HEROUXVILLE TOWN CHARTER

Herouxville Town Charter

2010-04-16T12:55:00.000-05:00

Municipalité Hérouxville

Publication of Standards
The social development and territory security are some of the major objective goals of the democratically voted individuals in our MRC. Hérouxvillebeing part of the MRC, we share these same objectives.
To do this, we would like to invite, without discrimination, in the future, all people from outside our MRC that would like to move to this territory.

Without discrimination means to us, without regard to race or to the color of skin, mother tongue spoken, sexual orientation, religion, or any other form of beliefs.

So that the future residents can integrate socially more easily, we have decided unan-imously, to make public, certain standards already in place and very well anchored in the lives of our electors.
These standards come from our municipal laws being Federal or Provincial, and all voted democratically. They also come from the social life and habits & customs of all residents of our territory.

Our objective is to show that we support the wishes of our electors and this being shown clearly by the results of our poll regarding this issue. And our goal is to inform the new arrivals to our territory, how we live to help them make a clear decision to integrate into our area.

We would especially like to inform the new arrivals that the lifestyle that they left behind in their birth country cannot be brought here with them and they would have to adapt to their new social identity.

Published by The Mayor and 6 city counselors of Hérouxville, democratically elected.

Municipalité Hérouxville

The Standards
Our Women;
We consider that men and women are of the same value. Having said this, we consider that a woman can; drive a car, vote, sign checks, dance, decide for herself, speak her peace, dress as she sees fit respecting of course the democratic decency, walk alone in public places, study, have a job, have her own belongings and anything else that a man can do. These are our standards and our way of life.
However, we consider that killing women in public beatings, or burning them alive are not part of our standards of life.

Our Children;
Our children are required to attend public or private schools to insure their social development and to help integrate into our society. Any form of violence towards children is not accepted.

Our Festivities;
We listen to music, we drink alcoholic beverages in public or private places, we dance and at the end of every year we decorate a tree with balls and tinsel and some lights. This is normally called “Christmas Decorations” or also “Christmas Tree” letting us rejoice in the notion of our national heritage and not necessarily a religious holiday. These festivities are authorized in public, schools, and institutions and also in private.

Our Health Care
In our old folks homes men and women are treated by responsible men and women. Please note that there is no law voted democratically that prohibits a woman treating a man and a man treating a woman. In our hospitals and CLSC’s woman doctors can treat men and women and the same for the men doctors. This same principle applies for nurses, firemen and women, ambulance technicians. These responsible people do not have to ask permission to perform blood transfusions or any task needed to save a life. For the last few years men have been allowed into the delivery room to assist in the birth of their baby. They have been with their wives to prenatal courses to help them in this task. In the said establishments the patients are offered traditional meals. There is often music playing in the background. There are magazines or news papers available and any other form of multimedia that shows our community spirit and our way of life.

Our Education;
In our schools certified men and women teach our children. The women or men teachers can teach boys or girls with no sexual discrimination. They do not have to dress any different to accomplish their tasks. In our schools the children cannot carry any weapons real or fake, symbolic or not. The children can sing, play sports or play in groups. To promote decency and to avoid all discrimination some schools have adopted a dress code that they strongly enforce. For the last few years to draw away from religious influences or orientation no locale is made available for prayer or any other form of incantation. Moreover, in many of our schools no prayer is allowed. We teach more science and less religion. In our scholastic establishments, be private or public, generally, at the end of the year you will possibly see “Christmas Decorations” or “Christmas Trees” The children might also sing “Christmas Carols” if they want to. Many of our schools have cafeterias that serve traditional foods. Students may decide to eat elsewhere.

The history of Quebec is taught in our schools. Biology lessons are also given.

Our Sports & Leisure;
For the longest time boys and girls have played the same games and often play together. For example, if you came to my place we would send the kids to swim together in the pool, don’t be surprised this is normal for us.
You would see men and women skiing together on the same hill at the same time, don’t be surprised this is normal for us. You would also see men and women playing hockey together, don’t be surprised this is normal for us. In our public swimming pools we have men and women lifeguards for our security to protect us from drowning, don’t be surprised this is normal for us. All the laws adopted that permit these phenomenons have followed a strict democratic process. You would appreciate this new life style and share our habits & customs.

Our Security;
Our immense territory is patrolled by police men and women of the “Surete du Quebec”. They have always been allowed to question or to advise or lecture or to give out an infraction ticket to either a man or woman. You may not hide your face as to be able to identify you while you are in public. The only time you may mask or cover your face is during Halloween, this is a religious traditional custom at the end of October celebrating all Saints Day, where children dress up and go door to door begging for candy and treats. All of us accept to have our picture taken and printed on our driver’s permit, health care card and passports. A result of democracy.

Our Work Place;
The employers must respect the governmental laws regarding work conditions. These laws include holidays known and accepted in advance by all employees. These work conditions are negotiated democratically and once accepted both parties respect them.
No law or work condition imposes the employer to supply a place of prayer or the time during the working day for this activity. You will also see men and women working side by side. We wear safety helmets on worksites, when required by law.

Our Businesses; Our businesses are governed by municipal, provincial and federal laws. In our businesses men and women work together and serve the clientele whether they be man or woman. The products sold by these businesses can be of any kind. Food products for example must be approved by different governmental agencies before being offered to the general public. You might see in the same store several different types of meat, eg. Beef , chicken, pork and lamb.

Other Businesses offer their clientele a place and equipment to exercise. These places have windows that their clientele can look outside while exercising and are composed of men and women dressed in clothing appropriate for exercising.

Our Families
You will appreciate that both parents manage the children needs and both have the same authority. The parents can be of the same race or not, be from the same country or not, have the same religion or not, even be of the same sex or not.
If a boy or girl wants to get married, they may, they have the liberty to chose who their spouse will be. The democratic process is applied to ensure each and everyone’s liberty to choose. In our families, the boys and girls eat together at the same table and eat the same food. They can eat any type of meat, vegetables or fruit. They don’t eat just meat or just vegetables they can eat both at the same time and this throughout the whole year. If our children eat meat for example, they don’t need to know where it came from or who killed it.Our people eat to nourish the body not the soul.

Other:
You might still see crosses that tell our past. They are an integrated part of our history and patrimony and should be considered as such.

To publish all the laws and standards of Municipalité Hérouxville would be a tedious task. The standards published above are just a sample so the new arrivals to this territory can clearly identify with us before making their decision to move here.

Certainly, being the elected members, we would give the new arrivals the assurance that the conditions that they have fled from in their country would not happen again here in our territory.. Consequently, the peace of mind that we live with will always be. It must be very clear that any person or persons, groups legal or not that would like to modify our habits and customs or our general way of life cannot do so without going through a referendum process following all laws put forward by our towns and municipalities. These referendums will be at the petitioner or petitioner’s cost.

Signed jointly by the mayor and 6 city counselors of Hérouxville, all democratically elected.

Your comments are most certainly welcome, please refain from using profanity or racist comments. Again Thank you.

Peers or Jeers: Muslim women celebrated in new calendar.

2010-04-16T11:38:00.001-05:00

Shazia Javed a local photographer will be featuring a calendar of local Canadian Muslim women of distinction. Muslim women will be showcased as intelligent, thinking human beings, both as educators and in the everyday workforce.

Ms. Javed's intent it seems is to dispel rumours about Muslim women, Muslim women many of us have witnessed as subservient females seen in Middle Eastern media footage. Some women, but not all, will wear head coverings.

This story today will centre on the societal effects of the Hijab, Canadian teen females, body image and fashion in society, marketers and peer pressure all young ladies face.

It is yet to be seen how this calendar will play out among younger pre and teen Canadian Muslim girls in Canada.

Without the head covering or Hijab, could any Canadian tell the difference between a Canadian Muslim woman or any non Muslim Canadian woman? It is highly doubtful anyone could.

Will a Canadian female Muslim teen look to this calendar as a role model to follow, which photo will she look upon favourably, the Hijab or the non Hijab photo?

If a Canadian Muslim teenager, without her families strict influence were to choose, without interference or discipline, which photo would a young Muslim teen identify with? If the public reaction to Burka Barbie is any indication, young ladies may go with the non Hijab photos in order to conform to Canadian society.

Teen girls, by and large are Daddy’s girls, the apple of a father’s eye, they can do no wrong. Yet when out as a group of female teens, for some reason the claws of conformity come out. Sometimes this extends to adulthood. There is a reason why girls are called “Catty”!

What chance would a young Canadian Muslim girl have wearing a Hijab, growing up, wanting acceptance, especially in a public high school setting?

Young ladies today, trying to fit in, regardless if they are Muslim, wear a Hijab or anything that singles them out as different can be the victim of jeers amongst their female peers, including boys, a mother and a father’s worst nightmare. It would be nice if those who throw cruel taunts at others could see the consequences of their actions through a parent's eyes.

Unless a young Muslim girl attends a Muslim school, much like the Catholic schools and school uniforms of old, they will be seen as different. Some in society forget that!

Little of us remember a time pre 1970s, head coverings were the norm for women, especially many women would don them when entering church on Sunday. My, how times have changed.

We all remember media stories and Canadian public outrage when it was reported that Canadian Sikh school boys wearing a dagger (Kirpan) for religious purposes was seen by some as a danger to their non dagger carrying children.

Yet for many Canadian and American baby boomers, Boy scouts included, carrying a pocket knife to school was a normal everyday occurrence, a rite of passage to manhood. Were mass murders committed? Hell No, maybe a few school yard foot injuries from knife throwing games, but rarely were knives used in anger.

1960’s Liberal policy changed all that, in their quest to protect society from anything sharp and pointy.

It is yet to be seen how this Muslim women calendar will play out, some men in particular some Muslim men on the extreme side may take exception to any women shown in photos, but if it takes a calendar to show Muslim women in Canada in a positive light, showcasing a woman can be anything they choose, then, perhaps it is a calendar whose time has come.

Time will tell if this calendar will be a big seller marketing wise amongst young Muslim teens who wish to fit in among their Canadian teenage peers.

Society and Abercrombie and Fitch style marketing and other Tween fashionista's have ensured of that.

As parents, not matter what we say or do, we may find all young ladies growing up will be reluctant to walk down the road less traveled, but if their independence into adulthood is what we wish for, then is it not a young lady's passage into adulthood to choose to conform or not?

No parent wants to see their pride and joy ostracized or hurt by the peers, as we try in vain to instill the values in our children, especially our daughters, beginning at a very young age that peer pressure, differences, intelligence and self worth begin at home and not the school yard, regardless of head coverings.

