Quebec’s charter of values: Less like Putin, more like poutine: Salutin

The Star:
The Parti Québécois government in Quebec is floating a “Charter of Quebec Values.” It makes me nostalgic for the old days of Quebec nationalism.The charter would ban Jewish, Muslim and Sikh head coverings, and other religious or cultural symbols, for workers in Quebec’s public sector: schools, daycares, drivers’ licence examiners etc. Philosopher Charles Taylor, who co-chaired a provincial inquiry into “religious accommodation,” immediately called it Putinesque. He was referring to Russia’s anti-gay laws. “Sounds more poutinesque than Putinesque,” said someone I know, which should qualify for instant admission to the Canadian wordplay hall of fame. It catches the provincial (double entendre alert) pettiness of the measures.
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