Municipal proclamations are often adopted through a council resolution or similar formal process, or they may be left to the Mayor's discretion. They may be governed by specific policies that detail how an individual (or group) can apply to have a proclamation issued, with forms, deadlines, and approval processes. Or, they may be left up to the whims of council. As a result, it is rather difficult to provide a clear step-by-step guide; however, we have a few key recommended steps that folks can follow:

1. Identify your local government’s process for issuing a proclamation. A basic internet search using: “the name of your municipality” + “proclamations” should identify the appropriate page on your local government’s website quickly, as some local government websites can be hard to navigate. If your local government has a search box on their website, you may be able to search “proclamation” there. If this doesn't work, email your mayor, councillor or the government's general contact form.
   
2. Review the requirements, deadlines, and any other relevant information. Some municipalities will have various options, ranging from asking the Mayor to drafting a letter of recognition to submitting a form. Review the relevant web pages and determine which of these options best fits your request. Note the deadlines, as these are often a month or more in advance.
   
3. Submit a request. Ensure that you submit your request with sufficient time prior to Religious Neutrality Day. While the information required on any request form will vary, you will typically need to include some or all of the following information:
   1. Date: April 15, 2026. This is a single day of awareness.
   2. Date Required: Ideally on or before April 15, 2026. If it is a few days before the 15th, this gives the BCHA time to draft and circulate a press release.
   3. Occasion Title: ‘Religious Neutrality Day’
   4. A Description of the request: Here is where you describe the day and its importance/significant. Proclamations are often written in the format of a formal resolution. A resolution is a formal decision or expression of opinion, intent or will adopted by a municipal council or other governing body. It typically includes preamble clauses beginning with “whereas” that outline background or reasons, and an operative clause beginning with “Therefore be it resolved that” or “Now therefore,” that states the action, position, or request the council is making.
      We have drafted a sample resolution that you can present in your application if a request needs to be submitted in this format. We have also provided a short summary of Religious Neutrality Day and its importance, in the form of a paragraph, that you can also use in your application (see below for both).
   5. Letters of Support and Additional Information: If an application requires additional information, such as a letter of support from an organization, or additional information about Religious Neutrality Day, please contact the BCHA and we can help.
   6. Personal Information: You will likely be required to input your personal information, including contact information, and a mailing address to receive a paper copy of the proclamation. Note that this may become part of the public record, either in council meeting minutes or available through FOI.
   7. Organization Information: Some municipalities will also require a request be made by an organization directly. If you are in British Columbia, let us know and we'll support that application. Outside of BC, look up a local Humanist Canada chapter or affiliate or Centre for Inquiry Canada Branch (or just Google your local humanist, atheist or skeptic group).
4. Tell the BCHA about it. Please let us know when you have submit a proclamation request and keep us up to date on the progress of your application. If you get a proclamation, be sure to snap a picture and let us know. 

Sample Resolution Requesting Proclamation

Resolution Recognizing Neutrality Day – April 15, 2026

Whereas, April 15 marks the anniversary of the Supreme Court of Canada's decision in Mouvement laïque québécois v. Saguenay (City), 2015 2 S.C.R. 3, which affirmed the principle of religious neutrality in public institutions; and

Whereas, the decision underscored the importance of maintaining a secular space where individuals of all faiths and beliefs can coexist in harmony and mutual respect; and

Whereas, our community is committed to upholding the values of equality, diversity, and respect for all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs or non-beliefs; and

Whereas, recognizing "Religious Neutrality Day" provides an opportunity for our community to reflect on the importance of religious neutrality and to promote awareness and understanding among all residents; and

Whereas, this day serves as a reminder of our dedication to fostering a harmonious and inclusive society where everyone feels welcome and respected;

Now, Therefore, as Mayor, I do hereby proclaim April 15, 2026, as Religious Neutrality Day, and encourage all residents to join in commemorating this important milestone and to participate in educational events and discussions on the significance of religious neutrality in our society.

Sample of Letter Requesting Proclamation

Dear Mayor and Council,

We are asking your council to proclaim April 15, 2026, as "Religious Neutrality Day." This date marks the anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court of Canada decision in Mouvement laïque québécois v. Saguenay (City), 2015 2 S.C.R. 3.

The decision in MLQ v. Saguenay found prayers at municipal council meetings to be an unconstitutional breach of the state's duty of religious neutrality. This was a significant moment in Canadian history: It affirmed the principle of religious neutrality in public institutions and the importance of maintaining a secular space where individuals of all faiths and beliefs can coexist. By recognizing this anniversary, we celebrate our commitment to upholding the values of equality, diversity, and respect for all citizens.

Proclaiming April 15 as "Religious Neutrality Day" serves as a reminder of our dedication to these fundamental principles and promotes awareness and understanding among our community members. It also provides an opportunity for education and discussions on the importance of religious neutrality in fostering a harmonious and inclusive society.

We kindly request that the Council consider this proposal and take the necessary steps to proclaim April 15, 2025, as "Religious Neutrality Day." We have included a sample proclamation below.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Contact Information]

Examples of Past Proclamations