After all, if change is to begin, it's with us, them and future generations.

Obama war on terror: Will Islam ever stand up to Islamic extremists?

2010-04-16T11:37:00.001-05:00

The United Nations (U.N) food aid program in Somalia has been suspended indefinitely due to concerns of food aid worker safety and increased demands for security payments to Islamic militants operating in lawless Somalia. This may result in the starvation of a million people caused by these Islamic militants.

Though there are different Islamic militants worldwide, they all seem to have a different agenda. One thing is clear, the agenda is not peace, but terror. Many Islamic terrorists feel they are freedom fighters for the people. Which people the terrorists are referring to is anyone's guess, certainly not innocent Muslim women, men and children gathering in the marketplace who all share the Islamic faith.

They seem to thrive on terrorizing innocent Muslim people who on a daily basis take their lives in their hands not knowing if they will get home alive, when all they are trying to do is to get groceries as they walk around with an imaginary bullseye on forehead.

Terror comes in many forms, from bombing innocent men, women and children, to placing countries on high alert and forcing society to profile for the public good or paranoia, it is all terror in some form or another.

Psychological terror also comes to countries such as Canada, far removed from the violence, bullets and suicide bombers. Though have had our share of so called Canadian terror cells and humanitarian agencies masking their true intent, as cultural groups who take to the streets in protest over the drop of a Hijab. All groups fall under suspicion whether they like it or not.

Terror does not always have to end in death, inconvenience can be a form of terror, as many subconsciously submit to hours standing in airport line ups or border crossings as armed guards question and second guess if your belongings contain explosives.

Terror profiling comes with questioning or detainment by authourities as agencies look to weed out terrorism and never assume innocent until proven guilty, it is a reversal brought on by suspected acts of terror.

Ottawa's Somali community have charged profiling of their young males who always seem to get picked out of the blue by our Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) agency for questioning. This inflames the sensibilities of Somali's who feel they are being unfairly looked at as subversives or terrorist groups.

The recent story of Somali extremists in Canada being suspected of terrorist activities during the Obama Inauguration added fuel to the fire.

There is also the question that many non Somali Canadians who made a run for the border to attend Obama's Inauguration may not have undergone similar profiling or questioning.

Islam profess to be a kind and benevolent religion, with over a billion followers in almost every country around the globe. Islam also condemn these terrorist acts. Many question now, if you are a billion strong and such a tight knit community, why have Islamic groups not put a stop to the terrorism? Terrorism in which your own Muslim brethren are starved, imprisoned, terrorized or killed by these Islamic terrorist groups.

Saudi Arabia, an Islamic state has more money than GOD, certainly they along with other Muslims (a billion strong) who follow the Islamic faith could kick in a few bucks and a couple of million of God's soldiers to fight these Islamic terrorists and put a stop to all this?

Many feel that an immediate call to arms is in order, an easy accomplishment if you are truly horrified by these terrorist acts, especially against the West as you say! This, considering many make the West their home, so we must be doing something right? Notwithstanding the West sending our Western sons and daughters to fight and die on your behalf for your fellow oppressed Islamic citizens in order to help preserve your Muslim way of life in your own domain.

Remember and never forget, it was your followers of the Islamic faith carrying a $6.00 boxcutter who started the war on terrorism, and the responsibility lies with Islam to end this terrorism.

Failure to end it on your part gives you no right to protest, postulate,condemn or rant against us when all we are doing is protecting our right and your fellow Muslims right to live peacefully in each of our respective countries. Canada, a country your fellow Muslims the world over continue to fight tooth and nail to make their home.

Canada Citizenship: Rule of Law

2010-04-16T11:36:00.002-05:00

Let’s face it, western countries have rules of law, whether in the home or society, without rules there would be chaos. Some rules seem just, some unfair, majority rules, our rights and freedoms and laws are what makes Canada one of the greatest democracies in the world.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s Minister Jason Kenney has modified a new set of rules for newcomers to Canada to follow in the Discover Canada
The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship in a special section on "The Equality of Women and Men." The news breaking story is featured in the Ottawa Sun, titled barbaric rituals, a no-no feds warn. The new rules were put in place as it seemed that barbaric rituals such as honour killings, genital mutilations and other horrific acts against persons and young women in particular, though rare, were starting to become media headlines, suggesting this was becoming too commonplace in Canada. Canada decided (it seems) to reiterate the what most of us know is common sense and unacceptable in a civilized society and not to be tolerated. Strangely enough, these new set of rules seem to mirror, in part, a rule of norms established three years ago by the citizens of Herouxville, Quebec.

Herouxville, Quebec, a small rural farming village of 1,300 people had passed a town charter in 2007 with a rule of norms titled Our way of life in Quebec, of which one section states barbaric rituals against humanity will not be tolerated in Herouxville. Rules, which the Herouxville citizens led by town councilor Andre Drouin, needed to include in their town charter so newcomers would know in advance what is expected of them before making a decision whether to live and work in Herouxville. Needless to say once this rule of norms was made public, Herouxville soon found itself suffering the slings and arrows of ridicule, being the butt of jokes with accusations of racism from the media, the public and politicians alike.

Herouxville town councilor Andre Drouin soon found him giving media interviews and defending their town’s charter to the world. Surprisingly, the world listened, and the response was mind boggling. Worldwide responses from both Canadians and the world for the most part was positive, squelching the race baiting voices of Canadian media and politicians who previous screamed to the rafters that Herouxville attitudes have no place in world affairs, yet alone trying to make a difference.

The end result culminated into a provincial election issue with Quebec Premier Jean Charest setting up the provincial Taylor Bouchard commission on reasonable accommodation for newcomers to Canada.

This firestorm of controversy continued when Andre Drouin suggested that the federal government’s Citizenship and Immigration Canada would do well to include a similar rule of norms in Canadian Consulates the world over so newcomers would be informed in advance what Canada is all about before deciding if Canada is to their liking.

In ending: Too many newcomers it seems get their ideals of the West from television series such as old 1980s-1990 reruns such as Dynasty, Dallas and Baywatch are still shown and quite popular in their countries. Though these are American shows and really, really cheesy ones at that. It seems some citizens in these countries know the difference, western society is all much the same to some. But then did we all believe Borat? Apparently some did!

One has to wonder, is this what we wish to convey what our society is like to the world? Let’s face it, one only has to pick up a paper or watch reality TV today to see why most newcomers have an unrealistic view of the west.

So now in 2009, we come full circle, it seems the federal government department Citizenship and Immigration Canada has had a rethink and decided that perhaps outlining what Canada is all about is a good thing.

To quote Margaret Mead a noted anthropologist once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has”.

Agree or not, love or hate Herouxville ideals, someone, somewhere owes Herouxville an apology.

“Lest we forget" this past Remembrance Day, the very few who have offered to die for us, are Jesus Christ and our Soldiers, one died for our souls, the other for our freedom.

Ann Coulter's O Canada

2010-04-16T11:32:00.001-05:00

Ann Coulter, a smoking hot, legs to eternity U.S. right wingist, lawyer, conservative entertainer and political dancist is making headlines this week in the Canadian and US media.

Ann Coulter, always a treat to those who follow her antics, seems to enjoy taking her well manicured fingernail in picking at the scabs of liberal hypocrisy.

One example of liberal hypocrisy seems to stem from Ottawa University's Provost Francois Houle letter apprising Ann Coulter in advance of her arrival to the great white north, warning Ann to tone it down a notch so as not to contravene Canada's hate laws.

Ann took this letter to heart and filed a human rights complaint, outlying that her rights to free speech were being violated. After all, Ottawa University routinely brings in speakers who speak in similar tomes against Israel, western conservative values, except Muslim ultra strict conservative values, or anything remotely right of centre.

The difference being, free speech is only free if those ideals are shared by the student body whose ideology is taught and ingrained by University academics who misdirected goal in life is to mold tomorrows young minds with their own personal political ideology. Decades ago this used to be called cult brainwashing, but in universities it seems to be an accepted norm, as long as it is in an educational setting.

A mass protest at the University of Zero certainly did not wane Ann's attempt to dispense her unique spin of "How she would rule the world, even if for one day" to the media and to her followers, as Parliament Hill was on her bucket list.

Ms. Coulter certainly has a lot to say in her O Canada, refuting free speech, a mainstay of Canada and universities, especially Ottawa University or in her words a bush league University of Zero.

Ann Coulter certainly gets paid handsomely as speaker, up to $10,000 a pop, by those attendees who faithfully gather to hear her speak her mind on various diverse topics ranging from liberal governments, religion,environment, politicians, middle east, social programs, multiculturalism and anything that comes to her mind at the moment.

Vancouver's average Joe or Jane six pack also speak publicly on similar topics, though are not paid as handsomely, nor amass a similar national following and if so, most likely would be regaled to the local street corner protests on Hastings street or the Vancouver public library square, masked, with protest signs in hand.

So what is the difference between the two? Entertainment, Marketing and a ready and willing liberal and conservative audience waiting to either protest or attend her functions, either way Ann has cornered the market on controversy, with media outlets eagerly looking to fill a slow news day and protesters looking for the next excuse to take to the streets.

In the end, security concerns for Ann's safety resulted in her speech being canceled, though it is said she still collected her speakers fee, said to amount to 10K.

Calgary, Alberta is her next whistle stop and believed to be more receptive to hear Ann's wisps of wisdom. To be sure, Ontario, in particular the University of Zero will be one topic Ann will discuss at length, with thundering applause by Albertan's who since the Trudeau implemented National Energy Program of the 1960's are tired of Easterner's suckling at the Western Financial Teat.

With Ann's anti Canadian stance it is not known if Ann accepts her fee in Canadian or U.S. funds, but the saying when "Money Talks, Bullshit Walks".

Love Ann or hate her, one thing for sure is Ann wins regardless.

Sherif Emil: Tolerating the intolerant

2010-04-16T11:29:00.003-05:00

Sherif Emil, a Montreal physician and freelance writer knows firsthand about Canada's futile attempts in trying to accommodate the unreasonable when it comes other cultures who demand Canadians be tolerant of their customs and views.

The biggest issue facing Canadians is the issue of the niqab, which is gaining infamy in western countries who are implementing laws to ban it.

Canada on the other hand is not banning it, but requesting those who don it, must remove it when requesting government services or banking.

While many Canadians see the niqab as an affront against women, many women of Muslim faith feel it is their choice, not Canadians.

