Cogeco CEO Louis Audet says Quebec’s proposed values charter harmful to economy

From an economic and business perspective:

Audet is one of the few business leaders in Quebec who have spoken out against such a charter. A recent poll has found that 60 per cent of Quebecers supported the secular charter, which would forbid public employees from wearing visible religious symbols including hijabs, turbans, kippas and larger-than-average crucifixes.

“I can’t help but think that the charter of Quebec values’ bill is a bill that’s harmful to our economy, and ultimately, our ability to pay for social programs that our elected members will want to favour, regardless of which party is in power,” he told the Montreal Chamber of Commerce.

But Premier Pauline Marois has said the charter doesn’t worry foreign investors who might be interested in setting up shop in Quebec and recently announced in London that two companies would be heading to Montreal to do business…..

Local chamber of commerce president and CEO Michel Leblanc said his organization is also against the values charter.

“It’s creating the impression that Quebec is a closed society to immigrants,” he said. “We want to attract immigrants whether it’s for work or investment. If we can’t attract immigrants because of the charter, it’s going to harm Quebec’s economy.”

Cogeco CEO Louis Audet says Quebec’s proposed values charter harmful to economy – Need to know – Macleans.ca.

La charte menacerait l’économie