BRAMPTON, ONTARIO, CANADA: On Wednesday June 26th Brampton Council unanimously passed a motion to support the legal challenge against Quebec’s Bill 21. This discriminatory bill restricts the wearing of ‘religious symbols’ by public servants such as police officers, judges, prosecutors, school teachers, and principals, among others. Bill 21 particularly affects members of the Jewish, Muslim and Sikh faith who tend to wear very visible ‘religious symbols’.
The motion to join the legal challenge against Quebec’s Bill 21 was moved by Mayor Brown and seconded by City Councillor Harkirat Singh. The motion recognizes that the City of Brampton is one of the most multicultural and diverse cities in Canada where many residents wear religious symbols including, but not limited to, Turbans, Hijabs, and Kippa. Additionally, it calls for the municipality to stand in solidarity with the communities impacted by the recent legislation and support the legal challenge by the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA).
While speaking on the motion City Councillor Harkirat Singh said, “Here in Brampton we see our diversity and inclusion as our source of pride. It is our strength and an asset. So, when our fellow Canadians whether here in Ontario or anywhere in Canada face discrimination – we as Bramptonians should and do need to stand up”. He further commented, “the City of Brampton and its council will go beyond just social media posts and seek action to join the legal challenge. We will not be quiet, even though those in the political arena are unfortunately being silent on this injustice”.
Moreover, Brampton council also passed a second motion stating “that the City of Brampton invite all affected individuals, either pursuing or training for a career in firefighting in Quebec, to apply for a career with Brampton Fire and Emergency Services; and that Brampton Fire and Emergency Services place select advertising within Quebec promoting a career with Brampton Fire and Emergency Services”.