Purpose of the consultation

Like other Western nations, Québec must find a way to draw together different cultures sharing the same space and that rely on the same institutions. This context of intercultural friction is perceived by some observers as a crisis, but it can also be broached from a positive angle insofar as it affords an opportunity to review and, if need be, redefine the ties that unite us.

Quebecers must collectively seek a middle ground, which is why the public consultation that the Commission is conducting is of the utmost importance. We expect the consultation to give rise to frank, open discussions that are tempered by reason and civility. In broaching head-on and in depth the questions that concern our society, we also hope that this consultation will reveal extensive positive experience lived throughout Québec from the angle of intercultural differences. We are convinced that we can make this operation a major demonstration of democracy, as we have already done on different occasions in the past.

We must all seek the same objective: to conceive of a fair, original model of collective life of which we are proud. It is important to remember, indeed, that the conclusions we reach will attract the attention of a very broad public, far beyond our borders. As we have noted, the question of ethnocultural diversity concerns all democratic nations. We have an opportunity to put our mark on a very important debate. It is up to us, i.e. all Quebecers, to display trust, moderation and mutual respect, imagination and daring.

In more concrete terms, the public consultation is intended to:

• inform the Commission of the viewpoints of Quebecers of different generations, backgrounds and regions of Québec on the management of diversity and Quebecers’ shared values;
• create a spirit and a forum conducive to dialogue between Quebecers of different origins;
• encourage reflection in the main communities concerned.

All Quebecers are encouraged to express their viewpoints on a number of key dimensions underlying interethnic relations and harmonization practices (reasonable accommodation and concerted adjustments) discussed in the consultation document prepared by the Commission, i.e. values and rights, cultural diversity, collective integration, secularism, and harmonization practices.

Participants will also find at the conclusion of each discussion in the consultation document a series of questions pertaining to the themes broached.