Leslie Rosenblood
As previously reported in Critical Links, the Canadian Secular Alliance and BC Humanist Association submitted a joint application for intervener status when the Supreme Court of Canada hears the challenge to Quebec’s Bill 21, which (among other things) forbids government employees from wearing “ostentatious” religious symbols.
The Supreme Court recognized the two organizations could contribute a unique perspective on the issues the case raises, and approved the application to be an intervener. The application was recently approved, and the two organizations will present their arguments against Bill 21 when the case is heard.
In total, there are 38 approved interveners, which may be a record. (When CSA was last at the Supreme Court of Canada arguing against Trinity Western University forcing students at its prospective law school to sign its “Community Covenant”, there were 19 interveners, which was considered a large number.) Written submissions must be no more than ten pages, and oral arguments will be limited to five minutes (instead of the usual ten).
The hearing has not yet been scheduled, but will likely take place in early 2026. A decision is not expected for at least six months after that.
BCHA and CSA are busy crafting their submission to the Supreme Court, which is due on September 17. Critical Links will summarize BCHA/CSA’s arguments in its October edition.