An association representing Quebec’s privately run child daycare centres is calling out the government for leaving it out of consultations as it seeks to expand the reach of secularism laws. The Association des garderies privées du Québec (AGPQ) is accusing Secularism Minister Jean-François Roberge of “silencing opponents who are greatly affected by this bill.” Roberge launched its consultation period on the Act to strengthen secularism in Quebec (Bill 9) on Tuesday. He said he wants to expand rules preventing certain workers from wearing religious symbols on the job to subsidized daycares and private schools, going further than the controversial law commonly known as Bill 21. However, the AGPQ says it was not invited to give its input despite being “most affected by Bill 9.” The network of subsidized private daycare centres cares for more than 50,000 children in the province every day, according to the AGPQ. “In the current context of a severe shortage of early childhood educators, especially qualified educators, the AGPQ is very concerned,” it said. “Our opinion and our exchanges with elected officials are essential. Not including us in the hearings before the parliamentary committee on such an important subject is unheard of!” The AGPQ adds that the government is refusing to listen to parents who use childcare services. The organization held a survey a few weeks ago among parents and found that 65 per cent were opposed to preventing educators who wear religious symbols from working in subsidized daycares. Only 11 per cent of parents surveyed supported the measures laid out under Bill 9, the AGPQ says. Another 69 per cent of respondents believe Bill 9 could negatively affect workforce availability and exacerbate the shortage of educators, and 60 per cent worry the new rules could hinder some parents’ access to daycare and the services offered. “When will the government prioritize the quality of services offered to children above all other considerations? When will the government stop playing politics with children and their families and have the good sense to focus on the well-being of children and maintaining quality services?” said AGPQ President Samir Alahmad. Still, the organization says it remains hopeful that some provisions that “prevent qualified educators from working in the subsidized sector” will be struck down.
