Quebec targets halal, kosher foods at public institutions with secularism law

Quebec plans a sweeping new secularism law banning halal/kosher food, face coverings, and prayer rooms in all public institutions, significantly escalating its crackdown on religious expression.

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Quebec plans a sweeping new secularism law banning halal/kosher food, face coverings, and prayer rooms in all public institutions, significantly escalating its crackdown on religious expression in public institutions.

Secularism Minister Jean-François Roberge announced Tuesday he will table the bill Thursday at the National Assembly, arguing Quebec must “strengthen our model of secularism” and update the rules introduced under Bill 21 in 2019.

The proposed legislation would prohibit public institutions — including daycares, public and private schools, CEGEPs, universities, hospitals and other government-funded facilities — from offering or accommodating halal or kosher menus. Dedicated prayer rooms on campus and in public buildings would be outlawed, and new restrictions on face coverings would apply throughout public institutions.

The government will also broaden its ban on public prayers, a measure Roberge announced earlier this fall. The expansion follows tensions surrounding Muslim prayers during pro-Palestinian demonstrations, which Roberge called a form of “provocation.” He did not detail how the ban would be enforced but indicated narrow exceptions may be considered.

The bill will extend Quebec’s religious-symbols prohibition to all employees across the education sector, reaching early-childhood centres, colleges, universities and private schools. These changes go beyond the current restrictions targeting teachers and certain state employees in positions of authority.

The proposed measures are expected to revive debate over Quebec’s approach to secularism, which has faced multiple court challenges and sustained opposition from civil-liberties groups while maintaining broad support among many Quebecers.

Debate over religious accommodation has also intensified nationally. Earlier this week, True North reported that Canadian Forces Base Gagetown in New Brunswick currently serves “100%” halal-certified chicken in its mess hall. A Department of National Defence spokesperson said the Canadian Armed Forces aim to provide a variety of food options to meet dietary needs “whenever possible.”

At the same time, the federal government has launched a new $25-million Kosher and Halal Investment Program, offering up to $2 million per project to support efficiency upgrades for kosher and halal beef and veal production. The program is intended to help slaughter establishments reduce operating costs and adopt new technologies to expand certified production.

Quebec’s new secularism bill will be tabled Thursday evening.