Mayor Nenshi blasts proposed religious symbol ban in Quebec

CALGARY – Mayor Naheed Nenshi is speaking out against a proposed policy in Quebec, which would ban religious headwear and symbols in some workplaces.

The Parti Quebecois government has proposed a Charter of Quebec Values which would reportedly restrict public employees from donning Sikh, Jewish and Muslim headwear or visible crucifixes in the workplace.

Mayor Nenshi says the proposal is intolerance, plain and simple.

“Not only do I think that it is an abrogation of Canadian values and ethics, I also think it’s horrible public policy,” says Nenshi.

“We’re not talking about government neutrality. We are actually saying to some children because of the faith you follow there are some jobs you are not eligible for. Imagine if we put a sign up in a window of that deli and said orthodox Jews need not apply here? Imagine the outcry there’d be? That’s what we are talking about here,” he adds.

Nenshi says anyone who is uncomfortable living in a society with those kinds of laws is welcome here in Alberta.

“Whether or not you are person who wears a turban or hijab, if you’re uncomfortable living in a society saying people who wear turbans should be excluded from certain jobs, come here – we ‘re happy to have you,” says Nenshi.