In 2007, Quebec’s Bouchard-Taylor Commission investigated the issue of reasonable accommodation of minorities in the province, hearing from experts, individuals and organizations on identity, integration and religion. It presented its report in 2008.
Global News takes a look at ten of its recommendations:
• The crucifix in the National Assembly should be relocated in the Parliament building to a place that emphasizes its heritage value.
• Municipal councils should abandon practice of saying prayers at public meetings.
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• It would be absurd to extend state neutrality to all historic signs, for example, the cross on Mont Royal or crosses in or on historic buildings converted for secular use.
• Judges, Crown prosecutors, police officers, prison guards and the president and vice-president of the National Assembly be prohibited from wearing religious signs.
• Teachers, public servants, health professionals and all other government employees be authorized to do so.
• Students who wish to wear religious symbols in class, such as the hijab, kippah or turban, should be authorized to do so.
• In health care facilities, patients should not be able to choose care from professions according to gender.
• Public and private administrators should be encouraged to adopt paid leave for religious holidays.
• Better support newly arrived immigrant parents as they adjust to a new culture and advise how the school system works.
• The government should produce and distribute a multidenominational calendar that indicates the dates of religious holidays to institutions and public or private organizations.
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