Quebec, Canada to introduce 'values test' for immigrants

A Canadian province will soon require economic immigrants to pass a "values test" under a newly proposed policy.

Quebec Premier Francois Legault says potential immigrants to the province should be aware of values like the equal rights of men and women.

The provincial government says the test questions will be based on its charter of rights.

The policy is to take effect on 1 January 2020.

Potential immigrants can retake the online values test if they fail. A passing grade is 75%.

They also have the option of taking a course covering the topics in question if they struggle to pass.

Mr Legault said newcomers should also know about a provincial secularism bill that bars civil servants in positions of "authority" from wearing religious symbols like the kippah, turban, or hijab while at work.

That controversial legislation includes judges, police officers and teachers.

The 20-question evaluation will focus on issues including democracy, French-speaking Quebec society, state secularism, and equality between men and women.

Its goal is to ensure those newcomers "integrate in French into Quebec society and adhere to Quebec values", said provincial immigration minister Simon Jolin-Barrette.

Culled from: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-50241251