Then there is the issue of Canada's Multiculturalism and Diversity used by groups for their own agenda and a sore point for many, Canadians, who feel it is not being used as it is intended. Many Canadians feel it is being misused by cultural groups and human rights tribunals as loopholes and catch-22s in achieving their goals which may be contrary to Canada's law or social mores.

Everything from special meals demanded for those of a culture who are incarcerated for crimes committed in Canada, to showing ones face on a drivers licence to arranged marriages all go against the grain of Canada's sensibilities. This also includes wanting to govern people of their own culture an religion accordingly, without Canadian laws interfering with their decision, Sharia law is one example which raises the cackles of many Canadians.

It seems while some cultures enjoy the benefits of Canada, like freedom and democracy, there are cultures who do not desire to put Canada first when it comes to loyalty or adhering to our laws.

Cultural groups whose organizations are banned in Canada as fronts for terrorist organizations has many of these organizations up in arms, as they feel since their organization is not a threat to Canada, Canada should stay out of it.

The problem being setting up terror cells to organize to terrorize another country far, far away and in relative safety and out of gun shot range in Canada is not something Canada wishes to be known for in Western Society.

Many cultures to this day, disregard our laws in this and continue to operate trumping their own cultural laws over ours.

On the other hand certain cultures abhor women's rights, abortion, gay lifestyles, freedom of expression or Canada's laws or lifestyle choices, ye tll choose to immigrate to Canada knowing full well of our society, yet wish to change it to their liking either through legislation or protest.

Cultures, which express through the human rights tribunal, the media, or in protest and demand Canada and all Canadians must accommodate their whims or religious ideology, for Canada's Multicultural and Diversity ideals state we must.

What is good for the goose, does not seem good for the gander when it comes to religious tolerance or ideologies of other cultures here and abroad.

The issue of some cultures have towards other cultures indifference showing a hypocrisy if brought to their attention, can and has resulted in these same cultures to bring charges of intolerance, extending to hate crimes or discrimination to those who point out such hypocrisies.

The issue of Islam and the Judeo christian theology in Canada and the world over shows Islamic Muslims are not tolerant of any other religion but their own.

Muslims are traditionally Conservative in their beliefs, with Islamic Muslims Ultra Conservative, yet both Conservatives ally with Liberals, who by all rights and sensibilities should be adversaries at every turn. But, the liberals invented the ideals of multiculturalism and diversity, though these conservative Muslims abhor these ideals, they are free to pick and choose what suits their goals for the interim.

This alliance between the two strange bedfellows seems to be more of a convenience for the conservative to use liberal doctrine to their goals, and the liberals to further their political agenda, knowing full well if these liberals tried to force their ideologies in another country such as Saudi Arabia, Iran or other Islamic country, they would never be heard from again.

Yet Canada allows Muslims the right to prayer, mosques, dress and special compensations not accorded other religions or cultures in their own country before making Canada their home. Though they still adhere to their old country values and not Canada's dream, that all are equal under the eyes of god and Canada.

So it should be a given that once a Islamic Muslim majority in their own Muslim country, and now a minority in Canada, it certainly shows Muslims understand discrimination, as they practiced it so thoroughly back home, yet now when the shoe is on other foot, they certainly are quick to use it in Canada in reasonable accommodation.

Dr. Sherif Emil's first hand account of growing up Christian in a country where the government is a Muslim majority certainly deserves a read on past and current events not regularly featured in the Western media.

Islamic ruled countries whose rule of law forbids any custom, belief or culture which transgresses Islamic law, has serious penalties ranging from a lashing to a beheading. Something not practiced in Canada, Muslims know this, yet feel it is justified because some scribe took artistic licence when writing the Koran a little over thousand years ago in the dark ages.

Yet if the Koran or Bible were authoured today, it would be treated as fiction, or banned and the scribe imprisoned for hate crimes. Mein Kampf would be treated much the same.

A little over 3 years ago, Andre Drouin, from a small town in Quebec called Herouxville raised a firestorm of worldwide contraversy.

The citizens of Herouxville, represented by Andre Drouin saw Canada's Multiculturalism and Diversity with reasonable accommodation for cultures the world over as unreasonable, by those who clearly wished to impose their belief and customs and modify or eliminate Canadian cultural beliefs.

As soon as Mr. Drouin made it public and voiced his towns concerns, the slings and arrows of protest began from cultural groups and politicians who sought to ridicule the tiny hamlet of Herouxville.

Today, the ridicule is now centred at those politicians and cultural groups who clearly took advantage of Canada's reasonable accommodation, hence the political changes in Canada amongst Canadians who overwhelming response demanded change.

If there is a good book, espoused to kindness to all man, I have yet to read it or know of it's existence, if these so called good books state " peace be upon you or love your fellow man", but in the same breath states "an eye for an eye and kill all infidels who are not of ye faith" to those who do not follow the good books doctrine to the letter leaves many to wonder if their "imaginary friends" should be left in the fiction section, instead of Gospel?

Sherif Emil and Andre Drouin, both Canadians, share a similar outlook and distaste on intolerance.

Yet one is not branded a racist, most likely as Multiculturalism and Diversity dictates the colour of one's skin as a validation of their sincerity.

How hypocritical.

Hérouxville spreads to rest of Canada

2010-04-16T00:24:00.000-05:00

Herouxville, a small Quebec village, just north east of Montreal was virtually unknown to many Canadians and the world a scant three years ago.

Herouxville with a population of 1,200 people is not unlike many of the small quaint farming communities which dot the Canadian landscape.

The landscape and culture which Herouxville hold dear was interrupted when Herouxville became worldwide news in 2007, when the townspeople watching the world around them change, and not for the better, decided they wish to maintain their own little piece of god's green earth.

The townspeople spoke and the town's councilor Andre Drouin listened, a rarity amongst most politicians. Herouxville decided to implement a code of conduct in their town charter.

Now as town charter's, bylaws, rule of norms go, every town, city and society have them, these charters are implemented by the people for the people for their elected representatives to draft and put into law.

Granted some bylaws and charters may go against the grain of other citizens outside Herouxville town boundaries, but the town charter must be respected.

Tofino, British Columbia, West Vancouver to name a few drafted a bylaw forbidding large commercial coffee and food chains from entering their towns, much to the dismay of the coffee culture seen everyday in downtown Vancouver, where one would be hard pressed not to see a pedestrian walking around with an ever present cardboard Starbucks cup in hand or a McDonald's bag.

Big box store protests, building height restrictions, a thorn with many Vancouver's citizen is another, by those who do not wish to change their landscape or block their sea or mountain views, thus changing their neighbourhood charm.

Not to mention those who want no part of replicating US cities and their thirst for culture of consumerism.

Herouxville wishes the same in some respects, though culturally speaking were adamant at keeping cultures whose practices and norms were not in keeping with the town's values.

Once Herouxville made it known that cultures whose past, present and future barbaric practices such as honour killings, niqabs, sharia law, kirpans or it's harsh treatment of fellow human beings, such as stoning women, or religious mantras which claim religions not in keeping with theirs are to be considered infidels are not welcome in their community.

Now Canadians abhor violence against women, children and men, we are a generous nation when it comes to immigrants. It is a given, cultural or religious inspired violence against people in Canada is rare and seldom practiced, with laws in this country to mete out harsh punishments for such actions. So why implement a Town Charter forbidding such acts, if our laws already state it is illegal and not in keeping with Canada's culture?

Well if truth be known, contrary to our laws, it goes on with some cultural groups in other parts of the world and yes, even in Canada.

Notwithstanding, worldwide media, public and politicians jumped on the Herouxville story once town councilor Andre Drouin let the townspeople's wishes be known to the world.

Accusations of racism, bumpkins, Not in my Canada and other diatribes soon found Herouxville front and centre in the world news.

Canadian Politicians postulated, Commissions, commissioned reports on Reasonable Accommodation, armchair pundits, punditted, national polls, polled, immigration groups screamed from the rooftops and religious and cultural groups theorized what this meant for them, while some Canadians ranted pro and con on the Trudeau inspired Multiculturalism and Diversity, the Canadian charter of rights etc.

It seems everyone had something to say, with the majority not listening to Herouxville's side, leading many Canadian's to take media reports, rumour and innuendo at face value, such as this story featured in the Montreal Gazette, which seemed to only make the Montreal Gazette and no other Canadian media. Funny how media work, when it comes to bias.

Many accuse Herouxville of painting all people of certain cultures and religious ideologies with the same brush, much like racial or cultural profiling. Herouxville has never made such a claim, repeating all are welcome in Herouxville, but media rarely report this, preferring to let Herouxville stand as the Rednecks of Canada.

Even though many reviled Herouxville, the response by most Canadians and other countries around the world embraced Herouxvilles ideology, with some countries implementing it and other countries wishing they had in the first place as it may be too late for them.

Events in Canada and some countries like Denmark have experienced first hand cultures or religious ideologies who take matters in their own hands rather than let the law of the land which these cultures made their home take precedence.

One incident comes to mind, when Surrey Mayor Diane Watts received threats of bodily harm when she found out to her dismay that a cultural festival had terrorist elements featured in a event and let it be known she wished this to cease in her town. When events like this make the headlines and other events in the world, can one blame Herouxville for not wanting this and other like events in their town?

Granted, the likelyhood of this happening in Herouxville is small, but then how many other towns, cities the world over thought the same thing, only for these events to take place in their town. Certainly a reason for pause.

The issue of painting a town, it's people or culture with the same brush is not just directed at Herouxville. Liberal politician Hedy Fry representing Vancouver centre made international news, when she was the Liberal Federal Minister of State for Multiculturalism in 2001, when her chicken little screams of racism and mass cross burnings in Prince George came to the utter surprise of everyone in Prince George, BC who wondering what the hell she was talking about?

Ms. Fry's outburst in the House of Common also surprised members of parliament from Prince George.

It seems Hedy Fry, a doctor by previous profession, apparently intelligent was sadly misinformed and did not get all the facts before her knee jerk reaction, thus painting the citizens of Prince George with one brush as a Stars and Bars state of white hooded sheet wearing KKK members.

Ms. Fry, later apologised, eating crow, but the damage was done, much like the misinformed who feel the same way about Herouxville.

So perhaps Canadians should get all the facts first before firing the slings and arrows of racism at a small community when Canadian polls shows across the board that perhaps Herouxville is onto something.

In 2009 the Canadian federal government implemented a code of conduct for new immigrants to Canada, inspired by Herouxville, but demanded by the majority of Canadians.

