Debate on Religious Minorities Needed across Canada: G-G

September 26, 2007

Author: Elizabeth Thompson

Source: CanWest News Service

http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/story.html?id=2c8ad3ab-e060-4839-8c6e-3a5d840900d7

Quebec's debate on the reasonable accommodation of religious and ethnic minorities is a healthy exercise that should take place in the rest of Canada as well, says Governor-General Michaelle Jean.

Speaking during an interview to mark this week's second anniversary of her swearing in as Canada's head of state, Ms. Jean said Quebec is no different than other parts of Canada in its residents' attitudes toward minorities. The difference is that Quebecers are talking about it.

"I think it is always healthy to confront perspectives and points of views," said Ms. Jean, a Haitian-born Quebecer and Canada's first black Governor-General. "It is always healthy. I think it would be unhealthy not to do it."