An outspoken opponent of Quebec's religious symbols law Bill 21 is packing up her bags and heading out to British Columbia next week where she will be able to teach while wearing her turban.
"i don't want to leave my home, I want to make that very, very clear - Quebec is my home," said Amrit Kaur in an interview with CJAD 800.
But the recent teaching grad has accepted a job at a private high school in Surrey, B.C. teaching social science and English. Kaur said she couldn't wait while the Bill 21 case plays out in court.
"I'm 28 years old, I have bills to pay, I want to progress in my career," said Kaur.
"I cannot be the litmus test for this bill and I'm scared to lose my licence if I come to work and I have my turban. The punitive charges aren't clear. And I can't get a criminal record. I'm a teacher, teaching is my passion," said Kaur.
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association and National Council of Canadian Muslims are challenging the constitutionality of the law that forbids civil servants in authority in Quebec from wearing religious symbols and clothing on the job. A judge recently refused their request to have certain sections of the law stayed while the merits of the law are being argued.
Kaur is still applying for her Quebec teaching licence anyway in the hopes Bill 21 would be struck down.
"Hopefully to return," said Kaur.
She starts her new job September 1.
For Kaur, the battle against Bill 21 will continue long distance.
"I will still be fighting," said Kaur.
"This is something that people who are affected and people who are supporters have sold their soul to so we're not going to stop."