Currently the issue of banning the burka or niqab is being considered in Canada and Quebec may be the first province to take a stand, other provinces will surely follow once politicians take a look and see attitude how it works out in Quebec.

The issue of the mandarin language in some Vancouver schools has many in Vancouver up in arms.

Vancouver school board trustees are considering the Mandarin language to be introduced in the school curriculum. Now with Canada's two official languages being English and French, this leaves some to wonder with school budget cuts already underway in other programs, why not put french language classes instead?

Schools in the lower mainland have long waiting lists around the block of eager parents looking to enroll their children into french language classes. So does it make any sense for taxpayers to foot the bill for a class too few may take considering there is more of a demand for French and English classes.

It makes one wonder who is being favoured or coerced into providing Mandarin language classes, political or financial?

One can be certain, this may be just one example where perhaps cultures contrary to Canada's two official languages are not being met, and certainly if this were tried in any other province it would not fly, especially in La Belle Province.

As for Andre Drouin, perhaps revenge is a dish served cold, as his validation of speaking for Canada for all Canadians seems to be coming to fruition with the majority of us, as Provinces wait and see first before being proactive.

Quebec always the bride, with the other provinces as the eternal bridesmaids.

Herouxville Wins: One group of People Can Make a Difference in Canada.

2008-11-01T13:09:00.004-05:00

http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/story.html?id=921413

A ground swell of support by Quebecers over reasonable accommodation by those who wish to impose their views on La Belle Province has changed Quebec as a force to be reckoned with forever, with the introduction of a New Quebec Immigration Bill, introduced by the Quebec Provincial Government in October 2008.

Many have said, one person or group of individuals cannot make a difference in the World.

The small town of Herouxville and it's citizens have proved the World Wrong!

It is a hard fought day for all people who feel Right Makes Right, regardless of what those who wish to change the cultural landscape of Quebec to suit their self perceived political gain or media opinion to sell newspapers.

Other provinces across Canada, as well as citizens, politicians and media from all over the world took notice when in 2006 Herouxville "Dare State the Obvious. "Reasonable Accommodation" was not Reasonable at all when it is "complicit" in "losing our Cultural Identity,Customs, Language and National Identity as Canadians."

For 400 years, We fought and died for those rights, and do not wish them to be taken away by anyone! Not now or ever!

Time will tell if other Provinces and Countries will take a cue from Herouxville's "Motto" ... When in Rome.... You are Roman......Our Laws, Our Culture, Our Country,

If you wish to immigrate here,and live amongst us,then all are welcome, just do not try and change us, for we are Quebecois, We are Canadian, we are a country of two languages French and English.

No Canadian would ever think of changing your customs, religion, language or laws if we chose to immigrate to your country. Again, When in Rome....Live as a Roman.

Either Love us, or Leave us, the Choice is yours.

"Immigration" to any country is a "Privilege, not a Right!" "Please Remember that!"

Herouxville wins

And that's a good thing

National Post Published: Friday, October 31, 2008

So it becomes official: The tiny town of Herouxville has won the great argument over "reasonable accommodation" of immigrants to Quebec.

In 2007, Herouxville's municipal council passed an official code of "life standards" designed to advise new Quebecers (though there were none in town yet) of the province's culture norms. We do not, the code said, practise polygamy, separation by caste, sex discrimination or segregation or honour killing. Although it is a secular society, Quebec does observe traditional Christian holidays and has buildings and streets named after great Christian figures. Boys and girls play together in our parks and public facilities, and your doctor or lawyer or MP might be a woman. Get used to it.

Herouxville's code is rambling, deliberately provocative and in parts just plain weird. But what mostly made it controversial -- in this culturally relativistic age -- was the core idea that Quebecers had the right to consciously impose any cultural expectations at all upon immigrants. And that idea has now been taken up by the government of Quebec, which announced Wednesday that it will require newcomers to sign a declaration promising to participate in the "shared values" of the Quebecois people.

The province's neo-Herouxvillian document is simpler and much less objectionable than the original model -- but it surely never would have been adopted in the first place if the little community hadn't thrown down the gauntlet. From now on, immigrants entering Quebec will have to indicate their understanding and agreement that Quebec is a pluralist, liberal-democratic society where French is the official language, the sexes are equal, church and state are separate and secular law takes precedence over religion, though everyone is free to observe his own faith.

If a sign of liberalism's lamentable journey from egalitarian origins to cheap identity politics were needed, one could find none better than the frantic race to object to this motherhood statement of what ought to be liberal fundamentals. The editorial board of the Montreal Gazette, for instance, complains that the declaration is unenforceable, and yet at the same time is "somehow repellent" in its explicitness and clarity and yet again is too "slippery" in its meaning to be of any good.

Elsewhere, we read of the declaration being denounced as a pre-election "political stunt"; this, of course, is what you call a very popular measure when you don't personally like it. Would it be much of a "stunt" if it weren't near-certain to win votes?

Other measures were announced along with the declaration: The province plans to expand French-language education for prospective immigrants, and language-training funding is also to be made available to Quebec employers who hire newcomers. Nobody described these expensive measures as "political stunts," and some critics ignored them completely; only the culturally assertive, low-cost idea of advising immigrants how to integrate was singled out.

Perhaps most extraordinary was the quote from sociologist Victor Armony, in our own pages, to the effect that successful immigrants "don't need Quebec society to patronize them." But as we see it, the far more patronizing slight comes from doctrinaire multiculturalism, which refuses to recognize the reality that immigrants are real people with real values -- not human props in a feel-good ethnic fun fair -- and that oftentimes those values are in conflict with Canada's, especially as regards women, gays and the place of religion in our society. Quebec's government, like Herouxville, at least pays immigrants the respect of recognizing the hard edges on their worldviews, even as it asks them to bend them as the price of integrating into their new homeland.

That's a fair price -- one that millions of Canadian immigrants have paid since the birth of this country. We see nothing wrong with the Quebec government making this trade-off explicit. Indeed, we urge other governments to follow its example.

Bouchard Taylor Commission

2007-11-01T04:01:00.000-05:00

The Bouchard-Taylor Commission, was established as an inquiry criss-crossing Quebec to hear from the public on "reasonable accommodations" of religious and ethnic minorities. Following the inquiry Mr. Andre Drouin on behalf of the citizens of Herouxville spearheaded Reasonable Accomodation and after the inquiry Mr. Drouin was interviewed on National Television to state the case on behalf of the Citizens of Herouxville, Quebec and on behalf of all Canadians who feel strongly about the following Commission on Accommodation. The response from the national television interview was to say the least a resounding success, garnering a positive viewer response not only from Canadians but from viewers via emails from around the world.

The following was presented to the Bouchard-Taylor Commission Consultation on Accommodation Practices Related to Cultural Differences on October 24, 2007.

BY: MR. ANDRÉ DROUIN AND MR. BERNARD THOMPSON
CITIZENS OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF HÉROUXVILLE, QUÉBEC.

Hérouxville, September 6th 2007

1. FOREWORD

We wish to thank the members of the Commission for giving us the opportunity to propose a viable solution to the numerous interrogations raised by reasonable accommodations.

In reference to his mandate, last February 19th, the co-president of this Commission, Mr. Charles Taylor declared to Mr. Antoine Robitaille, journalist at Le Devoir “I am thinking more in terms of a limited formula that will allow us to conclude our mandate within the anticipated one year time-limit.” It’s goal will not be to end the debate, nor define the solution, but rather to provoke discussion. Recently, last August, Quebec’s Prime Minister, Mr. Jean Charest once more stated this Commission would not bring any solution. Therefore our report will not be an extension of the actual debate nor a census tool for religious or other assented accommodations in Quebec’s recent history.

The study of cause-effect relationships brings us to realize that the question of accommodation is a consequence as such of the perverse effect caused by the absence of clear policies in matters of social management. In our view, a Commission having as its main mandate the discussion of the symptom will never be able to establish the corollaries between the said symptom, it’s effect and the presence of a solution. It would be necessary, first of all, to define the causes that brought such a political situation in Quebec. It is those causes that we will strive to present to you, and particularly the solution we recommend. We thus present this report following the large popular support we received within Quebec and other Canadian provinces.

2. OUR APPROACH

Having been closely involved in the famous “Hérouxville Affair”, we believe that we have the necessary argumentation to demonstrate the vast majority of Quebec citizens will soon loudly call for a solution identical to ours, and such, regardless of their country of origin, their culture or their religious adherence.

We do not represent the opinion of any political parties present in Quebec, and would be unable to clearly define ourselves as communitarists, liberals, conservatives, pluralists, right wing, left wing, multi-culturalists, not even as agents of positive or negative liberty.

We have been called names such as morons, liars, xenophobes, fascists, selfish, obscurantists, dictators, nationalists, secularists, nazis, racists, bizarre, idiots, anti-everything, hollow, a nuisance for regional development, mentally deficient, intolerant, stupid, retarded, one step behind, an isolated case, and a shame for Quebec abroad. Oddly enough, most of these names came from people of the ruling classes, the elected and the non-elected, and from people considered to be part of the intellectual elite. We would also like to mention here how much we appreciated the caricatures that appeared in the media.

In order to solve the mystery surrounding the Hérouxville Affair, renowned as the
Hérouxville Syndrome by the media, we submit to the Commission a copy of the book written by one of the co-signers of this report, Bernard Thompson, entitled “Le syndrome Hérouxville ou les accommodements raisonnables”. A reading of this essay will both guide your reflection and the present argumentation. You will discover amongst other things that our website statistics reveal that more than 65,000 single visitors from 47 countries perused our pages since February 2007, and that more than 6,000 e-mails, written in 7 different languages indicate that the vast majority of senders positively salute our approach. Also, during the peak of the media storm, Internet research motors indicate one-million-two-hundred-thousand enquiries on Yahoo, France, and eight-hundred-thousand on Google. Understand that we had no other choice but to pursue this debate despite the threats of lawsuits by certain groups appearing to reject the rekindling of our “Québecois” identity. We were thus invited to seriously question ourselves on the supposed liberties of some and others, liberties linked amongst other things to the current Canadian Charter of Rights and Liberties.

3. STATE OF THE GOVERNANCE.

This unfortunate, yet repetitive habit of modern leaders to manage problems rather than solving them inevitably leads to evident aberrations, situations that get absolutely out of hand and oftentimes, become downright absurd. All good leaders should know that a managed problem would amplify with time if it were not immediately solved when it appears. In addition, the costs related to delaying solutions will increase accordingly. Leaders should then strictly confine their managers to solving the problems rather than managing them. More so, all political leaders, in a democracy such as ours, could very well learn from this teaching... It is easy therefore for us to trace a path for our leaders in matters of accommodations by quoting these famous words attributed to the Turkish leader Mustapha Kemal Atatürk:“The political leader who needs religion to govern is a coward”.

