[Rathji]

As to why they say the lords prayer in Ontario Leg, I can't say for sure, but I can give some related info which might help you understand the general attitude of people at the time which could have contributed to it.

It all goes back to when the English took control of New France. The French wanted guaranteed protection of their religion and their way of life, which included many things like French Civil law, the seigneurial system and the Roman Catholic Church being allowed to be the main religion in Lower Canada.

The relationship between Roman Catholics and the Church of England was a very turbulent one, partially due to the Church of England being formed because some king(forgot which one) wanted to divorce his wife and the RC Church would not allow it.

To make a VERY long story short, the French Canadians wanted to make sure the English wouldn't screw them over in Confederation (3 English speaking provinces to 1) so they wanted to add in protection for those RC's living in the rest of Canada (mostly Ontario). This caused the English speaking merchants of Quebec(who held alot of political power) to want the same provisions for Anglicans in Quebec. There was controversy, but in the end it made it into the BNA Act. This sentiment we can see today in the whole distinct society stuff that Quebec is entitled to.

This might not answer your question, but bottom line is: Religion played a huge role in the development of North America and thier politics. This nation was formed by Christian men (RC, Anglican, Presb's etc), and despite the problem some people have with living in a "Christian Nation", it was created by men who held those ideals, who fought tooth and nail to have those ideals guaranteed to them in the Constitution.

Trying to deny that fact, simply because you don't agree that it should be, doesn't make it any less true.