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The plan would be the most sweeping of its kind in North America and its critics call it a bureaucratic mess, unconstitutional or, even worse, xenophobic. Its supporters insist it can work, in law and in practice, and be fair to Quebecers.

Premier Pauline Marois, in her first public comments since the plan’s release Tuesday, said she’s pleased. She welcomed the upcoming debate.

“I am very proud of the charter proposal tabled yesterday,” the premier told reporters on her way into a cabinet meeting Wednesday.

“We worked very hard on a plan that appears to me to be perfectly balanced. Now, the debate is open. People will be allowed to express themselves — it’s started already over the last few days.

“My hope is it takes place as serenely as possible because I believe we need to have a framework to live together and that’s what we propose.”

As the premier walked away, reporters asked her if she was concerned about how Quebec would be perceived. When she kept walking, a couple simplified the question in the hope of getting her attention by shouting out “Quebec-bashing!” “Quebec-bashing!”

Higher Education Minister Pierre Duchesne also waded in, saying he has full confidence Quebecers will be able to peacefully debate the values issue.

Duchesne also lashed out at critics of the plan, including media commentators in the rest of Canada.

“You know there are people who think Quebecers are not able to have a discussion about secularism.