The City of Côte-Saint-Luc is carefully reviewing Bill 9, An Act respecting the reinforcement of laicity in Québec, which was tabled at the National Assembly on November 27, 2025, as it has raised concerns among residents and institutions in our community.
The City is encouraged that Bill 9 includes measures that respond to several security concerns raised in recent years. In particular, the proposed ban on protests near places of worship, as well as interference with religious practice inside or obstruction of access to these sites, and the ban on face coverings on Cégep and university campuses, are intended to help reinforce safety around community institutions and support a secure environment for all Côte Saint-Luc residents.
In addition, early analysis suggests that some of the issues circulating in the community may not be cause for alarm. For example:
- Street prayer rules appear to preserve established religious celebrations such as Simchat Torah.
- Hospitals such as the Jewish General Hospital, Mount Sinai, Maimonides and others are exempt from new restrictions on prayer spaces.
- Subsidized private schools are not required to become fully private and retain access to government funding, with up to three years to adjust to new criteria if needed.
However, other elements of the draft bill remain of legitimate concern and will require close monitoring. Among them:
- Possible extension of Bill 21 rules on religious symbols to new employees of subsidized private schools.
- Expansion of secularism requirements to additional sectors including CPEs, subsidized childcare and certain health institutions.
- Restrictions that would prevent subsidized institutions from offering exclusively religious dietary menus.
The City will follow the legislative process closely and remain in contact with local institutions and community partners. Côte Saint-Luc is committed to protecting the rights, safety and well being of all residents as this important provincial discussion continues.