Bill 1
The Government of Quebec’s Attempt to Override the Canadian Charter
What is Bill 1?
Bill 1, the Québec Constitution Act, 2025, proposes to create a written constitution for Quebec. The legislation declares Quebec to be a nation and claims to establish a constitutional framework defining the province’s identity, institutions, language, and governing principles. However, the bill goes far beyond symbolic recognition. It attempts to assert sweeping constitutional autonomy for Quebec and introduces provisions designed to shield provincial laws from challenges under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. In practice, the legislation seeks to elevate Quebec’s own constitutional framework above the protections guaranteed by the Canadian Charter. By redefining Quebec’s constitutional authority and weakening the application of Canada’s Charter protections, Bill 1 raises serious concerns about the rule of law, the balance of powers within the Canadian federation, and the protection of minority and Indigenous rights. Critics argue that the bill amounts to a form of de facto constitutional separation by attempting to establish a parallel constitutional order within Quebec.
CaPQ Position
We unequivocally oppose Bill 1, the proposed Québec Constitution Act (2025). The legislation represents a direct challenge to Canada’s constitutional order and the rule of law.
Bill 1 asserts sweeping constitutional autonomy for Quebec while attempting to shield provincial laws from challenges under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. In doing so, it weakens judicial oversight, restricts access to justice, and undermines the fundamental rights protections guaranteed to all Canadians.
The bill effectively attempts to establish a parallel constitutional framework within Quebec, disrupting the balance of powers between the province and the federal government and placing minority and Indigenous rights at greater risk.
To challenge this legislation, we submitted our legal brief to the National Assembly of Quebec (ASSNAT) and appeared before the Commission des institutions in Québec City, where we formally presented our arguments against Bill 1 as part of the official parliamentary consultations.
We will continue to oppose this legislation and defend Canada’s constitutional order, the rule of law, and the protections guaranteed by the Canadian Charter.