Quebec government to review format of controversial systemic racism consultation

Opposition parties have said the process amounts to putting Quebecers on trial and called on the government to instead take concrete measures to help minorities.

Thestar.com
Oct. 4, 2017
By The Canadian Press

Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard says his government will review the format for province-wide consultations on systemic racism.

Couillard had previously refused to question the process but changed his mind after weeks of criticism from all sides.

Opposition parties have said the process amounts to putting Quebecers on trial and called on the government to instead take concrete measures to help minorities.

Yesterday, two members of Couillard's Liberal party questioned whether the consultations may have played a role in the party's defeat in a Quebec City byelection earlier this week.

Michel Matte and Patrick Huot suggested voters in Louis-Hebert didn't like being painted as racists.

Couillard told reporters today the format for the consultations would be reviewed, but did not offer information on what changes may be coming or whether the hearings would be scrapped altogether.