Not wanting the holidays to be "grinched," feds allow religious decorations

The Canadian Press

OTTAWA - For a second year, the Harper government has issued a directive to civil servants giving them the green light to adorn their office space with tinsel, symbols of Santa or any other forms of holiday decorations.

Treasury Board President Tony Clement says the lights and decorations lift spirits, and it's perfectly fine for anyone celebrating Christmas or Hanukkah to place seasonal symbols at government work sites.

A statement will be issued Monday reminding federal employees of their right to festoon.

Last year, Human Resources Minister Diane Finley issued a similar directive after a government manager banished Christmas decorations, trees and holiday wreaths from front-line Service Canada offices across Quebec.

But Clement says he wanted to make clear to all federal employees that the Conservatives have no issue with the decorations.

Clement says there are some people who would rather not let employees put up holiday decorations.

But he says the Harper government "will not allow the Christmas spirit to be grinched."

Clement said that he received an almost immediate response to his statement since it was released Sunday, from public servants expressing their delight.