’s Buddhist communities,” said Gilmour. “Recognizing these days of significance helps us to see one another across our differences, and celebrate our shared contributions to our province."

“Canada is home to over 300,000 adherents of the Buddhist faith,” said Rakocevic. “Well over half of them live right here in Ontario. It is essential that we recognize how their teachings of non-violence and compassion have enriched our province and the communities within it.”

“For over 100 years, Buddhists have served as community leaders in Ontario,” said Wong-Tam. “They have shared their teachings in sectors such as mental health, social services, inter-faith dialogue, education, and cultural preservation. They have made our communities more vibrant, and are fully deserving of this recognition.”

The MPPs tabled Bill 118, Buddhist Heritage Month Act, 2026 in the Ontario Legislature yesterday, where it was ordered for Second Reading.