We recommend that the Ontario Government immediately amend the date of the 2022 municipal election in Ontario (October 24) due to the conflict with the significant religious and cultural observance of Diwali.

Whereas, Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, is observed annually by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains around the world, including hundreds of thousands of Ontarians. With approximately over one million Ontarians of South Asian heritage who celebrate Diwali, including those from the Indo-Caribbean diaspora, should not have to choose between their religious observances and their civic duties.

Whereas the municipal election day is currently scheduled on the same day as Diwali, it will deter a significant number of members of the Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains communities to vote and participate in the municipal election.

Whereas Ontario’s South Asian community is vast and has significant representation in several major municipalities across the province. The conflict of the municipal election day on the most significant observance of the year will absolutely deter these Ontarians from participating in the election.  These Ontarians should not be conflicted on October 24th between observing their religious and cultural traditions and participating in the democratic process.

Whereas on previous occasions, the Government has sought to avoid conflicts with other religious observances.  In 2007, the Ontario Government moved the election date from October 4 to October 10 because of a conflict with the Jewish holiday of Shemini Atzeret, on which some members of the Orthodox Jewish community would be unable to vote. When that change was made, the former chief election officer, John Hollins, was concerned Oct. 11 might infringe on that week's Eid al-Fitr holiday, which marks the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, and that date was avoided as well.

Whereas there is a precedent in Ontario for moving an election date to ensure that the diversity of the province is respected and that all citizens can participate and practice their democratic right to vote. Diwali is one of the most significant observances in the calendars for Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains in the province.

Therefore the Government of Ontario immediately change the date of the Ontario municipal elections and ensure fairness and equality for Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains in Ontario.