Second Former PQ Premier, Bouchard, Opposes Quebec Charter

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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Another Former Parti Québécois Premier, Lucien Bouchard, has raised voice against the highly notorious proposal of Quebec’s Charter of Values, pointing out numerous unavoidable flaws in the proposal. Consequently, he has now become the second former premier, after Premier Jacques Parizeau, and an influential figure amongst the PQ to criticize the controversial proposal.

According to his comments, Mr. Bouchard stated that an inevitable debate over the charter has harmed Quebec’s reputation and deeply divided the province. Mr. Bouchard’s remarks were published in La Presse almost a day after former Premier Parizeau expressed his concerns about the charter as well. Both former Premiers have alleged that the government of Premier Pauline Marois has gone a little too far with its Values Charter, and shall limit its prohibition on religious symbols to figures such as police officers, prosecutors and judges. However, the government’s current proposal, which is to be tabled as legislation this fall, is aimed at banning conspicuous religious symbols across the civil service, including hospitals, daycares and schools.

In his interview given to a La Presse journalist, Yves Boisvert, Mr. Bouchard mentions  “look at how this is dividing Montreal and the regions, minorities among themselves, even in families, we’re seeing quarrels on subjects that never had seemed to pose problems before.” This recent interview has further isolated the Marois government within the sovereigntist family. Both former Bloc MPs have openly opposed the Charter’s proposal; along with Mr. Bouchard echoing Mr. Parizeau call for withdrawing the crucifix from the National Assembly.