4. THE CAUSES

Realizing how these notions of liberty had generated extremely tensed situations in many great countries including Canada, situations linked to the massive arrival of newcomers
whose integration suffered because of lack of vision and clear policies, the solution we propose appears as the only potentially viable one. It already has the approval of many known and reputed international and Quebec personalities from the political, philosophical, literary and sociological fields.

We can already observe that Canada, and consequently Quebec, is governed by lawyers and judges (all robes confounded). Without being elected, these new Gods, since the adoption of The Canadian Charter of Rights and Liberties and the patriation of the Canadian Constitution, have gradually become the new leaders of the “State”, without any regard whatsoever for the particularities of the Quebec “Nation”. It would appear that Mr. Trudeau understood in 1982 that the Queen of England, Elizabeth II, Sovereign of Canada, was also the Supreme Governor of the Church of England. He had to preserve, for our State, its divine character for Elizabeth II to remain Sovereign of Canada; hence we must not be surprised that the Charter of Rights and Liberties reserves its first article to the primacy of God.

Most certainly, more and more citizens cannot accept this situation. More often than not, they do not take part in any of the debates; these debates being held behind the closed doors of the Supreme Court. Voters would much prefer that democracy be expressed by the representatives they elected rather than leaving their fate on important issues into the hands of this Court. They mostly demand that democracy be guided and governed by the people who are aware of “Québecois” particularities.

In Canada, two opposite forces clash. On one hand, the idealistic policy of Canadian Multiculturalism, supported by the British “Common Law” and the Charter of Rights and Liberties giving primacy to God and individual rights. On the other hand, the Quebec Nation, born from legal notions linked to Quebec’s Civil Code, and the Napoléon Code. Contrary to the rest of Canada, the Quebec Nation long ago abandoned its religious foundations during the “Quiet Revolution” back in the sixties. The theocracy of the past has been replaced by a consensus bringing Quebecers to define themselves as members of the laity. The current debate clearly demonstrates this and opens the path to the definitive annihilation of any will or attempt to someday see religious fundamentalism gain ground again. Quebecers refuse any discussions or comparisons involving subjects related to believers or non-believers. If they accepted such, they would be led straight to the doors of Hell... They have chosen, rather, to interiorize their religious beliefs in order to assure neutrality and social peace within their communities.

These brief legal and sociological distinctions are essential for whoever wishes to be able to identify the problematic of the current identity crisis. Let us now identify the direct causes that consequently diversifies opinions and nourishes the current perversions linked to accommodations, either reasonable, religious or not:

Cause 1) The Canadian Charter of Rights and Liberties.

Cause 2) The strategies of multiculturalism (Canadian Heritage).

Cause 3) The Canadian Immigration policies.

Cause 4) The Quebec Immigration policies.

Cause 5) The Quebec Charter of Rights and Liberties.

May we add another underlying cause that we will define as the absolute absence of political leadership in Quebec, and the permanent state of mistrust of the population towards politicians of all parties? We will not develop this subject further because we are still living in a democracy and are confident that once people will be well informed, voters will know how to fix this problem.

Whether we are proud Canadians or proud Quebecois or both at the same time, in the actual context of Canadian federalism, we must recognize our total incapability to modify the three first causes identified above in a short time frame. The last two causes, being under our jurisdiction, lead us to believe that the benefits generated by our solution will in fact force our Quebec political instances, presently submitted to the first three causes, to implement their own solutions.

Our sole objective is to present a simple solution that will completely eliminate the irritants linked to legal accommodations granted in Quebec. We thus advocate the total elimination of the “legal right” that accommodations have become, and believe its replacement by the notion of “services” will find echo in the population of Quebec and its leaders. We are referring here to services granted in virtue of an agreement made in good faith between two parties excluding all demands of religious order. Furthermore, any demand submitted by an individual to an organisation or an enterprise operating in the public domain would be strictly subjected to obligations and collective rights. In that manner, we assure that an individual right will not jeopardize the collective rights of the majority in a society that seeks public peace. The negotiations of a services would be subjected to the elementary rules of civism. The Quebec Civil Code abounds of such laws and obligations and the ethical codes of Quebec businesses and public institutions already implement such services, even enunciating behaviours to maintain goodwill within their communities.

In order to adopt such a concept, we could believe that a sole declaration from the National Assembly, a government decree or the creation of a Quebec Constitution would suffice...Wrong!
The primacy of Canadian laws would prevent the Quebec Nation to assume this new vision. We do not believe that Canada wishes to favour this avenue; but is not the mandate of this Commission limited and confined to the Quebec Nation?

In addition, this concept can only become reality with the approval of people other than those taking part in the Commission you preside, and other people besides those elected and sitting in the National Assembly; hence, our patience is at great risk of being over-tested. Nevertheless, many official declarations having proclaimed Quebec as a Nation, we have the right to consequently demand that Quebec defines its future, proclaims its laws and has them recognized as inalienable and independent from all other legal instances.

It is in this context and state of mind that we endorse the declaration of the co-president of the Commission, Mr. Gérard Bouchard to the effect that: “ Each time a society finds itself in a state of crisis, begins to worry about itself, of what it is, of what it will become, of its capacities to do what it should do, it turns to the founding act that is always a virtuous act, heroic, full of strength and courage, to which generations constantly refer. That is the magic of a founding act” (Voir newspaper, March 23rd, 2007). Was Mr. Gerard Bouchard indicating to us that the only way for Quebec to rediscover and preserve its identity was to choose independence? We could wish so inasmuch as this new Nation remains master of all the legal aspects concerning it.

Knowing the limits that are imposed on us here, and wishing to avoid harming the success of your reflection, we present you with a document entitled “Building Quebec – version 2”, version 1 belonging to the dilapidated heritage of the Honourable Robert Bourassa in 1991.

The document is presented here in declaration form such as “Portail Québec” presents it on it’s Immigration Québec website. It surely could be inserted in a future constitution of an independent Quebec, in that event.

5. THE DOCUMENT

Building Quebec – version 2

Declaration of the National Assembly of Quebec

Since its very origins, Quebec has fought a permanent battle to defend its language and culture. This has gone on for four hundred years. It is an ongoing battle that is transmitted from generation to generation. Our slogan is “Je me souviens”.

Over these four centuries, we have built roads, hospitals, schools and all the necessary infrastructures for the efficient functioning of our society. Passed down by our ancestors, we consider the whole as our heritage and collective patrimony.

Quebec is a Nation; notably by its history, it’s language and its institutions. We are proud of it. The Quebec Nation has its values, values that are solid such as, amongst others, equality between men and women, the primacy of French, the separation between State and religion. These values are fundamental; they come with Quebec. They cannot become the object of any accommodation. They cannot be subordinated to any principle.

For us in Quebec, the objective of immigration is to integrate newcomers into the francophone society. We have a flag on which the cross and “fleur de lys” symbolize our traditions and patriotic nature. Social development and territorial security are comprised in the major integral objectives strived for by the democratically elected MP’s of the National Assembly.

The goal of this communiqué is on one hand to demonstrate to our citizens that we are listening to them, thus attempting to reassure them that the social peace they enjoy will remain, and on the other hand, to clearly communicate to newcomers all the necessary information so that they may make an enlightened choice when deciding to live on our territory. We believe that doing so will give them the assurance that the living conditions that often led them to flee their country of origin will not be re-enacted here. Consequently, the fact that the only recognized power on our territory is that of the Nation, and that religions are without any form of legal power, we can therefore offer them an additional guarantee.

We are looking forward in the future to greet and welcome without discrimination all people coming from abroad and wishing to live on our territory. For us, without discrimination means regardless of race, colour of skin, language spoken, sexual orientation, practised religion or any other form of belief. We realize that it may be as hard to leave one’s country as it is to integrate into the lifestyle of one’s new country, and wish to inform these newcomers that an adaptation mode is necessary to acquire the social identity of our Nation.

In order for all immigrants to integrate more easily and participate in our community and social lives, we have unanimously decided to publish certain established norms that are well ingrained in the lifestyles of our citizens. These norms derive from our municipal, provincial and federal laws, were democratically voted and are linked to the history of our Nation. They were inspired by the multiple social behaviours generally accepted by the population occupying the territory, and thus are part of the manners and customs of the residents. Consequently, these norms are an integral part of our national culture.

Considering the fact that the people we welcome may come from a multitude of countries whose manners and customs, rituals, values and even political systems differ from ours, we have taken the inventory of certain behaviours we prohibit in order to facilitate the adaptation of immigrants to this new way of life that their host, Quebec, will impose upon them. We acknowledge that certain newcomers may have to ask their God, or his earthly representatives to accommodate them or validate their decision. We will however communicate all the necessary information so that they may make an enlightened choice before their definitive settlement in our homeland.

Although there is no absolute legal obligation to welcome via our Ministry of Immigration forty eight thousand (48,000) new immigrants per year, but living in a society where working is considered a virtue, one of our responsibilities is to make sure they are able to find jobs that suit them upon their arrival. The French language being compulsory in the work place, learning French will become an asset for newcomers. Also, the knowledge of a second and third language will be beneficial during their adaptation process and for sharing their experiences.

Planning and prevention remaining major motives for action, we are conscious that current climatic changes could well force us to welcome millions of immigrants in the coming years. Given the situation where we would conclude through adequate measuring methods, that we cannot meet their basic needs such as finding jobs to at least ensure their survival, we would consider that it is our duty to reduce the number of selected applicants and put into place the necessary infrastructures to be able to welcome them properly.

We believe that our diversity will become one of our main assets providing we are able to build Quebec around common values linked to our patrimony and the history of our Nation. We maintain that any person remains free to choose Quebec, well aware that they must share the heritage that our Nation is so proud of.

Unanimously approved by the National Assembly of Quebec

6. CONCLUSION

Adding to the subject, we include in this report a document entitled “Way of life in Québec”,
describing the morals, manners and customs of Quebec. This document strongly affirms the identity that one must seek when wishing to become part of the “Québecois” Nation. More so, we wish to manifest loud and clear that the values that forged the “Québecois” Nation over the last centuries must remain intact, as they constitute the unique francophone presence on the North-American continent.

_______________________ __________________________
André Drouin Bernard Thompson

OUR WAY OF LIFE IN QUEBEC

Women.

