The Bouchard-Taylor Commission in the Mauricie region: an additional half-day hearing will be held in Trois-Rivières

Montréal, October 19, 2007 – In light of the considerable number of briefs and extensive testimony submitted by individuals, organizations and associations in the Mauricie region, the Consultation Commission on Accommodation Practices Related to Cultural Differences (CCPARDC) is prolonging by half a day its hearings in Trois Rivières. In addition to the session from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, October 24, the Commission will convene on Thursday, October 25 from 9 a.m. to noon.

The Commission has received 18 briefs and testimony from 28 sources. The additional half-day will also allow greater numbers of individuals and organizations already registered to speak. All briefs submitted to the Commission are read and analysed whether or not they are subject to a public presentation.

Some 200 people are registered for the Citizens’ Forum of Trois-Rivières, which is full. The Commission is thus obliged to refuse any new registrants.

The Commission

The CCAPRCD, co-chaired by sociologist and historian Gérard Bouchard and philosopher Charles Taylor, has been asked to take stock of accommodation practices and analyse all facets of the question by conducting a province-wide public consultation. The Commission will submit a report and make recommendations to the Québec Premier on March 31, 2008.

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