OTTAWA --
Conservative management contender and rookie MP Leslyn Lewis on Monday referred to as a Quebec legislation limiting public servants in positions of authority from carrying non secular symbols at work "specific non secular discrimination."
Lewis, who's working for the management a second time after putting third within the get together's 2020 race, says Conservatives should make selections "primarily based on precept" and never how will probably be considered by a specific demographic.
"Even making the precise choice for purely political functions is fallacious. Whereas I respect provincial jurisdiction, Invoice 21 is specific non secular discrimination and as chief of our get together, I'll at all times defend non secular freedom," reads a press release made Monday.
Her stance on Quebec's controversial secularism legislation, identified by its legislative title of Invoice 21, comes as different candidates have staked out their positions on the matter.
Some within the get together count on the difficulty to change into a coverage debate throughout the race, which can run till a brand new chief is picked Sept. 10. Up to now, there are 5 candidates working and others have till April 19 to declare and June 3 to promote new memberships.
Completely different Tory MPs have stated they imagine the Conservatives should take a stronger stance in opposition to Invoice 21 and criticized former chief Erin O'Toole for saying that whereas he personally opposes the legislation, it is a problem greatest left as much as Quebecers to resolve. In contrast, Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has left the door open on federal courtroom intervention.
Lewis vowed Monday that if elected as get together chief, she would condemn non secular discrimination no matter "who it's in opposition to or the place it's occurring."
As a candidate within the 2020 race, Lewis loved robust backing from the get together's social conservative wing, which, amongst different issues, cares about non secular freedoms.
Fellow management candidate Pierre Poilievre, a longtime Ottawa-area MP who's working as a candidate that champions all types of freedoms, additionally got here out opposing the legislation on Monday.
"It's fallacious," he stated in a press release.
"If anybody proposed it federally, my authorities wouldn't permit it to cross. I respect Quebec's proper to make its personal legal guidelines, however hope the province repeals the invoice."
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, who formally entered the race Sunday, made some extent of claiming within the speech he made to announce his candidacy that he forcefully stood in opposition to the legislation and believes the get together can win whereas doing so.
Throughout his time as a municipal chief, he additionally led the cost on large cities from throughout the nations pledging cash to help teams which might be difficult Invoice 21 in courtroom.
Former Quebec premier and management candidate Jean Charest has additionally stated he does not help the legislation.
This report by The Canadian Press was first printed March 14, 2022.
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