PQ says only way to save charter is through a majority government

MONTREAL – The Parti Quebecois is trying to turn voter attention back to itsproposed secular charter — the issue that recently had the party confident about forming a majority government next month.

The PQ has been moving to switch the election focus as some polls suggest the Liberals have surged in support amid voter concern about sovereignty and a possible referendum.

The cabinet minister responsible for the charter said this morning that only a PQ majority on April 7 can ensure the charter will become law.

Bernard Drainville is denying he is talking about the charter because of the polls and says it was always his intention to discuss it about two weeks into the campaign.

PQ Leader Pauline Marois is absent from the campaign trail today as she prepares for Thursday’s televised debate with the leaders of the three other main parties.

The proposed charter would restrict government employees from wearing religious symbols or clothing on the job.

Marois has also suggested during the campaign that private enterprise would be free to adopt its own directives inspired by the charter.

While popular with many Quebecers, the proposed legislation has also been fiercely opposed and has prompted large street demonstrations.

One such anti-charter protest is planned for Friday evening in Montreal.