Author: Anthony Abbondanza

Chants of “charter of oppression” were heard loud and clear as nearly 250 people of various ethnicities and backgrounds braved rain and windy conditions to march through the streets of Montreal last Sunday in protest of Bill 60, also known as the Charter of Quebec Values.

Local group Equality Quebec organized the march, which began at Place du Canada at 2 p.m. and ended at Lafontaine Park. Organizer Salman Shabad Saini wasn’t disappointed by the low turnout, citing inclement weather.

“Our number one factor that worked against us was weather. People saw the weather and didn’t show up. Sometimes this is a good thing to have: Fewer people with stronger characters,” he said.

“…I think our dedication sent a clear message to the government.”

Eleven organizations endorsed the march, including the Federation CJA and Dawson College’s student union. The latter did not respond to The Examiner’s request for an interview.

The protest comes after the PQ government tabled Bill 60 in the national assembly on Nov. 7. Bill 60 includes provisions to prohibit public servants from wearing veils, kippas and turbans in the workplace.

The legislation contains certain elements not included in the original proposal. If passed, Bill 60 would force the aforementioned restrictions on private contractors and publicly subsidized businesses. It also excludes the initially-promised opt-out provision for cities.

“I think all Quebecers are easily being misled by words of ignorance,” said Shabad Saini.

Following the announcement of the provincial government’s proposed ‘Charter of Quebec Values’ in September, Shabad Saini, an accountant by trade, became politically active.

“I felt then and there we needed more protests. I wanted to get my voice heard. I felt this was an attack on religion on general. Religion can be a very good thing. It’s part of people’s lives,” he said.

So what’s the next step?

Shabad Saini is planning a multi-faith concert for the summer of 2014 as well as a public forum to discuss why the charter is not in public servants’ best interest.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/groups/sansoppression/.