PQ 'identity bill' causes concern

QUEBEC CITY - Minority groups, and the government are expressing serious concerns about a bill presented by the leader of the Parti Quebecois calling for the creation of a Quebec constitution, and a distinct citizenship for Quebecers.

Pauline Marois says all immigrants without an 'appropriate knowledge of French' would be barred from running for political office, helping fund political parties, or having a petition tabled in the National Assembly.

Comparing the plan to a "bill 101 for the Quebecois identity," Marois says the goal is to protect Quebec values, which she says includes the province's culture; the equality between men and women; and a secular state.

But, the head of the Centre for Research Action on Race Relations compares Marois's actions to those of French ultra-right leader Jean-Marie LePen, and his anti-immigrant policies.

"This is a very ultra-right wing measure... to deprive people of their constitutional rights and freedoms."

Niemi says the bill is aimed at ethnic communities, and amounts to a sort of vengeance for the fact he says many ethnic groups voted for the 'No' side during the 1995 sovereignty referendum.

Quebec's minister responsible for immigration and cultural communities says the plan would create two classes of citizens.

"She even goes as far as to prevent people from being heard in their own parliament," says Yolande James. "I just ask myself what is next."

James says despite the recent debate over what constitutes a reasonable accommodation for minority groups, Quebec wants to continue welcoming immigrants in a way that "brings people together, rather than dividing them."

Minority groups, and the government are expressing serious concerns about a bill presented by the leader of the Parti Quebecois calling for the creation of a Quebec constitution, and a distinct citizenship for Quebecers.

Pauline Marois says all immigrants without an 'appropriate knowledge of French' would be barred from running for political office, helping fund political parties, or having a petition tabled in the National Assembly.

Comparing the plan to a "bill 101 for the Quebecois identity," Marois says the goal is to protect Quebec values, which she says includes the province's culture; the equality between men and women; and a secular state.

But, the head of the Centre for Research Action on Race Relations compares Marois's actions to those of French ultra-right leader Jean-Marie LePen, and his anti-immigrant policies.

"This is a very ultra-right wing measure... to deprive people of their constitutional rights and freedoms."

Niemi says the bill is aimed at ethnic communities, and amounts to a sort of vengeance for the fact he says many ethnic groups voted for the 'No' side during the 1995 sovereignty referendum.

Quebec's minister responsible for immigration and cultural communities says the plan would create two classes of citizens.

"She even goes as far as to prevent people from being heard in their own parliament," says Yolande James. "I just ask myself what is next."

James says despite the recent debate over what constitutes a reasonable accommodation for minority groups, Quebec wants to continue welcoming immigrants in a way that "brings people together, rather than dividing them."

Action Democratique house leader Sebastien Proulx indicated his party is not against the idea of creating a Quebec constitution, or citizenship. But he says the PQ's plan "raises many serious questions." Proulx says the question will require a great deal of study.

Because they are the second opposition party in the National Assembly, it is unlikely the PQ's bill will be brought forward for debate without the support of one of the other parties.