Immigrant guide forbids bribing, limits smelly foods

Gatineau, Que., values guide follows Hérouxville, Que., conduct code

CBC News
Posted: Dec 5, 2011 12:49 PM ET
Last Updated: Dec 5, 2011 12:47 PM ET

Gatineau issues immigrant guidelines 2:19

A Gatineau, Que., guide of values for new immigrants is raising eyebrows for including rules against bribing officials and honour killings, and advice on limiting the cooking of "smelly foods."

A Gatineau, Que., values guide for immigrants includes pointers on not bribing officials, how to discipline children and limiting cooking smells.CBC

The city released its "statement of values" in French on Nov. 28, saying it hopes the 16-point guide helps newcomers integrate into local society and learn how to interact in a new environment.

The guide spells out basic information, suggesting for example that learning French would help newcomers integrate into the community. It also says “children are our most precious good" and forbids “excessive punishments, corporal and sexual abuse, confinement, neglect, forced labour, humiliation, wilful [sic] malnutrition."

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While several of the items are similar to those found in the federal government's own guide for new immigrants, other items have been raising eyebrows.

It emphasizes the importance of things such as good hygiene and avoiding smells like cigarette smoke and “strong odours emanating from cooking.â€