WATCH ABOVE: A Supreme Court decision about a Quebec city council has others across Canada doing some legal reflection. Vinesh Pratap reports.
EDMONTON — In the wake of a Supreme Court ruling, city councils across Canada are considering whether they should open their meetings with a prayer.
“I am assuming… there will be an analysis of what we do,” said Edmonton city councillor Bryan Anderson.
“I don’t, however, have any concern that the process that we go through – of a moment of thoughtfulness at the beginning of city council – will have any reference to the decision made by the Supreme Court.”
Anderson said, in his 18 years on council, he has heard no negative comments from the public about this practice. In Edmonton, council meetings often begin with either a prayer or a reflection from another religion.
“We give opportunity for everybody to be included at some time or another,” explained Anderson.
Councillor Scott McKeen would like to see the practice continue.
“I hope nothing will change because our tradition in council has been to open it up multi-faith.”
“We welcome and honour and celebrate people of all faiths,” he added.
The Supreme Court of Canada ruled Wednesday the municipal council in the Quebec town of Saguenay cannot open its meetings with a prayer. In a unanimous decision, the country’s top court said reciting a Catholic prayer at council meetings infringes on freedom of conscience and religion.
READ MORE: Supreme Court rules prayers can’t continue at Quebec council meeting
Later Wednesday, Regina city council suspended the practice of opening its meetings with a prayer.
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