Secularism vs. laïcité: The Quebec Charter of Values
This week, the Parti Quebecois revealed the first draft of its 'values charter,' a document intended to entrench religious neutrality into the Quebec Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The most controversial aspect of the proposal is its requirement that all public servants refrain from wearing "overt and conspicuous" religious symbols while on the job. Much of the commentary from English...
This week, the Parti Quebecois revealed the first draft of its 'values charter,' a document intended to entrench religious neutrality into the Quebec Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The most controversial aspect of the proposal is its requirement that all public servants refrain from wearing "overt and conspicuous" religious symbols while on the job. Much of the commentary from English Canada has criticised the proposed law, but a new poll suggests 66% of Quebecois agree with the government. The difference may lie in French and English Canada's conceptions of secularism. Jackson Doughart and Dawson College's Frédéric Bastien join Brent to explain.