Quebec Daycares Critique Bill 9, Warning of Service Impact

Publicly funded daycare groups in Quebec have expressed strong opposition to the province’s new secularism legislation, known as Bill 9. They argue that the law will pose significant challenges for the daycare network and may ultimately weaken services provided to young children. The Association québécoise des centres de la petite enfance (AQCPE) stated that the measures outlined in Bill 9 do not align with the pressing issues facing the early childhood sector.

Bill 9 prohibits employees in Centres de la petite enfance (CPEs) from wearing religious symbols while at work and restricts the serving of exclusively kosher or halal food. Jean-François Roberge, Quebec’s minister responsible for secularism, has defended the bill, asserting that the state’s religious neutrality is essential for ensuring equality among all citizens.

The AQCPE emphasized that the legislation does not enhance the quality of educational services or access to a safe learning environment for children. In their memoir submitted to a National Assembly committee, the association highlighted several concerns, including exacerbated staffing shortages and increased financial pressures on daycare facilities.

Concerns Over Staffing and Parental Trust

Pascal Côté, vice-president of the CSQ labour federation, which represents CPE workers, criticized the government’s rationale for the bill. He pointed out the lack of evidence linking the wearing of religious symbols to any influence on children, stating, “There are no studies that show that wearing a religious symbol transmits any religion at all to a child.”

An AQCPE survey of 705 members revealed that over 90 percent had never received complaints related to staff attire, with only half of the few complaints addressing religious symbols. The majority of complaints concerned general attire rather than religious expression, showing that the issue may be overblown.

The report underpinning Bill 9 was released on August 26, 2025, by a government-commissioned committee. It asserted that daycare staff wearing hijabs do not maintain neutrality and could provoke reactions among young children. The AQCPE countered this view, arguing that such behaviors should be understood as a form of “symbolic play,” crucial for child development.

The impact of Bill 9 on staffing is a pressing concern. The AQCPE warns that the daycare sector is already facing a severe shortage of qualified staff. The introduction of new restrictions could further diminish the pool of available workers, potentially compromising educational quality and access to care.

Financial Implications and Dietary Restrictions

The bill also introduces a measure that prevents CPEs from serving menus based solely on religious customs, which could have financial ramifications. Many daycares rely on suppliers offering halal meat not out of religious adherence, but because it is the most economical choice. The AQCPE expressed concern that complying with this requirement could lead to increased operational costs, ultimately impacting the quality of services offered.

Additionally, the legislation stipulates that anyone accessing daycare services must do so with their face uncovered, raising concerns for parents who wear face coverings for religious reasons. The AQCPE noted that unlike schools, parents of young children have daily interactions with staff, and enforcing this requirement could harm relationships with families.

Both the AQCPE and CSQ are urging the government to reconsider the necessity of Bill 9 and to gather more comprehensive data on its implications. Côté stated that the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government did not campaign on a platform that included banning religious symbols for daycare workers. He suggested that the government should pause to reassess the potential impact of the law and consider the voices of those directly affected before proceeding.

As the National Assembly continues consultations on Bill 9, the concerns raised by daycare organizations highlight the complexities of balancing secularism with the practicalities of providing quality childcare in Quebec.