Lawyers in Quebec seek emergency order for new legislators to swear allegiance to King
Lawrence David and the Consumer Law Group are urging the Quebec Superior Court to grant an emergency order mandating the latest group of elected provincial legislators to take an oath of loyalty to the King.
They are challenging a 2022 law that made the oath optional, which was put in place after members of the Parti Québécois were initially denied their seats for refusing to pledge allegiance to King Charles.
According to David, failure to swear the oath could render politicians ineligible to serve in the legislature and could nullify any legislation they pass.
David has already initiated legal action against the law, seeking to halt its enforcement until a thorough hearing takes place. He insists that incoming legislators must be required to take the oath in the interim.
Following the recent election, the Parti Québécois secured a minority victory. Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has reiterated his stance against swearing allegiance to the King and is exploring ways to sever ties with the monarchy, including diminishing the lieutenant-governor’s powers and funding.
Paul St-Pierre Plamondon expressed his discontent with a foreign monarch dictating terms at the beginning of a legislative term, deeming it abnormal and symbolic.
The adoption of Bill 4 in 2022 exempted Quebec from the section of the 1867 Constitution Act that mandates the oath.
David contends that this law infringes on Quebecers’ voting rights and representation by allowing unqualified individuals to hold office and make constitutionally void decisions in the National Assembly.
He asserts that the constitutional amendment embedded in the law necessitates approval from the federal government and all Canadian provinces.
While awaiting a hearing date for the stay request, David aims for a verdict before the legislature reconvenes in mid-November. He is prepared to escalate legal action should the Parti Québécois proceed with plans to disassociate from the monarchy.
