Pearl Eliadis: Top court hearing challenge on Quebec's secularism law 'not unexpected' | CBC
January 24, 2025 |聽The Supreme Court of Canada has agreed to hear a challenge against Quebec's controversial secularism law that prohibits certain public workers from wearing religious symbols while performing their duties. Professor聽Pearl Eliadis聽joined for an interview with the CBC to discuss the nature of the issues at stake, by the very fact that the court has agreed to hear the case.聽
When asked whether the Supreme Court鈥檚 decision to hear the case could lead to a different outcome, Professor Eliadis acknowledged the uncertainty, stating, "The Court never gives reasons for granting leave to appeal." She noted that more than a dozen arguments were raised by the parties, including issues related to "the notwithstanding clause, the role of gender equality, and election rights." While it remains unclear which specific aspects the Court will focus on, Eliadis emphasized that "what we do know is that the Court is prepared to embark on this conversation"鈥攐ne that addresses key issues currently occupying so many Canadians.
