Dissent in FAE regarding challenge to Act 21

The challenge to Act 21 by the Federation of Autonomous Education (FAE) was not even internally unanimous. Members of the affiliated union representing teachers in Laval spoke out against the policy.

A motion to this effect was passed by a majority this week during a virtual general assembly, we learnt The Journal. The Laval Region Education Union, however, declined our request for an interview on the matter.

Other affiliates may be asked to comment on these measures in the coming weeks.

For its part, the FAE indicated that it was “aware of ongoing discussions among some” of its affiliate members. We added that “a federal debate will take place” on the matter.

Up to the Supreme Court

In late April, the FAE announced it would continue its fight to invalidate the state's secularism law in the Supreme Court, seeking to curb the use of the derogatory clause by regional governments to prevent populist excesses.

Law 21 prohibits state employees in positions of authority from wearing religious symbols, and a disparagement clause was added soon after its passage, making it immune from challenges in court.

The legal action has cost the union about $1.2 million so far, and its president, Melanie Hubert, indicated that it plans to spend “a few hundred thousand dollars” on future hearings at the Supreme Court.

However, the decision was heavily criticized by many teachers, who objected to the use of their union dues for the appeal, demanding genuine consultation on the policy.

Two petitions were circulated among the ranks of teachers.