Ontario’s premier criticizes Quebec’s Values Charter without naming province

THUNDER BAY, Ont. – Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne criticized Quebec’s proposal to ban public servants from wearing religious symbols today without actually naming the province.

Wynne says it’s very important to her that Ontario is a diverse province, and that its laws and policies reflect that diversity.

The Parti Quebecois government has proposed a Charter of Quebec Values which reportedly would restrict the right of public employees to wear religious items like turbans, yarmulkes, hijabs and visible crosses.

Asked directly about the Quebec proposal, Wynne said being inclusive is one of Ontario’s fundamental strengths, especially when it comes to the province’s place in the global economy.

Speaking in Thunder Bay, Ont., Wynne dismissed the idea of following Quebec’s lead, and said other provinces will make their own decisions, but Ontario will continue to promote diversity.

The PQ is expected to put out a discussion paper next week on its Quebec Values Charter, and legislation will be introduced following input from other political parties and the public.