Quebec Premier Pauline Marois hinted Thursday that the PQ’s Bill 14, which would have increased restrictions on languages other than French, might be put aside for lack of support.
Marois, speaking at the conclusion of a PQ caucus in the Gaspe, told journalists Thursday that Bill 14 now appears to have little chance of passing.
“It could be called to a vote. I don’t rule that out but right now the chances of seeing it adopted look pretty small,” she said.
She said that the PQ had already accepted several modifications to the bill and that she could not visualize making any more.
However, Marois said that discussions between PQ cabinet minister Diane de Courcy and the opposition CAQ are continuing nonetheless to see if a bill could be formulated that both sides would support.
The minority-PQ would require support from either the Liberals or the CAQ in order to make the bill law, but the Liberals have steadfastly refused to consider supporting the legislation from the outset.
Marois said that she expects the upcoming Values Charter bill – legislation that would regulate the presence of religious symbols in government-related facilities - to pass, however.
Liberal leader Philippe Couillard said Thursday that his party's position on the secularism issue would remain the same as it did under predecessor Charest.
In short, the Liberals' policy only opposes only the wearing of items that cover the faces of workers on the government payroll.
-With a file from The Canadian Press
