OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 12/09/12 -- With less than three weeks until Christmas and the holiday season in full swing, the Government of Canada will be issuing a statement to all federal employees Monday reminding them of their right to decorate their desks and office space as they see fit.

"Christmas and Chanukah are special times of the year that Canadians look forward to. The lights and decorations lift the spirit and instill the season with a sense of wonder and celebration," said the Honourable Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board. "Whether it's displaying Christmas cards, putting up tinsel or bringing out a Menorah, federal employees have every right to celebrate the holiday season in the workplace."

The Government of Canada has no guidelines that restrict federal employees from putting up Christmas or other holiday decorations in their workspace.

"There are those who would like to snuff out the holiday spirit in the name of political correctness or expediency," said Minister Clement. "Our Government will not allow the Christmas spirit to be grinched."

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This news release is available at www.tbs-sct.gc.ca.