The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) has raised concerns about a Quebec committee report that recommends expanding the ban on religious symbols to include daycare workers in the province.
During a press conference in Montreal, NCCM CEO Stephen Brown criticized the report’s proposals, accusing the government of infringing on the rights of religious individuals and promoting uniformity. Brown argued that the report, commissioned by the Legault government, does not address the core issues related to diversity and secularism.
He highlighted that the recommendations in the report, such as financial benefits for religious activities and government investigations into religious practices, contradict the principles of secularism. Brown emphasized the importance of respecting diversity and individual freedoms in a free society.
Expanding the ban to daycare workers, according to Brown, would worsen the shortage of daycare spots in Quebec and is not grounded in evidence. He pointed out that many qualified educators who wear religious symbols face barriers in finding employment, contributing to the existing shortage of teachers in the school system.
The committee’s report includes various recommendations, such as phasing out state funding for private religious schools, limiting religious accommodations, regulating public prayer at the municipal level, and establishing a national secularism day.
Minister Jean-François Roberge welcomed the report, which was led by Christiane Pelchat and Guillaume Rousseau, as a step towards reinforcing secularism in Quebec. However, NCCM emphasizes the need for constructive dialogue and collaborative solutions to address societal challenges related to diversity.
Keyphrase: Quebec religious symbols ban
