Ontario representatives disapprove of Quebec’s controversial bill

 

Bill 62 in Quebec, members of Ontario NDP oppose.

By Kaitlynn Kenney

Oct. 18, Quebec’s National Assembly passed a bill with the Liberal government targeting religious minorities who receive public services.

Bill 62 specifies that anyone with their face covered must unveil when receiving provincial public services and when entering provincially funded institutions, including universities and schools.

The day after the bill was passed, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne spoke out against it.

“Forcing people to show their faces when they ride the bus, banning women from wearing a niqab when they pick up a book from the library will only divide us,” said Wynne.

On Nov. 17, the bill was challenged in the Quebec Superior Court with the National Council of Canadian Muslims and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association alongside Marie-Michelle Lacoste, who wears a niqab. They called for a temporary suspension of the ban, saying the damage caused by the bill is irreparable and that behavior and insults have become more aggressive since the bill’s passing.

Lisa Gretzky, Windsor West MPP at Queens Park, said it is important for all Canadians to voice their opposition about Bill 62.

“This legislation effectively prevents women from accessing public services, depending on the way they have dressed,” said Gretzky. “I’m concerned that Bill 62 is stoking fears about Muslim members of our communities and is normalizing Islamophobia.”

She said she wants people to know it is important to speak up against inequalities that exist in the city against women and ethnic minorities.

“Windsor has seen a significant increase in immigration in recent years and we now have a dynamic community that is home to countless ethnicities and cultural groups,” said Gretzky.

Executive director of Transit Windsor Pat Delmore also wants to reassure people that Windsor is an accepting and strong community when it comes to diversity and equality.

“We are one of the most diverse cities in all of Ontario,” said Delmore.

“Windsor Transit is something that really defines Windsor, it helps people get to know the city better.”

Updates on the bill are still in progress.