Opinion
When the art of the possible is an impossible dream, demagoguery takes hold
By Andrew Caddell Jul. 17, 2019
In this age of extreme views in social media and cynicism in the body politic, the idea of honourable compromise seems to have died.
Quebec Premier François Legault says the restrictions imposed in his province by Bill 21 is ‘what the people want.’ But, Andrew Caddell asks, how far does that go? Photograph courtesy of CAQ’s Instagram
HALIFAX—I recently went to a book launch in Montreal in a local synagogue, at which many prominent citizens attended. The atmosphere of civility inside was in stark contrast to the political climate outside. A few days before, the Coalition Avenir Québec government had passed Bill 21, forbidding people in authority (including teachers, police, and judges) from wearing clothing with a religious orientation. Anyone wearing a hijab, a turban, or a yarmulke need not apply for those jobs.
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