Since being tabled in early November, the draft legislation of the proposed Charter of Secular Values (Bill 60) has prompted expansive discussions, both formal and informal, at Concordia.
A number of student associations, academic departments and labour unions registered with me their strong disagreement with the bill. Likewise, more than 200 Concordia community members wrote to me directly to express their views on the proposed legislation. Again, an overwhelming majority expressed their dissent.
Members of the Senate and Board of Governors have had the opportunity to express their opinions over the past two weeks at their regular meetings. In the true spirit of bicameralism, the Senate Steering Committee and the Board Executive Committee met to finalize and approve what has become the university’s official position, which you can read here. In addition, 11 Concordia unions and associations expressed their support for this position.
I want to thank all those who took the time to discuss this important issue with me. I am also grateful to our governors and senators for navigating through this process and helping build the university’s position. The next step is to present our position to the government as part of the consultative process on the draft legislation, which starts in January.
Enjoy your reading and I wish you all a restful vacation.
Alan Shepard
President