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Bill 118, Buddhist Heritage Month Act, 2026

Gilmour, Alexa

Rakocevic, Tom

Wong-Tam, Kristyn

Current status:

First Reading Ordered for Second Reading

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Status

Debates

Original

Bill 118 Original (PDF)

EXPLANATORY

NOTE

The

Bill proclaims the month of May in each year as Buddhist Heritage Month.

Bill 118 2026

Act to proclaim the month of May as Buddhist Heritage Month

Preamble

Canada

is home to over 300,000 adherents of the Buddhist faith, over half of whom live

in Ontario. For over 100 years, Buddhists have made significant contributions

to Ontario’s social, cultural and spiritual fabric, helping to foster unity and

interfaith harmony through teachings of compassion, nonviolence and the oneness

of humanity.

Buddhism

is one of the world’s oldest spiritual traditions, founded over 2500 years ago.

It is practiced across Asia and beyond, including in India, Tibet, China,

Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Thailand, and encompasses diverse

traditions such as Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana.

Buddhism

is a growing faith in Canada, with numerous meditation centres, temples and

dharma communities across all provinces and territories. Ontario’s Buddhist

communities offer a wide range of valuable services, from mindfulness programs

in schools, workplaces, healthcare facilities and community centres, to support

for vulnerable populations, educational programs on Buddhist philosophy and

ethics and interfaith dialogue that fosters tolerance and understanding.

the month of May, many Buddhists celebrate Vesak, commemorating Gautama

Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and attainment of final Nirvana. The most sacred

observance for millions of Buddhists worldwide, Vesak is marked through

reflection, acts of generosity and community gatherings. By proclaiming May as

Buddhist Heritage Month, the Province of Ontario recognizes Buddhism’s role in

Ontario’s spiritual and cultural landscape and celebrates the unique faith,

traditions and history of Buddhists in Ontario and around the world.

Therefore,

His Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of

the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows:

Buddhist

Heritage Month

The

month of May in each year is proclaimed as Buddhist Heritage Month.

Commencement

This Act comes into force on the day it receives Royal Assent.

Short

title

The

short title of this Act is the Buddhist Heritage Month Act, 2026 .

Date Bill stage Event Outcome Committee

May 14, 2026

First Reading

Ordered for Second Reading

May 14, 2026

First Reading

Vote

Carried

First Reading

May 14, 2026

Carried

Ordered for Second Reading

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