The crucifix inside the National Assembly is shown Tuesday at the legislature in Quebec City. The incoming Coalition Avenir Quebec government says it has no intention of removing the crucifix that hangs behind the Speaker's chair in the legislature. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot

QUEBEC — The incoming Coalition Avenir Quebec government says it has no intention of removing the crucifix that hangs behind the Speaker’s chair in National Assembly.

Simon Jolin-Barrette, a spokesman for the transition team, said there is no contradiction between the new government’s plan to impose strict secularism on certain public servants and its desire to maintain the crucifix.

He says the crucifix, which has hung since the 1930s, is part of Quebec’s heritage.

Jilin-Barrette, who was re-elected Oct. 1, stands behind his party’s plan to prohibit public servants in positions of authority from wearing visible religious symbols.

But he acknowledges the principle of judicial independence means that for provincially appointed judges, application of the new law will fall to the Quebec court and the provincial judicial council.

Last week, a Coalition spokeswoman said teachers who refuse to accept a different job or to remove religious symbols would be dismissed. Today, Jolin-Barrette took a slightly softer line, saying the Coalition is prepared to work with opposition parties to find common ground.