QUEBEC — Interim Liberal leader Pierre Arcand has accused François Legault of showing contempt for people who disagree with him on secularism — and questioned whether he is fit to sit in the premier’s chair.
“Premier, your mentor, René Lévesque, had always refused to use closure to slap a gag on the National Assembly when it came to issues affecting the fundamental rights of Quebecers,” Arcand fired across the floor at Legault during question period. “I don’t think you can compare a political badge to a Jewish kippah or a crucifix,” Arcand responded. “Such a comparison is even more grotesque since it comes from the mouth of the premier of Quebec.”
Legault responded future teachers could either remove their religious symbols or change their career plans. “There are other jobs available,” he said. Jolin-Barrette repeated the ban covers all symbols worn in the workplace in the public sector, and that it will be up to the administrators of individual organizations affected by the ban to ensure it is applied.
“So it’s not an English-French debate; it’s a discussion and a debate about Quebecers’ rights,” Arcand said. “I know that right now the population is divided so that’s why — in the interest of social peace — we should make sure we can adopt this bill as soon as possible and then work on health care, education and the economy.”
Legault is out to lunch...