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Message from the Co-Chairs

On February 8, 2007, Québec Premier Jean Charest announced the establishment of the Consultation Commission on Accommodation Practices Related to Cultural Differences in response to public discontent concerning reasonable accommodation.

Some Quebecers perceive recent intercultural friction as a crisis. We believe that it can also be examined in a positive light since it affords us an opportunity to redefine and strengthen the ties that bring us together. It is useful to remind ourselves, in this respect, that Québec’s situation is not unique. Many Western nations are facing the same challenge, that of reviewing the major codes governing life together to accommodate ethnocultural differences while respecting rights.

The Commission that we are co-chairing is responsible for pinpointing the nature of the source of disharmony that is dividing Quebecers in order to contemplate means of reconciliation. This initiative can only be carried out with the full participation of Quebecers.

To this end, the Commission will conduct an extensive public consultation throughout Québec starting in September 2007. A consultation document, which can be downloaded from the Commission’s Website, has been drafted to sustain public reflection.

The impending public consultation is very important. We encourage interested individuals and organizations to submit briefs and to attend the public hearings to discuss them.