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Fisheries Department sends memo to employees to explain Christmas
By Jennifer Campbell, Postmedia NewsDecember 22, 2010
OTTAWA — Canada's Fisheries Department employees now know what Christmas is all about, thanks to a memo issued this week by Deputy Minister Claire Dansereau.
The memo, sent to all departmental employees Tuesday, was titled "Christmas — December 25, 2010."
It notes that "December 25th is a national holiday in Canada and in many countries around the world."
For those unfamiliar with the holiday, it continues: "On that day, Christians commemorate the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. Families decorate trees and put ornaments on their front door or yard and in their house. Christians and non-Christians gather around delicious holiday dishes and share gifts and cards."
And, finally, for those who want to learn more about Christianity, it gives a web link to a National Defence Religions Canada document. It finishes by wishing "all who participate, a very Merry Christmas."
Dansereau didn't respond to an interview request but media relations manager Frank Stanek replied by email. He explained that DFO is "a learning organization" that is "committed to (being) a workplace that supports and celebrates diversity."
He said that means it "seeks to promote, support and celebrate the benefits of diversity in the workplace through many initiatives, including the sharing of information about special holidays, celebrations and observances."
Stanek said his boss "routinely" sends out notes to all employees introducing or providing information about cultural observances and this year, the list included Christmas, Hanukkah and the birthday of Guru Nanak, who is the founder of Sikhism.
© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen
By Jennifer Campbell, Postmedia NewsDecember 22, 2010
OTTAWA — Canada's Fisheries Department employees now know what Christmas is all about, thanks to a memo issued this week by Deputy Minister Claire Dansereau.
The memo, sent to all departmental employees Tuesday, was titled "Christmas — December 25, 2010."
It notes that "December 25th is a national holiday in Canada and in many countries around the world."
For those unfamiliar with the holiday, it continues: "On that day, Christians commemorate the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. Families decorate trees and put ornaments on their front door or yard and in their house. Christians and non-Christians gather around delicious holiday dishes and share gifts and cards."
And, finally, for those who want to learn more about Christianity, it gives a web link to a National Defence Religions Canada document. It finishes by wishing "all who participate, a very Merry Christmas."
Dansereau didn't respond to an interview request but media relations manager Frank Stanek replied by email. He explained that DFO is "a learning organization" that is "committed to (being) a workplace that supports and celebrates diversity."
He said that means it "seeks to promote, support and celebrate the benefits of diversity in the workplace through many initiatives, including the sharing of information about special holidays, celebrations and observances."
Stanek said his boss "routinely" sends out notes to all employees introducing or providing information about cultural observances and this year, the list included Christmas, Hanukkah and the birthday of Guru Nanak, who is the founder of Sikhism.
© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen
