Quebec is “not alone” in its commitment to secularism, says French Prime Minister Attal

MONTREAL — French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal used his visit to Quebec this week to strongly endorse the province's state-secular model, even as he refrained from engaging in controversial policy debates.

Despite his vocal support for Quebec's secular values, Attal said he did not discuss the issue in meetings with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau this week in Ottawa, insisting his support does not constitute meddling in Canadian politics.

“I think that when I'm abroad and I talk to democratically elected politicians who have chosen this model, it's my responsibility to tell them that they're not alone with this model,” Attal said alongside Prime Minister Francois Legault. Quebec City. “Is it meddling in the political debate in Canada?” I don't think so.'

Quebec's secular policy includes a 2019 law banning many public sector workers, including teachers and judges, from wearing religious symbols on the job — legislation that critics say discriminates against religious minorities.

Secularism is also a key principle for France, where it is illegal to wear face coverings on the street. And in his previous position as Minister of Education of France, Attal banned the wearing of long robes in classrooms, citing his popularity among Muslim students.

“For us, secularism is above all freedom,” said Attal. “Secularism is something that allows everyone to make their own choices with a clear conscience, to believe or not to believe, to follow or not to follow a religion, to be free to show their affinity and belonging to a religion. something that enables equality between citizens”.

Quebec's secularization law, known as Bill 21, has withstood multiple lawsuits, but its opponents hope to take their case to the Supreme Court of Canada. Earlier this week, the English Montreal school board said it would seek permission to appeal the ruling upholding the law to the country's highest court. In addition, the federal government has announced that it will participate in a challenge to the law in the Supreme Court.

Attal said Friday that secularism is seen as a way for governments to guarantee equal treatment to citizens regardless of their personal beliefs, and that France shares Quebec's commitment to non-religious affiliation.

His affirmation of secularism differed from his statement on the issue of Quebec independence.

On Thursday, Attal reaffirmed his support for the longstanding French policy of “non-interference” and “non-indifference” regarding Quebec's sovereignty. On Friday, he expanded on those comments, saying he wanted to explain the policy as one of “sensitivity and respect.”

“We have to respect Quebec's ability to hold internal democratic and political debates,” he said. “I don't want to make a statement here that gives the impression that I'm taking part in a debate that's going on in the political life of Quebec.”

The French prime minister was due to attend economic panels on Friday afternoon in Montreal before wrapping up a three-day visit to Canada.

This Canadian Press report was first published on April 12, 2024.

— With Associated Press files.

Thomas MacDonald, Canadian Press