We consider that men and women share the same status of equality. To this effect, a woman can amongst other things, drive a car, vote freely, sign checks, decide for herself, speak her peace, dress as she sees fit while respecting common decency, walk alone in public places, study, have a job, personally own things and be able to dispose of them as she pleases. This constitutes our living standards and our way of life.

Consequently, we consider as undesirable and prohibit any action or gesture that would be contrary to the above statement such as: killing women by lapidation or burning them alive in public places, burning them with acid, excising them, infibulating them or treating them as slaves. Out of respect for women and in order to ease the application of civil laws on divorce, polygamy is prohibited in Quebec. Also, a marriage or a divorce only becomes legal if it was carried out in accordance with the Quebec laws in force.

Children.

Our children are required to attend schools that are uniquely recognized by the Ministry of
Education of Quebec in order to ensure that proper social development is provided to ease their integration into our society. Save exceptions, the teaching language is French. At a very young age, children are encouraged to draw all that is visible and non-visible, abstract or real. Once they become adults, they will be able to appreciate caricatures.

All forms of violence towards children are prohibited. Boys and girls are born equal and have rights. They cannot be associated to any caste making them inferior or superior. In Quebec, the marriage of young girls cannot be either arranged or imposed by whoever it may be, parents, relatives or friends. Children cannot become members of the Armed Forces before they reach legal age.

Festivities.

We listen to music and we drink beverages, alcoholised or not. We feast, dance, and towards the end of our calendar year, we individually or collectively decorate a fir or a spruce tree with ornamental balls and lights. This is what we commonly call “Christmas decorations” or “Christmas trees” which recalls our notions of patrimonial rejoicing but does not necessarily confer to this practise a religious character. These festivities are authorized as much in public spaces, schools, institutions or private places. In these places, no area is reserved for prayer or religious manifestations. These customs and traditions should not offend whoever chooses to relate them to ancestral Pagan values.

Healthcare.

In homes for elderly people, hospitals and shelter homes, men and women are treated by responsible men and women. No law can prevent a woman from being treated by a man, or vice-versa. Furthermore, female doctors may treat both men and women, and male doctors exercise this right also. Staff wear work clothing befitting their tasks may it be male or female nurses, male or female ambulance drivers, male or female fire attendants. The personnel responsible for care, have no obligation to obtain an authorization, if they must perform a necessary blood transfusion that will improve the health or save the life of their patients. Their judgement and competence guide them in their decision. To carry out their duties professionally and timely, it may occur that a woman will be alone in the presence of a man she doesn’t know and vive-versa. Patients must submit to the dress codes established in healthcare facilities.

In Quebec, assisted suicide remains illegal until now.

For many years, future fathers have assisted their wives during childbirth. Pre-natal classes are given in many institutions; men and women attend these classes together.

In all public institutions, patients eat the traditional food that is served to them. It is frequent to hear music, or see magazines, newspapers or other multimedia materials that comply with the community spirit that governs our living standards.

About education.

In our schools, certified men and women teach. Men and women can teach to boys and girls without sexual discrimination. Male and female teachers carry out their functions with their face uncovered and adopt a decent dress code. Male or female teachers may assess their pupils. Students are prohibited from carrying weapons or imitations of such, loaded or unloaded, real or fake, symbolic or not. They may sing, clap their hands, have fun and practise sports. Group gathering is encouraged and distinction regarding their sex, religion or origin is never associated with their school activities.

In virtue of ethics and decency, to avoid all discrimination, schools having adopted a dress code must enforce its application. For many years, due to the laicisation of our schools, no space is provided for prayer or other forms of religious manifestations.

School management have complete liberty to determine and choose the dates of exams with the exception of days decreed by the State as legal holidays or other holidays linked to union contracts. During exams, students may not be accompanied, unless they suffer from a handicap requiring such. The teacher has the sole authority to judge and determine accordingly the note given in the exam.

Many schools offer cafeteria services and serve traditional food. Students may, by religious conviction or medical advice, abstain from going there or bring their own food. The objective here is to control costs and provide efficient, yet profitable services. Parents must make sure their children are sufficiently nourished to have the necessary energy to follow their classes and sport activities. The use of water services is common to all.

In our school institutions, the learning of Quebec’s national history is privileged. Also, all sciences, including biology, are taught. By respect for religious diversity, faith in God is not taught. The teaching of music, considered as a universal form of language is an integral part of the learning process of students, therefore, no derogation is consented.

Sports and Leisure.

Since time immemorial, boys and girls have practised sports, and often, together. Boys and girls even swim together in the same pool. That was not the case fifty years ago, but our society has since evolved. Thus, you will see men and women, skiing together on the same slopes simultaneously. You will frequently meet men and women who are part of the same or different hockey teams play on the ice with or against each other at the same time.

In public pools, we have male and female lifeguards who supervise males and females swimming together or amusing themselves in the pool. Many sports require wearing appropriate security headgear in order to practise them, from cycling and motorcycling right up to combat sports.

Sports are compulsory for students in our schools. The practise of most sports requires a dress code ruled by municipal, national or international laws. The State favours the practice of sports to improve the health of citizens, and regulates it to eliminate as much as possible the risks of serious accidents while attempting to reduce the medical costs they generate.

Security.

Our large territory is patrolled by male and female police officers of the Sûreté du Québec
and other municipal police corps. Since always, in Quebec, a male police officer may question, advise, moralize, and give an infraction notice (ticket) to either a man or a woman; a female police officer has the same prerogatives and obligations. Their role is not to encourage repression, so you will not feel compelled to run and hide at their sight. It is appropriate and advisable that your face be uncovered at all times in public places to facilitate your identification and encourage cordial exchanges. To respect our democratically voted laws, we accept to have our picture on our passports, medical insurance cards, and driver permits.

Such documents are regularly required for identification purposes. We hope that the Canadian citizenship will not become the object of any compromise to this effect, and believe that it should not be shared with any other citizenship. Thus, a Canadian citizen abroad, fighting against the Canadian Armed Forces, would then have his citizenship withdrawn. Let us take note that a public territory cannot be divided in whole or in part by groups wishing to control, often by violence, the lives and actions of the people living there.

Workplace.

Employers must respect the government laws that rule working norms. To this effect, legal holidays are known and accepted in advance by employees. These legal holidays apply to days decreed as compulsory by the State. Collective labour agreements are democratically negotiated and require the respect of the clauses agreed between all parties. No collective labour agreement should authorize employers to assure their employees of special space(s) reserved for praying, or leaves of absence for religious motives. The working conditions obtained through union negotiations require that compulsory dues be deducted from salaries at the source to assure the survival of trade unions.

When the security of the worker calls for it, and the working laws require it, the wearing of protective clothing and/or security hats is compulsory. Taxi drivers must accept passengers accompanied by dogs or carrying alcoholic beverages.

Working schedules stretch over a daily period of 24 hours; having to work after sundown is frequent.

Businesses.

Our businesses are governed by multiple laws deriving from our democratic system. In our businesses, men and women work together at the same time. Both can speak with male or female colleagues and clients.

The products that are sold in our businesses are of all nature. For example, food products must be approved by different government instances before distribution and sale. The State agencies must assure and control health quality standards; incurred costs are thus paid by taxpayers.

No other organization can certify a food product and pass on certification costs to consumers. Regardless of utilized means, no additional steps or phases for certification are authorized. Once the sale of the product has been approved, businesses can distribute, promote, and sell it in all liberty.

It is common to see, in the same stands, different kinds of meat such as beef, chicken, lamb, pork, horse, rabbit, and other wild meats. Male or female personnel can handle one or the other. No State laws exist concerning the disposition of dairy products in businesses in relation to meat products.

Other businesses offer their clientele appropriate facilities and equipment for physical exercising; they generally dispose of windows allowing clients to see outside. Their clientele consists of both men and women that wear appropriate clothing for their physical exercises. Certain townships even allow women to circulate bare breasted in public.

Families.

Parents manage together the needs of the family, both sharing the same legal authority
bestowed by democratic conventions. People who form a couple may be of the same race or not, same country or not, same religion or not, same sex or not. If young men or women wish to get married, they can do so and have the entire and sole liberty of choosing their spouse. The application of these democratically gained rights assures equality to all individuals within our society.

Prisons.

State laws have priority, are inalienable, and must be respected by all. Different religious teachings must adjust to this principle. When incarcerated for not respecting the established State laws, criminals are considered as having disobeyed their own religious laws. Consequently, civil and religious liberties are abrogated inside prison walls. Prisons, being funded by taxpayers, atheists or believers, the same meals are served to everyone at normal hours, with certain exceptions allowed for medical considerations. The objectives here are to control costs, simplify detention procedures, and provide efficient services. In addition, there are no areas allocated for prayer.

Religions.

People are free to accept or not the multiple professed religious teachings, and to adhere to a group whose beliefs are linked to the same dictates. Regardless of these groups being linked to astrology, horoscope, numerology, fan clubs, political parties, religions or any other form of beliefs, the liberty to quit these groups must be equal to the liberty of joining them.

Therefore, groups or religious associations must not plan any form of hindrance aiming to prevent or stop a person’s religious beliefs. A group that would incite by it’s speech any form of violence or would suggest the suppression of people who think differently is considered illicit; State laws related to hate literature or the preaching of hatred recommend such an approach. Groups should have the mission of preaching in favour of the advent of worldly peace and advocate equality between all people. The principles of universal charity must be encouraged and promoted.

Rules of the Road.

On Quebec roads, rules of the road are carried out on the right side of the road while respecting different other driving laws. Maximum speed limits are imposed; and certain roads call for minimum speed limits. This approach should not be considered as an infringement on the rights and liberties of individuals but rather as the means the State takes to assure security on its roads. Considering that all countries do not have the same laws in this matter, a certain adaptation period may be necessary.

Public areas.

Different services offered by the Government require telephone communications or face-to-face meetings to obtain information. The people you will meet may be male or female, regardless of the sex of the person requesting these services. Often, the same situation occurs in private enterprises. Government employees, male and female, wear appropriate clothing on the job.

Food.

For millions of years, people have evolved and came to appreciate different foods and drinks.

Using their own analysis capacity, they were able to distinguish with time what was good for their survival and pleasure. In Quebec, traditional cuisine (cooking) is generally liked and appreciated by all. In our homes, boys and girls eat together; eat the same food, at the same table. They eat all kinds of meats, fruits and vegetables. They don’t have to eat meat exclusively or vegetables exclusively, and can eat both anytime of the year. More so, the majority of our restaurants use recipients and kitchen tools to cook meat dishes of all kinds, and also a variety of dairy products in the process. Regardless of the shape of the animal or its hooves, regardless of the shape of the fish be it covered by scales or a shell; we will enjoy eating its flesh if it is prepared properly and presented tastefully.
Food nourishes the body, the soul is nourished differently.

