Bill 21 is Quebec issue, O’Toole says as some of his MPs take tougher stand
Global News
O'Toole discussed the Quebec secularism law in response to a report that a teacher in western Quebec was reassigned from the classroom because she wore a hijab.
Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole says a Quebec law prohibiting some public servants from wearing religious symbols on the job is an issue to be dealt with by that province alone.
Some of his MPs, however, appear to be taking a tougher stand.
O’Toole discussed the Quebec secularism law, known as Bill 21, on Thursday, in response to a report that a teacher in western Quebec was reassigned from the classroom because she wore a hijab.
Bill 21 was passed in June 2019 and bans the wearing of religious symbols such as hijabs, kippas and turbans by teachers and other government employees deemed to be in positions of authority.
The Conservative leader says while he personally opposes the law and has raised it with Quebec Premier Francois Legault, he respects provincial jurisdiction and believes it to be “an issue that is best left for Quebecers to decide.”
While the Tory leader said the matters involving Bill 21 falls squarely within provincial borders, some of his MPs weren’t shy about expressing a different opinion.
“I cannot in good conscience keep silent on this anymore. This is an absolute disgrace,” tweeted Ontario MP Kyle Seeback, linking to a news story about what happened to the teacher wearing the hijab.
“It’s time politicians stood up for what’s right. Bill 21 has to be opposed. In court, in the House of Commons and in the streets.”
Education Minister Paul Calandra, however, said he won't use the notwithstanding clause if he moves to eliminate trustees in Ontario.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he would order federal immigration agents to airports to assist TSA. Canadians landing the U.S. should be prepared.
Three overpasses in Saskatoon have been hit in the past three weeks, with charges announced against the driver in the first incident.
Auditor General Karen Hogan says there are critical weaknesses in the integrity controls for the International Student Program.
Return trips by Canadian residents from the U.S. fell 22 per cent in January compared with a year earlier, according to the latest data.
Three byelections are being held on April 13 and the results could have an impact on both the makeup of Parliament and how long it lasts.
Ontario's provincial members of parliament are heading back to Queen's Park Monday, as the legislature sits for the first time since December.
Members of Parliament are back in the House of Commons today, where the government is expected to face tough questions about new auditor general reports and the war in Iran.
Two Air Canada pilots are dead after their flight originating from Montreal collided with a fire truck at New York’s LaGuardia Airport Sunday night.
With more rain in the forecast, crews continue to deal with a mudslide earlier this week that covered a road in Coquitlam in debris, posing risk to Metro Vancouver's water supply.
A former BC Ferries CEO says the Queen of the North sinking remains ‘disturbing’ 20 years later. The ferry struck an island in Wright Sound on March 22, 2006. Two people died.
The 2026 Kraft Hockeyville top two contestants have been named. The winner receives $250,000 for ice rink upgrades, and the runner-up will receive a prize worth about $100,000.
The Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer scrutinizes federal spending decisions and helps to cost out campaign proposals during elections.