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Quebec government to review format of controversial systemic racism consultations

Click to play video: 'Quebec backs down on plans for systemic racism hearings'
Quebec backs down on plans for systemic racism hearings
WATCH: After a dramatic loss in the Louis Hébert byelection, Premier Philippe Couillard said the government is rethinking whether it will hold its planned consultations on systemic racism. Global's Raquel Fletcher reports – Oct 4, 2017

Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard says his government will review the format for province-wide consultations on systemic racism.

READ MORE: First Nations women call for Quebec inquiry into systemic racism

Couillard had previously refused to question the process but changed his mind after weeks of criticism from all sides.

Opposition parties have said the process amounts to putting Quebecers on trial and called on the government to instead take concrete measures to help minorities.

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WATCH BELOW: Systemic racism in Quebec

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Tuesday, two members of Couillard’s Liberal party questioned whether the consultations may have played a role in the party’s defeat in a Quebec City byelection earlier this week.

READ MORE: Possible systemic racism against First Nations by Quebec police: report

Michel Matte and Patrick Huot suggested voters in Louis-Hebert didn’t like being painted as racists.

Couillard told reporters Wednesday the format for the consultations would be reviewed, but did not offer information on what changes may be coming or whether the hearings would be scrapped altogether.

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