It is accepted and known that men and women can participate in the different processes of fabrication or distribution of foods and beverages. Generally, we believe that different Gods, out of respect for their own creatures and their nourishment, cannot impose nor proscribe certain foods. It is up to an individual’s conscience to decide.

Animals.

Many laws assure the protection of animals. In order to ensure the survival of certain species, they cannot be killed. Excluding these exceptions, all other animals can be slaughtered. Cruelty towards animals is prohibited. Regulations also govern slaughtering methods. In Quebec, no animal is considered sacred or protected out of religious considerations. The most popular pets, and consequently the most numerous, are cats and dogs.

Hunting and fishing require permits issued by the Government. The permits to own or carry firearms are severely regulated. Only official security forces are authorized to circulate in public with firearms.

Place Names.

Our traditions, manners, customs and values reflect our history over the last four hundred years. The names associated with different sites reflect important events in our history, beginning as a French colony, then becoming an English colony, to finally end as a province of Canada all this while under the total domination and control of the Catholic Church.

The names of our streets, cities and townships testify of our past and are part of our patrimony. The fact they may be called King, Queens, or Saint-Émile should not offend anyone. Our Judeo-Christian traditions, deriving mostly from Protestantism and Catholicism are revealed by the existing churches and crosses. They are part of our history, of our patrimony, must be considered as such and not meant to inconvenience anyone.

Fiscal matters.

Salaries or earnings of all workers in Quebec are subject to income tax. The Government, confirming its neutrality in matters of religion, and in all equity towards its citizens, cannot grant income tax rebates or deductions for financial contributions given to religious groups or charitable organisms. Charity, as religion, is considered to depend on the decision and the conscience of each citizen. All organisms receiving subsidies from the Government must have non-religious vocations out of respect for both believers and non-believers. Also, like businesses, the different religious organisms must produce the required documents to determine the amount of income tax they must pay. By respect for the citizens sharing the territory with these organisms, they must in addition conform to the municipal laws who also establish the amount of their municipal taxes. School taxes are treated in similar fashion.

Canada.

You may come to live in Canada by using the services of Immigration Canada and then decide to live in Quebec. Immigration Quebec will have the responsibility to complete the necessary authorizations, in such case.

Religious Accommodations.

Our recent history clearly demonstrates that it is possible to be accommodated by God in order to be able to subscribe to modern society. Fifty years ago, when employers asked us to work on Sunday, the Lord’s Day, the Catholic God permitted that we break our obligations to assure the welfare of our families. This enabled us to avoid asking our employers to build churches on our working premises. Recently, the National Assembly allowed the opening of retail stores on Sunday. This same God accommodated us once again, sparing Hell to the faithful. After many years of observance of God’s order to fast during Lent, we had to give up this religious practise to have sufficient energy to work and study hard. Then again, by the grace of God and his sense of accommodations, we were able to avoid the promise of roasting in Hell after death.

Conclusion

To publish all the norms and living standards linked to our identity would be a tedious exercise. The norms and standards described herein are samples. We wish that newcomers may read them in order to enlighten their choice when deciding to join us on the territory of Quebec. We are convinced as citizens of Quebec that we will be able to give newcomers the assurance that the living conditions they fled from in their countries will not be reproduced here, and that the peace of mind and social peace we are so determined to preserve will last forever.

It must be clearly established that any person or group of any nature, legally constituted or not, that wishes to modify this way of life or the laws that govern it, will only be able to do so by a referendum process and assume on their own all costs related to such a measure.

Herouxville Lifestyle

2007-03-25T16:11:00.000-05:00

Herouxville Photographer and Naturalist François Gervais shot this beautiful pastural vista titled 'Rang des Pointes' near his mother's home in the summer of 2003.

The citizens in the Town of Herouxville, Quebec for over a century have enjoyed a quality of life in peaceful beautiful rural pastural settings, with clean crisp air, country roads, farmers markets, country stores, community events, music, dances, festivals and celebrations, complete with old homesteads and ranches, rolling hills,bowhunting and fly fisherman's paradise with unspoiled crystal clear lakes and streams, reminiscent of memorable times past in what some describe as a Andy Griffith Mayberry County style existence, a naturalist’s and artist’s dream. Hokey as it may sound, it is true in most respects of most rural Canadian and American small towns everywhere, a safe and peaceful community with minimal crime, hard working, church going people, who are quick to smile and laugh as well as help one in need. As a Town we are a close knit neighbourly community who cherish our longstanding values, morals and traditions which have maintained us in a way of life envied by many crime ridden, traffic congested cities where most citizens live side by side with others for years and yet never congregate, support or get to know their neighbours and get involved in their communities.

Granted our Town Charter drafted with the assistance of our townsfolk has been portrayed by some as racist. The Citizens of Herouxville are extremely upset by this comment as it is contrary to our Christian values and would like to emphatically state nothing could be further from the truth. As Quebecois Canadians we are only stating to the world informing them of our way of life is vitally important to us, much like the way of life amongst other cultures is important to them. For us to change our ways and tradition to accommodate others who wish to live here is like asking our country’s respected founding First Nation’s Culture to incorporate Dutch traditions and wear wooden shoes and erect Windmills in their community. Our requests we feel are quite reasonable for anyone who wishes to live amongst us and no more unreasonable than if we were to live in another country and insist a Catholic Church, Saint Jean Baptiste, Wine Harvest celebrations are to be included in their customs and beliefs. A wise Huron elder once stated; A starving Family does not complain about the bounty of the hunt if they chose not to contribute to the hunt. Wise words spoken by our First Nations about community and an analogy similar to our beliefs.

Gays are human beings,they have the right to love each other in peace and not judged by the public. We are much better off with that situation than with countries at war. A police woman in Montreal that can't arrest a man because of his religion, or young girls that can't swim in the same pool where young boys are, or a woman doctor that can't touch a male patient because of his religion, or women that can no longer take their men to pre-natal course because some religious groups stop them, all these so called exceptions are direct infringements to our Canadian basic principles of men being equal to women. I am proud that our Canada Prime Minister travels to China to invite them to have more respect towards Human Rights. Our Prime Minister should also travel across Canada to promote the same vision.

Herouxville would like to reiterate that all are welcome to live here, just know who we are, assimilate, respect and not change our way of life, traditions and values and live amongst us as a welcomed and valued member of our community. If we were in your country we would strive to do the same. In ending we offer a wonderful rural way of life to all those who live here. So when in Rome……

Our Warmest Greetings
Barry O'Regan,(Moderator)with the permission on behalf of the Town of Herouxville, Quebec, Canada, Your comments are most certainly welcome, please refain from using profanity or racist comments. Again Thank you.

Herouxville's Open Letter to Jean Charest, Premier of Quebec

2007-03-24T19:46:00.000-05:00

Mr. Jean Charest (Premer of Quebec)

I am Andre Drouin, town councilor for Herouxville. The electorates democratically elected me to represent them. They have also elected me in charge of project "Herouxville".

This project started with our long term (10yr.) development planning for our municipality and our forecast for what was needed to do so. One piece of information that stood out was the . After studying this situation we’ve decided that the cause is that the new immigrants don’t know our habits and customs before choosing Canada for their new home.

After summarizing who we are in a document of three (3) pages, we sent this document along to five (5) of your ministers and to two (2) Federal ministers requesting that it be incorporated into the information process for future immigrants to Canada. Being in charge of this project for the Herouxville electorates and knowing the modern methods of communications, this request should have taken five (5) seconds to execute. More than Thirty (30) days have passed and I have only received message received confirmations. Coming from a remote village, I now realize that this problem is global (worldwide). I find it worrisome that we refuse a people the right to describe and affirm just who they are here in Quebec, Canada, and anywhere else in the world. In ten (10) days, and only in Quebec, 6 of these requests (reasonable accommodations) have been accepted, which I find more and more absurd.

Generally people talk and criticize about the problems facing them. Being in charge of this project, I’ve clearly described the problem, and have proposed a potential solution.

"Proposed Solution" which you can find along with this document.
I hope that you don’t slow this project down by deviating from the principal subject, as I must remind you that my electorates and 85% of the citizens of Quebec await your answer. To know the difference between an isolated case and a global situation seems very important to me and must I remind you, the people of Herouxville await my answer, and I will get my answer. I leave you in charge of this project, project "Herouxville". We believe that with your success you will make Herouxville the cradle of the Democratic Renascence.

Thank-you for your collaboration.
Andre Drouin

N.B If you were to find that you are not responsible for the actions needed to settle this, please forward it to the person that will, and inform those who await an answer.

Actual Situation
People decide to move to another country.
The people of the country of choice welcome them.
The new comers ask that we adapt to them.
Results
Totally absurd situation where the founding population auto-destruct.
Destruction of the patrimony of welcoming country.
Creation of social tensions. (We have not seen anything yet….)
Forming of ghettos. (We have not seen anything yet….)
Unbearable conditions for all.
Division urban centers / regions.
Country unstable and weak.

Why the accommodations
A) The immigrants do not know our customs before leaving their country.
Probability = 100%

B) The integrating immigrants want to provoke us.
Probability = Unknown (to be analyzed)
To be analyzed when = Now

Note: 1) Global phenomenon. Why?
2) Come mostly from 4 groups. Why?

In Quebec 85% do not agree to this and it continues. Why?
Globally. Why?

Desired Situation
People decide to move to another country.
Other people welcome them in their country.
The new arrivals adapt to the host country.

N.B If necessary the new arrivals can ask of their God to accommodate them in their new country and its habits and customs that they may adapt to the new host country.

Results
Certain equality of women and men.
Social peace assured.
A united nation.

Another important advantage
The new arrivals that left the deplorable conditions in their birth country
can be assured that it will not happen here.

In Quebec 85% of the people want this. Why not?
Globally. Why not?

General Frame

A) God (having many names )
Eternal, Invisible, In us, Compassionate, Accommodating,
Loves us unconditionally, Created us free.
B) Free
Free to believe
Free not to believe

C) Free to live in any country
Languages, Ethnic groups, Religion, Sexual Orientation,
Dictatorships, Democracy, Theocracy

D) Unknown exists
N.B For certain believers, your God could impose certain conditions to show Him that you believe in Him

It is to the one that imposes on you that you should ask for an accomodation.

