Inclusion Leading To Exclusion

"I don't think the government would go that far. It is something that we would expect to see in [Vladimir] Putin's Russia. It's exactly the same sort of thing, that people cannot publicly be seen to be gay, they cannot have a gay pride parade, because it's against the law. In that type of society, we expect to see that, though we protest strongly and properly. But in a liberal society like ours, it is almost unthinkable."
Charles Taylor, Professor Emeritus, Political Science and Philosophy, McGill University

"If someone starts proselytizing at work, obviously it's unacceptable behaviour. As an elected official for the last four years I've been wearing a kippa, and I have yet to have it explained how my wearing a religious symbol has affected my abilities to represent my citizens ... I think it's an example of the new Quebec reality we have, the new Quebec demographics.
"What is important is that these institutions be neutral. But the fact that they are neutral does not mean that the people working in them are neutral.
"The issue is so inflammatory that we need to be responsible and moderate in our views. We have to demonstrate that it's a debate of ideas and not play petty politics on the backs of citizens."
Lionel Perez, mayor, Montreal borough Cote-des-Neiges-Notre-Dame-de-Grace

"Quebec society is more and more multi-ethnic and multi-religious, which is an exceptional richness. But if we want to be able to properly manage this diversity, we will have to give ourselves rules and common values."
Bernard Drainville, Quebec Minister responsible for Democratic Institutions and Active Citizenship

The Parti Quebecois, currently  the political power in office in the Province of Quebec, was elected at low tide for the then-ruling Liberal party which had been embroiled in one too many scandals or suspicions of wrong-doing and/or unpopular moves. A voter backlash, more than voter commitment to the end-game of the Parti Quebecois brought them back to power, albeit with a minority government. Minority status doesn't faze Premier Pauline Marois, however. She makes her decisions as though she is leading a majority.

Her sole nod to minority status appears to be her go-slow, nice-and-easy stance on pushing separation. Relatively speaking, that is. Language is still the hot-button issue for Quebec, inextricably wound together with heritage, pride and nationhood. Any diminution or dilution of French within Quebec is pounced upon with hysterical vigour as an assault on the integrity of the French. To the point where the province through Bill 101 enforcement makes a public spectacle of itself, impacted even on the international scene with its hissy-fits over signage, nomenclature and menus.

And then there is the additional issue of foreign elements intruding on the social, custom, heritage, religious sovereignty of a very touchy administration and popular sentiment as well. Where overt symbols of religions other than Catholicism -- and even it must appear on delicate tippy-toes -- are considered to be grossly insulting to modern Quebec values. The visual intrusiveness of a turban, a head scarf, a kippah, and ostentatious crosses worn around the unwary neck are not to be permitted.

A proposed new Charter of Quebec Values has been put together to be introduced with the fall season resumption of the National Assembly, a charter which the minister responsible for the file has described as the "Bill 101 of our era". Claiming that while Quebec values the quaint index of multi-ethnicism and the presence of people from other cultures adding to the "richness" of Quebec society, their presence must not be seen to disturb the public weal wedded to indigenous Quebec culture.

Some years earlier the Liberal Quebec government, responding to controversy over 'religious accommodation' and the manner in which other customs appeared to interfere with Quebec 'normalcy' had commissioned a study of just that, for the province. McGill University philosophy professor Mr. Taylor and  his colleague Gerrard Bouchard recommended in their final report, after countless interviews and studies, banning overt religious symbols for employees of government who were in positions of authority, people like police officers, judges, and prison guards.

The PQ government is intent on going the issue one further, since the door was already opened the crack that they required, and they opened it yet further by commissioning a poll asking Quebecers how they feel about visible symbols of religious piety in the public sphere. True to tradition, enough Quebecers responded that they preferred such exotic gear and the customs that support them recede from view. Bill 14 is geared to include day-care workers, public school teachers, hospital employees; in fact all civil servants.

It hasn't been difficult for the PQ to rekindle traditional Quebec xenophobia. So that voters in Quebec may come back around to the firm understanding that the one sure way to protect their collective identity, their heritage and their exceptionalism as a "nation" is to return to the separation fold, breathing new life into the PQ end game, and convincing English-speakers, Allophones, immigrants unable to adapt, and malcontents that they would be far better off elsewhere than in Quebec.