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Implications of secularism law for internships

The government has passed An Act respecting the reinforcement of laicity in Québec (also known as Bill 9) into law. The provisions of the law, designed to promote secularism, have implications for Concordia students, faculty and staff. The law also applies to wearing religious symbols and religious practices in schools and daycares, meaning it may affect you if you are planning or required to do an internship in any of those settings as part of your studies at Concordia.

Frequently asked questions

How does the law define a religious symbol?

The definition under the law is “any object, including clothing, a symbol, jewelry, an adornment, an accessory or headwear, that: 

  • is worn in connection with a religious conviction or belief; or 
  • is reasonably considered as referring to a religious affiliation.”

What happens if I'm a current student who wears a religious symbol and I plan to do an internship at a university, daycare or a school in Quebec?

The law specifies that: 

• At a public school, in a service centre or in a school board: you may not wear a religious symbol

• At a private preschool, elementary school or secondary school subsidized by the Quebec government: you may not wear a religious symbol

• At a private preschool, elementary school or secondary school not subsidized by the Quebec government: you may wear a religious symbol

• In a francization program: you may not wear a religious symbol

• In Centres de la petite enfance (CPE) and Quebec government-subsidized daycares: you may not wear a religious symbol

Please speak to your department for advice on how to proceed in your situation.

I’m interested in an academic program at Concordia that requires me to complete an internship at a daycare, elementary school, high school or in a francization program. As someone who wears a religious symbol, should I apply?

Unfortunately, there is no guarantee you will be able to find an appropriate internship. You risk being unable to fulfill your degree requirements. Connect with a recruiter to talk about your options.