Ontario MPPs have taken a shot at Quebec over its controversial Bill 21, which has banned public sector workers in “positions of authority” from wearing religious symbols on the job since June.All parties supported a motion Thursday from Liberal MPP Michael Coteau, a contender for his party’s leadership, saying Ontario supports diversity and free expression.“Bill 21 does not reflect Canadian values, it doesn’t reflect the spirit of diversity and multiculturalism,” Coteau said before the vote.“In Ontario we need to take a strong stand to support religious freedom and expression and continue to look for ways to support religious minorities in Ontario so they feel they are part of this province’s way forward.”Bill 21 impacts public servants including police, teachers, judges and prosecutors, raising concerns it violates the Charter rights of observant Muslims, Sikhs and orthodox Jews. There are fears is could fuel racism and discrimination. Quebec Premier François Legault has invoked the notwithstanding clause of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in a bid to insulate the law — aimed at mitigating fears of francophone Quebecers that their culture is being eroded by minorities — from court challenges. It is already facing one, however. New Democrat Leader Andrea Horwath said her party voted in favour despite concerns the motion “doesn’t go far enough” because it does not specifically mention Bill 21, Quebec or ask the provincial government to rescind it.“As a legislature, we need to ask the premier of Quebec to withdraw Bill 21. It is a dangerous piece of legislation,” she told reporters. “It’s an issue that’s a slippery slope, frankly. If any jurisdiction can simply say that people religious rights and freedoms can be taken away that’s a problem for all of us. We need to be strong as a province and ask the province of Quebec to change course ...
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