An example
In the early fifties the paper mills in province of Quebec decided to operate seven days a week. For us Catholics, Sunday church service was of utmost importance. (You don’t go and you go to hell type of). The church has accommodated its believers by saying “choose another day or make a special prayer”.

Note that it never crossed our mind that we should ask the paper mill to build a church inside the production plant.

Proposed Solution
Objectives: Insure the conservation of the culture of our nation.
Democratic realignment to insure its survival.

Actions: Declare state of emergency.

Application: Immediate.

Elements: Annul the possibility of obtaining accommodations. (Religious)
Retroactively annul any already obtained.
Advise Immigration Canada & Quebec to comply.
Advise Heritage Canada that Heritage Quebec also exists.

Goal: 1) Advise that the democratically elected take control.
2) Admit that these people have forgotten to accomplish their duty.

Potential reactions:
What moron thought of this?
Is it the moron from Herouxville?
The charter prevents us from……….
Where is the democracy?

Answer: If one day a Prime Minister of a country could decree a war measures act against a province, the Prime Minister of the said province could declare a state of emergency to protect the culture of people that elected him and show that democracy still works. If some existing laws stop you from doing this, annul these laws.
Eighty Five Percent (85%) of the population are asking you.

Results: Women, all women, in Quebec will be equal to men.
Satisfied population.
Social peace maintained.
Our children could eat pork at school in the future.
Our municipal councils could work at night.
Hardhats could be worn when needed.
We could wish Merry Christmas.
We could conserve the crucifix in our National Assembly.
We could swear and our God will forgive us.
You could stay in power for another 20 years.

Suggestions to establish the standards

See document by Mrs. Monique Gagnon Tremblay “Au Quebec pour bâtir ensemble »
Political statement dealing with immigration and integration. (1991)

Note: This document should have been applied 16 years ago.
Reduce the charter of rights to a one page document. The nation will acknowledge.
Establish a charter of duties of maximum 1 page. People will read and know it.
Manage or balance RIGHTS & DUTIES
The more you have duties, the more you can accomplish.
The more you have rights, the accomplishments are limited.
Execution time: About 4 days

Other messages
To the leaders: Act now and often.
Listen to the people that elected you.
Learn to go from promise to plan of action.
Be leaders and visionaries.
Support your people.

Statistic: It is better to make small errors than not act at all.

Note: In the case of Herouxville, did you represent 85% of the people?
If the answer is no, what should you have done.

To the people: Vote for the town councilors that act fast and often.
Vote for the mayors that act fast and often.
Vote for the administrators that act fast and often.
Vote for the members of parliament that act fast and often.
Vote for the prime ministers that act fast and often.
Ask your elected.
Evaluate the actions.
Become visionaries.
Support your elected.

Statistic: How many of your requests are executed?

Note: In the present situation (Herouxville) did your elected represent you?
If the answer is no, what should you do?

Herouxville, thank-you to all that supported this project.
Martin Perigny; Mayor of Herouxville (part-time)
The citizens of Herouxville (1338 pop. full-time)
Alice Dionne, Ginette Pothier, Yves Gervais, Edgar Gervais & Daniel Magny, town councilors (part-time)
Denise Cossette, General Director
Nicole Jubinville, Secretary
Bernard Thompson & Alain Fournier, Web site & global communications
Luce Rivard, secretary, press attaché, cook, European, Australian, Asian & African correspondent.

Brian Lundrigan , English translation.

Message from Andre Drouin Project Leader
If we want the politicians to roll up their sleeves, we as electors have to pull up our sleeves. Democracy can’t work if we don’t take interest. It is fragile and we should not lose it. The results from this project clearly show that an elected member that supports his people is always a winner.

Leaders should identify an isolated problem and act on it immediately before it becomes global.

Message from Martin Perigny (Mayor)
I have become the most popular politician. Why? Simply because I’ve accomplished my duty to support my electorates! Quite Rare in this day and age to a surprised Political World!

Your comments are most certainly welcome, please refain from using profanity or racist comments. Again We Thank you.

Reasons in Part why Herouxville decided to ACT Now to preserve our Town, Lifestyle and Beliefs.

2007-03-13T10:02:00.000-05:00

Dear Visitors to our Town Charter weblog. The face on the woman in the Photo speaks volumes about the loving doctrines of Islam.

What started Herouxville drafting a Herouxville Town Charter this year,began in part due to a number of issues reported in the media this year (2006-2007) affecting all Canadians, below is just a small brief summary of the Canadian media reported FACTS;

FACT # 1
Ms. Manji an outspoken and practising Canadian Muslim woman and authour in the media has received numerous death threats from Islamist organisations and or members of the Muslim community. Herouxville citizens were dismayed that in this day and age a Canadian who speaks her mind frankly would be targeted by a so called benevolent religion of Islam.

FACT # 2
Quebec Bureaucrats felt a similar threat from Imams and the Muslim community over Veils not being removed during voting at the polls, Herouxville stated in the media, to install female polling members at voting stations would resolve all this, but of course that story never made the light of day in the media.

FACT # 3
Canadian Politicians were actually serious in considering allowing Shari Law in the Canadian Courts to accommodate Muslim Men, anyone who knows about Sharia Law, knows it's brutality.

FACT # 4
Accommodation for certain religious cultural issues in the media reported that Female Police officers, Female Prison Guards and female Military personnel must use discretion when dealing with men of certain religious cultures who do not wish females in authority to question them, touch them, arrest them as it is demeaning to their religious belief, and to "Please call a man to do this"!

Herouxville citizens as well as Canadians were outraged by this, and feel any person male or female who risk themselves and put themselves in harms way to protect our way of life and country must submit to such disrespect and degradation in not allowing to fulfill their sworn duties as policewomen, soldiers and other enforcement personnel is a travesty to all of us in Canada. Herouxville felt if this type of accommodation were to continue against women, they would be reduced to a laughing stock by men who would relish in seeing women go back to the dark ages.

FACT # 5
Cultural and Honour Killings of women in Vancouver, and Toronto a few times a year featured in the media. Well being a small town where everybody knows one another, a meeting was held as Herouxville felt if this a vision of things to come, when the Canadian Charter of Rights and freedoms state all are equal in the eyes of god, well Herouxville watched that little piece of paper go right into the toilet as Politicans were considering Sharia Law which state not all are equal in the eyes of God, because religious beliefs insist on special treatment and accommodation of Muslim men.
Again, Herouxville felt if this type of accommodation were to continue against women, they would be reduced to a laughing stock by men who would relish in seeing women go back to the dark ages.

FACT #6
A Female teacher who disciplines a Muslim boy must respect his belief women are inferior to men, because of his culture. Once again,Herouxville citizens felt if this type of accommodation were to continue against women, they would be reduced to a laughing stock by men who would relish in seeing women go back to the dark ages. Herouxville are not against any religious faith per say. as long as it does not degrade or prevent others from living in peace and prosperity. But the Islamic faith not allowing children, boys and girls to socialize, swim together, interact as human beings. By prohibiting this boys will think they are special, and later superior and grow up to treat all Canadian women as subservient and as second class citizens. What else are Herouxville citizens to think? If Muslim boys and Men do not believe women are equally as smart, with the only role model they will ever be exposed to is a Islamic forced belief that subservient mother and sisters are a way of life. This is contrary to Canadians morals and way of life in Herouxville and every Civilized Western Society.

Intelligent Muslim women, knowing the culture they live in certainly see the
oppression as well as the beauty of Canadian life, but sadly the oppression is starting to rear its ugly head in Canada and Western Society as a whole.
Routine Canadian cultural killings and treating any women as chattel, and who are our beloved grandmothers, wives, sisters, aunts, teachers and lovers must stop immediately.

FACT #7
Canadian Television Journalist and Personality “Michael Coren” held a panel discussion with religious leaders and religious authourities. A Canadian (Toronto) Islamic stated that all Canadians should embrace Islam and then stated “Sharia Law” should be in Canadian Law, along with the televised statement in which he replied it was okay to behead a woman for marital indiscretions (if the man had 4 male witnesses to attest to it). Herouxville citizens realize it does not take Rocket Scientist to figure out that how many of his Muslim friends would side with him in his quest for a speedy divorce and instant bachelorhood/Widowhood (In their goal to behead this mans wife) and then this Islamic Imam states again his wish that all Canadians embrace and convert to Islam. This Imam actually says this to Canadians on Television! Herouxville citizens horrified, decided to speak up, since no one else (Ethnic vote grabbing politicians) was at the time and say "NOT IN OUR TOWN", enough is enough for accommodation for cultural groups. Last time Herouxville checked this was still Canada. Our policy is all are welcome regardless of culture with the caveat; Adapt or don't move to Herouxville, Quebec, Canada. If Herouxville does not to speak up, who will? Who would be next on this Islamic hit list? Gays, Nay sayers to Islam, Non-Muslims?

Issue #8
Islam refuses to evolve with modern society.
The majority of religions that were developed and suited everyone in the Dark Ages have to evolve with modern times, we feel Islam, and other similar religions should as well. Of course our society is not perfect, but you know, Western Society as a whole are living in relative peace and prosperity, yet virtually every single Muslim country is in turmoil, turmoil caused by religious strife, even against each other.
How can Islamists state their way of life is peaceful? This is no way to live!
Muslims need to evolve, otherwise Canada is next as this problem is currently happening in Europe, so the time to stop it is now!

Postscript;
There is enough violence against women in society (Serial Killer Pickton Trial) across Canada caused by Canadians without having this Islamic belief in the forefront. Gays would certainly be next in this accommodation, as would be anyone else who is contrary to their beliefs. Who knows where it will end?

In ending who stood up to the inaction of Politicians and Bureaucrats? No one except Herouxville, and upon learning many other accommodations in the works to appease Islamic Men, Herouxville decided enough is enough, no more accommodation, adapt and live as civilized human beings in our Western Society or go back to your home country. Herouxville citizens strongly believe when in Rome, live as a Roman, with the utter respect for all with the same rights, sexual orientation, privileges for all, your here, your Canadian, not a hyphenated Canadian, get used to it.

Herouxville had a Town Hall meeting, and following an overwhelming vote by it’s citizens drafted the Herouxville TOWN CHARTER. Hence the struggle begins…. Herouxville feel if you are not part of the solution, then You as a citizen of the free world are part of the problem if you allow these atrocities to continue. An email or letter to your politicians and the media insisting this Town Charter be implemented as "Federal Canadian Law" is a first step of many in safeguarding our way of life and security as Canadians.