(Montreal - September 15, 2020)
While we appreciate Mr. O’Toole’s stated opposition to the Bill, Canadians need clear and consistent condemnation of Bill 21 from all elected officials
Grey’s Anatomy, the longest running prime-time medical drama on U.S. television, contains many scenes of doctors and nurses in full gear (hospital scrubs, surgical caps, face masks) around the operating table. As they talk, laugh and argue, close-ups of the actors’ eyes convey concentration and emotion.
The Court Challenges Program was at the heart of the latest scuffle between Ottawa and Québec. The program provides financial support to Canadians seeking to assert their constitutional language and human rights before the courts.
The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association announced on December 18 that they will be seeking leave to go to the Supreme Court of Canada after the Quebec Court of Appeal's decision to not grant a stay of Bill 21.
Official Opposition NDP Leader Andrea Horwath tabled a motion for debate in the Ontario legislature that explicitly condemns Quebec’s Bill 21 and calls on Doug Ford to take action.
In June 2019, Simon Jolin-Barette, Quebec’s Minister of Immigration, Diversity and Inclusiveness, introduced Bill 21, which forbids public employees, including teachers, police officers, and prosecutors, from wearing religious symbols such as hijabs, kippahs, or turbans.
[On November 7, 2019] The Ontario Legislature passed a motion from Michael Coteau, Liberal MPP for Don Valley East, affirming the province’s support of religious diversity in response to Quebec’s Bill 21.
The Québec Superior Court recently agreed to revisit a challenge to Bill 21, Loi sur la laïcité de l’État.
June 17, 2019 – Ottawa, Ontario – Canadian Human Rights Commission
Following the passage of Quebec’s Bill 21, entitled “An Act respecting the laicity of the State,” Marie-Claude Landry, Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission, issues the following statement:
Premier François Legault has forced the passage of Bill 21 hence disregarding due process.