Whereas the Race Relations Committee of the City of Markham has advised Council to condemn Quebec’s Bill 21, and,
Whereas the City of Markham is a Member of the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities which advances initiatives to:
• improve practices to promote social inclusion
• establish policies to eradicate all forms of racism and discrimination
• promote human rights and diversity; and,
Whereas the City of Markham is among the most ethnically and culturally diverse communities in Canada; and,
Whereas the strength of our community lies in appreciating diversity, celebrating our many cultures and respecting our many religious faiths; and,
Whereas the residents of Markham understand the challenges faced by the people of Quebec and French Canada as linguistic and cultural minorities in Canada and North America; and,
Whereas Quebec and French Canada have built and maintain strong identities in part through national, provincial and local policies across Canada that respect, celebrate and promote the role of French Canadian culture(s) and the French language; and,
Whereas restricting the cultural or religious rights of any minority in any community or province in Canada is contrary to established Canadian values, the same values that have allowed French Canadian culture(s) to thrive in Canada.
Now therefore be it resolved:
- That Markham City Council does not support Quebec’s Bill 21 – An Act Respecting the Laicity of the State; and,
- That a copy of this resolution be provided to the Premier of Quebec, the Prime Minister of Canada and all member municipalities of the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities.