December 9^th, 2021

Statement on Bill 21

I am deeply concerned by the continuing impacts of Bill 21 in Quebec and across Canada – most recently the removal of an elementary teacher in Chelsea, Quebec from her classroom for wearing her hijab. Our multicultural society is one that should uphold the rights of people to practice their faith, and that includes wearing symbols of their religious identity. It is a deeply personal gesture, and no one should be penalized for it.

At a time when we are having difficult conversations about systemic prejudice, and in the wake of hate-motivated attacks in communities across Canada, parents of the affected students must now explain why their beloved teacher was removed.

My opposition to Bill 21 has always been clear. In June this year, when the Bloc Québécois introduced a unanimous consent motion calling on the House of Commons to denounce the “conflating issues between the events in London and a Québec law,” I raised my voice and opposed it. Because laws like Bill 21 have resounding impact on who we celebrate, accept, tolerate, and isolate.

I am putting in a conscious effort to learn and understand the context and history of Québec culture. Every Quebecker I know, regardless of race or religion, is proud to call themselves a Quebecker. Infringing on the rights of Canadians is not the way to preserve this beautiful culture.

We have seen what happens when policies are used to reinforce systemic prejudice and divide Canadians. We have felt their tragic consequences.

I want to recognize the community of Chelsea, Québec; residents in Mississauga-Erin Mills, and across Canada who are raising their voices. We know that we are better than fear and prejudice.

We are better than this.

Iqra Khalid

Member of Parliament for Mississauga-Erin Mills