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“… Needless to say, it can also be daunting to consider the immense and life-long influence we have over our children,” MacKay wrote. “Our words, actions and examples greatly mould who they will become.

“We can only hope that the moments we spend teaching, guiding and loving them will sustain them throughout their lives.”

The Mother’s Day message does not touch on the impact the women have on their children’s futures. In both instances, MacKay referred to the fact that he is the father of a toddler.

MacKay’s office did not respond to a request for an interview or to take questions by phone.

“With regards to the messages to Department of Justice staff, the minister takes every opportunity to thank the staff for their contribution to the department and to advancing justice issues on behalf of all Canadians,” spokesperson Paloma Aguilar said in an email.

Liberal trade critic Chrystia Freeland calls the difference in the email messages striking and says they play on outdated stereotypes of parental roles.

“I think that particularly in families like the ones that were addressed by these emails … I simply don’t think that reflects the modern Canadian family and is demeaning to both mothers and fathers,” said Freeland.

“Both mothers and fathers change diapers and worry about dinner and both mothers and fathers, at least we try to mould the minds of our children and to set an example through our own actions.”

MacKay has faced criticism recently over comments he made on the roles of parents in the context of the dearth of female judges in Canada.