Québec solidaire (QS) is vehemently opposing the adoption of the draft Quebec constitution in the National Assembly, declaring its intent to utilize all available parliamentary tools to block the process.
On October 9th, QS, along with other opposition parties, including the left-wing party, voted against the introduction of the constitutional bill in the Red Room.
The primary point of contention for the opposition parties is the Minister of Justice, Simon Jolin-Barrette, who is accused of drafting the constitution without engaging in comprehensive consultations.
Despite Jolin-Barrette’s recent expression of support for conducting a general consultation, QS remains unsatisfied, considering it too little too late.
Ruba Ghazal, the party’s co-spokesperson and parliamentary leader, denounced the government’s approach as undemocratic, emphasizing the obligation of opposition parties to challenge such actions.
Describing a constitution as a nation’s “birth certificate,” Ghazal criticized the Coalition avenir Québec (CAQ) for what she views as a critical misstep.
Guillaume Cliche-Rivard, QS co-spokesperson and parliamentary leader, echoed Ghazal’s sentiments, asserting that collaboration is no longer viable and emphasizing the historic significance of the constitution’s adoption.
QS has reached out to the Parti Québécois and the Liberal Party, seeking a united front to oppose the draft constitution.
Despite the CAQ’s majority in the National Assembly, opposition parties retain the ability to impede the progress of the bill through various parliamentary procedures.
The proposed constitution by the Legault government aims to restrict organizations from using public funds to challenge crucial Quebec laws, such as Law 96 on the French language and Law 21 on state secularism, while also promoting gender equality and safeguarding abortion rights.
