Minister Rejects Suggestion by BQ MP That Focus on ‘Halal Mortgages’ Means Bringing In ‘Sharia Law’

The federal government has pushed back on criticism from an MP that its recent budget plan to explore the concept of “halal mortgages” for Muslim Canadians could mean recognizing Sharia law in government financing. Bloc Québécois MP Martin Champoux criticized the measure during Question Period in the House on April 18. “This is a religious exception that goes well beyond accommodation,” said Mr. Champoux, as first covered by Blacklock’s Reporter. “The introduction of an element of Sharia law into the Canadian legislative regime would be a serious precedent.” The recently released budget document Fairness For Every Generation said cabinet is exploring new measures to “expand access to alternative financing products,” such as halal mortgages....