Recent legal decisions in Quebec reveal a troubling trend: legislation and regulations that undermine fundamental freedoms, particularly religious liberty, are increasingly coming under scrutiny—and in some cases, being upheld. From the municipal court ruling against a volunteer suicide prevention group to the landmark challenge of Bill 21 at the Supreme Court, the message is clear: Canada must carefully navigate the delicate balance between secularism and individual rights.
In Waterloo, Quebec the municipal court upheld a ticket issued to a volunteer of Le Groupe Jaspe, a grassroots organization founded by Claude Tremblay after his son’s tragic death. The volunteer was targeted for going door-to-door without a permit, a regulation that the City of Waterloo argued was necessary for order. However, many critics argued —and the court ultimately agreed—that this enforcement infringed on the volunteer’s constitutional right to religious expression and free speech. The court acknowledged that Quebec’s 2019 Loi sur la Laïcité de l’État, while affirming secularism, does not grant unlimited power to restrict peaceful religious activities.
This decision underscores an essential truth: laws that suppress religious expression threaten the freedom upon which our society is built. The court’s recognition that religious liberties are fundamental, and that restrictions must be carefully balanced, is a positive step. Yet, it also highlights a broader concern—how many other instances of religious expression are at risk of being marginalized or silenced under the guise of secularism?
Meanwhile, on the national stage, the Supreme Court of Canada will soon hear a case that could redefine the limits of state authority and religious freedom. The case of the English Montreal School Board (EMSB) challenging Bill 21, Quebec’s law banning religious symbols for certain public employees, has garnered widespread attention. For years, opponents viewed Bill 21 as an act that marginalizes religious minorities, forcing individuals to choose between their faith and their careers. Advocates, however, argue it protects secular principles and societal neutrality.
The federal government’s decision to intervene at the Supreme Court underscores the high stakes. Former federal Justice Minister Arif Virani emphasized the importance of defending constitutional rights—rights enshrined in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms—which safeguard religious expression and equality. Quebec’s government, led by Premier François Legault, contends that Bill 21 reflects the will of many Quebecers; yet, public opinion remains divided, and the moral implications are profound.
The core issue remains: do laws like Bill 21 and regulations like the municipal permit rules serve the public interest, or do they unjustly marginalize religious communities? The answers are complex but crucial. As Quebec and Canada grapple with their identity, the question must be whether our society can embrace secularism without eroding the core rights of its religious minorities.
The cases unfolding before the courts are more than legal battles—they are defining moments for our society’s values. Courts have the responsibility to uphold the fundamental freedoms that protect religious expression, recognizing that faith is an integral part of human dignity. As Justice Blanchard pointed out in his Quebec Superior Court ruling on Bill 21, which is now at the Supreme Court of Canada, forcing individuals to suppress their religious identity diminishes their very essence, “either they act in accordance with their soul and conscience, in this case their beliefs, or they work in their chosen profession. One can easily understand that this is a cruel consequence which dehumanizes the individuals concerned.”
Canada’s strength lies in its diversity and its commitment to respecting individual freedoms. Laws and policies must reflect that commitment, not undermine it. Our hope is that the justice system will reaffirm that religious liberty is not an obstacle to societal progress but a vital element of a truly free, inclusive society.
As the Supreme Court prepares to rule, Canadians should remember that protecting religious freedom is defending the very fabric of our pluralistic, democratic society. Our laws must serve to unite, not divide, and uphold the dignity of every person—regardless of their faith.
