Charter of Quebec values is a risky gamble

As the Parti Qubcois pushes forward with its secular agenda, they could have an even more restrictive proposal in store.

The governments proposed charter of values has ignited debate across the province - its most controversial point being the ban of overt religious symbols for workers in the public sector.

However, its possible the PQgovernment may present an even more controversial charter than what's in its current proposal.

As Montreal gears up for the November municipal elections, the major mayoral candidates have already said they plan to ask for an exemption.

But the minister responsible for the Montreal region says that kind of exemption wont be allowed.

"We planned the right to opt out as a way to allow municipalities and hospitals who have close religious ties with their community to be able to proceed in a smoother way over a longer period of time. It's not designed to allow a whole region to withdraw," said Jean- Franois Lise.

The possibility of obtaining an exemption also applies to health and social service institutions as well as Universities and CEGEPs. That exemption would be renewable every five years.

"It's as if Camille Laurin (the father of the charter of the French language adopted in 1977) had said we're going to apply Bill 101 everywhere except in Montreal. Absolutely not," Lise said.

Meanwhile, the PQ is still reeling from the attacks on the charter that came from inside the sovereigntist tent.

Those attacks and the positions taken by elected officials in Montreal may force the PQ to push the identity buttons even harder.

But as the PQ pushes harder, its more and more likely to lose any hope of support from opposition parties.

With a minority government, Premier Pauline Marois might have to accept her secular bill expected to be tabled this fall wont go very far.

Bill 14 - the proposal designed to toughen up Quebecs French language charter - is also on life support and won't likely make it through the legislature.

So with the charter of Quebec values and the language law both likely to be scrapped by the opposition, whats the plan?

Its possible Marois and her PQ government could go into the next election as the uncontested champions of the French language and Quebecois identity.

It's a risky gamble, but it may be the only option they have left.