OTTAWA — Justice Minister Peter MacKay raised eyebrows in his department with two very different tributes to female and male employees for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day this year.

The texts of a Mother’s Day message and a Father’s Day message sent to employees of the Justice Department this spring:

Mother’s Day Message

As we take the time to celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend, I’d like to take this opportunity to recognize our colleagues who have two full-time jobs: as hardworking Department of Justice employees during business hours and as dedicated moms and caregivers around the clock.

Now as a father of an active toddler myself, I have a new appreciation for how busy and hectic a parent’s life can be. By the time many of you have arrived at the office in the morning, you’ve already changed diapers, packed lunches, run after school buses, dropped kids off at daycare, taken care of an aging loved one and maybe even thought about dinner. Yet you come to work every morning ready to make your contribution as a public servant for the benefit of all Canadians and their families. And for this, we are all thankful.

For all our colleagues who are mothers, or have mothers, I hope this weekend is full of love, appreciation and lasting memories!

Best wishes,

The Hon. Peter MacKay

Minister of Justice

Father’s Day Message

As we pause and take the time to celebrate Father’s Day this weekend, I wish to take this opportunity to recognize our colleagues who are not only dedicated Department of Justice employees, but are also dedicated fathers, shaping the minds and futures of the next generation of leaders.

Watching my young son grow, learn and change a little more every day, I marvel at the tremendous gift that my family and I have received. Yet, needless to say, it can also be daunting to consider the immense and lifelong influence we have over our children. 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.

From my family to yours, I hope you enjoy this special day with your loved ones, complete with lasting memories to be cherished.

Best wishes,

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The Hon. Peter MacKay

Minister of Justice