Anti-Islamophobia advocates want action from politicians now speaking out against Bill 21
Global News
Politicians are speaking up about the removal of a Quebec teacher over her hijab. But anti-Islamophobia advocates say the outcry should have come sooner — and achieved more.
Multiple politicians slammed a Quebec school board on Thursday for reassigning a teacher over her hijab due to Bill 21, Quebec’s secularism law.
But now, anti-Islamophobia activists say this outcry should have come sooner — and that it should be followed by action.
“Welcome to the party,” said Mustafa Farooq, Chief Executive Officer of the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), in reaction to the latest burst of anger around the law.
“We’ve been fighting this from day one. It’s been resting on the backs of racialized communities and brave human rights defenders.”
The condemnations surround a Quebec’s Bill 21. It was passed in June 2019 and bans the wearing of religious symbols such as hijabs, kippas and turbans by teachers and other government employees deemed to be in positions of authority.
Parents from the Chelsea Elementary School said they found out the teacher was being removed from her job last week. Some later learned it was due to her hijab, and the teacher herself ultimately confirmed that fact in an interview, according to The Canadian Press.
Politicians quickly lined up to condemn the development. Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Marc Miller, who is also a Montreal-area MP, called it “cowardly.” NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said Bill 21 is “so wrong.” Conservative MP Kyle Seeback called it a “disgrace.”
In a statement sent to Global News on Friday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Office said their position on the bill “has always been clear.”
Around 4:15 a.m. Monday a stolen flatbed truck smashed into Players Choice Sports Cards and Collectibles, completely smashing the storefront.
The union representing thousands of health care professionals across Saskatchewan is calling out the decision to hire a private company to provide mobile detox services.
The New Brunswick government says it has asked for an audit of NB Power’s billing process after receiving "hundreds" of complaints.
General Motors, Nissan and Hyundai are among the companies that say they will match the $5,000 rebate on new electric vehicles sold during January.
The Retail Council of Canada has warned that tit-for-tat tariffs between Canada and the United States could raise prices for consumers on both sides of the border.
Winnipeg has a name in mind for its first-ever chief construction officer, Mayor Scott Gillingham announced Tuesday.
Kingston city council declared food insecurity an emergency last week, becoming the third Ontario city to do so over the past few months.
An injured suspect was taken into custody after the violence on Interstate 91 in Coventry, about 32 kilometres from the Canadian border, the FBI said in a statement.
Canada’s population will grow over the years regardless of the federal government’s recent decision to slash immigration rates, a new report shows.
On Friday, Mayor Malcolm Brodie refused to answer questions about his total compensation package of at least $362,000 in 2023. He earns $198,000 as mayor.
Blue Monday is often referred to as the saddest day of the year. CMHA Waterloo Wellington says there are a variety of activities that boost mental wellness during the winter.
The league suspended Purifoy on Friday.
After years of renting two propane tanks for $99 plus tax, Joe Eagles received a $600 increase from Superior Propane. The company says the increased fee is for minimal propane use.
In June 2022, the city announced it would be widening Robie Street to add bus lanes — a project that requires space. That will also mean the end to a woman's home of 26 years.
The Toronto International Film Festival says Rogers Communications has signed a three-year deal to return as its official “presenting partner” through 2027.
A boil water advisory has been issued for parts of the Halifax region after a power failure at a water treatment facility.
The TTC unveiled its capital plan for 2025 on Monday, complete with details of how often the spine of the city's transit network would be closed for days at a time.
A passenger on a recent rough-landing flight to Halifax says not only was the incident frightening, but the aftermath was poorly managed as people were left out in the cold.