Toronto council backs fight against Quebec’s Bill 21, calling it ‘contrary to the values of Torontonians and Canadians’
A spokesperson for Toronto Mayor John Tory responded to the introduction of Bill 21, saying that the legislation is “contrary to the values of Torontonians and Canadians.” (Chris Young/The Canadian Press)
A spokesperson for Toronto Mayor John Tory responded to the introduction of Bill 21, saying that the legislation is “contrary to the values of Torontonians and Canadians.” (Chris Young/The Canadian Press)
As the government of Quebec debates the controversial Bill 21, the opposition is preparing for its own showdown with the government.
In the first of a series of public hearings set to take place later this month in Toronto, several business and labour leaders have criticized the legislation, which seeks to extend police powers into areas of personal life ranging from sexuality to abortion.
NDP MP Libby Davies, who has been an outspoken critic the bill since it was proposed in June, told the committee at the city’s downtown York St.’s council chambers Wednesday that, “This is a serious attack on freedom of expression in Canada.”
“The fact that we have to debate this with a view to defending these freedoms, I think is a sad commentary on the state of democracy in this country,” she said.
Bill 21 is a controversial attempt by the Quebec government to limit some of its citizens’ rights by creating new laws that would broaden police powers. Premier Philippe Couillard has defended the bill as a necessary means to combat “terrorism” and “gang violence,” citing the June attacks on a Quebec City mosque and a Jewish community centre.
In June, federal Liberals promised to introduce a free-trade agreement with Quebec that would make provisions for such proposed constitutional changes.
In an email to reporters sent at the time
