No more prayer, but the cross remains

Right from the beginning of the meeting, mayor Claude Trudel made a statement. He explained that, following a complaint submitted to the Quebec Human Rights Commission, Verdun elected officials decided to adopt this new position regarding the prayer and the cross in the council room. The prayer that used to mark the opening of assemblies has now been replaced by a moment of reflection, in which the people present are invited to participate.

Mr. Trudel also explained the reasons why Verdun council decided not to remove the crucifix, clearly visible beneath the old coat of arms of the City of Verdun, from the walls of the council room. Council members believe that the cross is a fundamental symbol of the borough's cultural heritage. "It's representative of our history, a history that is closely linked to the presence and actions of various religious communities who played a significant role in the development of our territory. We can't change the history of Quebec or Montreal," stated mayor Trudel.

Verdun's council members believe that the cross is part of this borough's heritage, just like the cross on Mont-Royal and the one recently installed on L'Ile-des-Soeurs. Mr. Trudel also reminded everyone at the council meeting that the City of Montreal and the National Assembly had already decided to maintain the crucifix. "Just like us, they also made the decision to demonstrate that Quebec culture cannot – and should not—deny or disown its history," he added.

It is well known that Claude Talbot, a Verdun citizen, forced the council to discuss this issue by lodging a complaint with the Quebec Human Rights Commission. He was also the first person to react, during question period, Tuesday night, commenting on the council's decision. He declared his satisfaction at the decision to abandon prayer at the council meetings, but expressed his disappointment with the fact that the cross will continue to remain in the room.

Mr. Talbot however, seemed to be the only one in the room interested in these issues. Most inquiries during question period were focused on other issues of concern to residents. Only one additional citizen vigorously protested the presence of the cross in the room and wanted it removed.