Codes of conduct for immigrants gain favour in rural Quebec

The debate about accommodating immigrants with different values and traditions is spreading in rural Quebec, where a handful of towns are adopting rules for newcomers.

In late January, councillors in the small town of Hérouxville adopted a comprehensive code of conduct that prohibits stoning and burning women and endorses co-ed swimming.

The non-binding code, posted on the town's website, has inspired nearby St-Roch-De-Mékinac, where residents say they want a similar set of rules.

"If they want to live exactly like us, we're happy to welcome them," said Guy Roy in a French interview with CBC.

No immigrants live in the town of 300, but if there comes a day when newly arrived Canadians choose St-Roch-De-Mékinac as their new home, a code of conduct could be useful, said mayor Claude Dumont. "It's not up to us to adjust to them. We don't deserve that. We're here."

The town's council will meet Thursday night with residents, to discuss the possibility of creating a code of conduct.