Values charter not an attempt to drum up sovereignty support, Marois says

MONTREAL – Premier Pauline Marois says the proposed values charter is not an attempt to drum up support for Quebec independence.

Marois put sovereignty front and centre in a fiery speech today to a conference of her Parti Quebecois in Montreal.

She argued the province would be better off in every respect if it was independent from Canada.

But Marois rejects any suggestion the charter could be used as a political tool to promote the sovereigntist cause.

Marois told reporters after her speech that the legislation, which was introduced last Thursday, is something the party has been considering for a long time and will help bring harmony to Quebec society.

The charter includes a plan to ban public sector employees from wearing overtly religious clothing.

The PQ is threatening to trigger an election over the issue by making votes on the legislation a matter of confidence.