Ontario government issues statement on religious symbols in public institutions

September 4, 2013

---

Statement by The Honourable Michael Coteau, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
on Religious Symbols and Coverings in Places that Receive Public Funding

On August 21, 2013, Michael Coteau, Ontario’s Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, released the following statement about prohibition of religious symbols and coverings in government offices and any other places that receive public funding:

“The Ontario government greatly values the people living in our province and the social, cultural and economic contributions that they have made to help build our province and make us thrive as a society. We are committed to an Ontario where all people are respected while celebrating the differences of our diversity.

Our government would oppose the introduction of any legislation in Ontario to restrict or prohibit people’s freedom of expression and religion in public places. Ontario’s diversity and freedom of expression and religion is a model to the world – where we celebrate and respect each other’s differences.”