Could Charter lead to exodus of Quebec teachers?

Watch: The Charter and Quebec schools

MONTREAL – After the Parti Quebecois unveiled details of its controversial Charter of Quebec Values, those affected by its regulations on religious symbols are speaking out.

The controversial charter suggests that those working in the public service or influential positions should not wear conspicuous religious symbols.

This legislation would include Quebec teachers at elementary and secondary schools.

Suanne Stein Day, the chairperson of the Lester B. Pearson School Board, joined the Morning News Wednesday to elaborate on the impact the charter will have on teachers.

“The population of Montreal is multicultural and we should celebrate that,” she said.

“It’s going to come down to the fact that people of certain religions are going to be forced to choose between their religion or their employment,” she added.

“There’s going to be a further exodus from Quebec. It will have an impact on our economy. It’s going to be harder to find teachers and I just don’t see any benefit to it.”

She also noted that a growing concern throughout the school board is that there will be many young and talented teachers who may give up on their dreams to teach because of this charter.