PRIME Minister Justin Trudeau on Sunday issued the following statement on Easter:

“Today, millions of Christians in Canada and around the world will celebrate Easter.

“Commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Easter is a celebration of rebirth and beginning anew. The resurrection of Christ provides hope for our past, present, and future. It serves as an enduring reminder of the power of belief, forgiveness, and resilience. As the holiest day in the Christian calendar, Easter invites us to reflect on the values Christ lived by and died for, and to reaffirm these values in our lives – from loving our neighbours to taking care of those most vulnerable.

“Whether you celebrate this weekend by attending church services, organizing your own Easter egg hunt, or simply enjoying quality time with your loved ones, I hope you find joy in togetherness, and look to the future with hope.

“On this holy day, we also reflect on the contributions Canadians of Christian faith of all backgrounds make to our country. With kindness and selflessness, they give back to their communities and help make Canada the diverse, inclusive, and welcoming place we know and love.

“On behalf of my family, I wish a happy and blessed Easter to everyone celebrating today.”

PREMIER David Eby said:

“Spring has arrived in much of the province, just in time for Easter, making today a perfect opportunity to reflect on what the holiday represents: new beginnings and hope for the future.

“Easter is at the core of Christianity. Today, followers of the faith will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his death by crucifixion. Christians will attend special church services and share an Easter meal with family and friends to mark the occasion.

“People of all faiths and backgrounds will celebrate Easter, too. Many will also enjoy a meal with loved ones, decorate eggs and have an Easter egg hunt – something my kids always look forward to.

“Easter is also a chance to consider how we can all incorporate the values of Christianity – peace, selflessness and compassion – into our daily lives, and how we can focus on what we have in common, rather than what divides us.

“From my family to yours, Happy Easter!”

CONSERVATIVE Party Leader Pierre Poilievre said:

“Christ is risen! Hope is alive! Out of the darkness of the tomb, a blazing light shines, revealing that once and for all, death has been overcome, evil has been defeated, and eternal life has been won.

“Through His death on the cross, Christ paid the penalty for our sins and bought our freedom through His sacrifice. But three days after his crucifixion, Christ emerged triumphant from the grave. Death itself could not hold onto the perfectly righteous Son of God, who now reigns in Heaven, until the day that His Kingdom is restored here on Earth.

“This is the ultimate hope of Easter – that Christ has achieved this definitive victory over evil and has paved the way for us to be reconciled with God. That although we face hardships and suffering, we have the promise of salvation and the redemption of all Creation. Despite all the ways we have been wronged and the ways we have wronged others, Christ extends the hope of forgiveness and eternal freedom.

“Today, Christians around the world gather in homes and churches to rejoice in the resurrection. The pain of Good Friday has been washed away by the sweetness of Christ’s victory. The curse of sin has forever been broken, and death has been dealt its final blow. He is risen indeed!

“Happy Easter.”