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Councillor calls for HRM to oppose Quebec's Bill 21

Tony Mancini wants the Halifax Regional Municipality to voice opposition to a Quebec bill that prohibits government employees from wearing religious symbols while they are working.

'Sometimes a call to action is needed,' says Tony Mancini

Pam Berman · CBC News ·
Demonstrators stand outside the courthouse on the first day of the constitutional challenge to Bill 21 in Montreal in November 2020. (Paul Chiasson/The Canadian Press)

A Dartmouth councillor wants the Halifax Regional Municipality not only to voice its opposition to Quebec's Bill 21 but also to contribute $50,000 to a legal challenge.

"When I look at all the different religious communities in HRM, I just think, this is just wrong," said Coun. Tony Mancini, who represents District 6 (Harbourview-Burnside-Dartmouth East).

Bill 21 was adopted in June 2019.

It prohibits government employees from wearing religious symbols while they are working, including head and face coverings. An elementary teacher was reassigned in December because of her hijab.

Mancini thinks Halifax should join other municipalities such as Brampton, Toronto and Calgary to "confirm our commitment to upholding" the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

"There are some who will say this is beyond our mandate," said Mancini. "But sometimes a call to action is needed and you need to do the right thing."

Mancini's request for a staff report on the issue will be discussed at Tuesday's regional council meeting.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Pam Berman

Reporter

Pam Berman is CBC Nova Scotia's municipal affairs reporter. She's been a journalist for almost 35 years and has covered Halifax regional council since 1997. That includes four municipal elections, 19 budgets and countless meetings. Story ideas can be sent to [email protected]

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