The new Parti Québécois government in Quebec made a bold move by deciding to exclude the Lieutenant Governor, Manon Jeannotte, from the swearing-in ceremony of its ministers. Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, expressing his desire to break away from monarchical traditions, requested that the Lieutenant Governor not be present for the oath-taking ceremony.
Under the Constitution, ministers are required to take an oath before the Lieutenant Governor, who acts as the representative of King Charles III in Quebec. However, Plamondon, known for his independence convictions, sought to distance the government from what he sees as remnants of British colonialism.
In a letter sent to Jeannotte, the Premier formalized his request, which was later confirmed by a government spokesperson. Despite the absence of the Lieutenant Governor during the ceremony, the government assures that proper procedures will be followed to validate the appointments. The Secretary General of the Government will oversee the swearing-in ceremony, and the necessary documents will be promptly signed by Jeannotte to make the appointments official.
Plamondon emphasized his commitment to abolishing the monarchy in Quebec, both within democratic institutions and civil society. He assured Jeannotte that this decision was not a personal affront but rather a step towards modernizing Quebec’s governance structures. Furthermore, the Premier had earlier pledged to redirect funds earmarked for the Lieutenant Governor’s office towards addressing homelessness, signaling a broader agenda of reform.
In addition to the oath of office, ministers are required to pledge confidentiality regarding cabinet deliberations, highlighting the dual responsibilities they hold. The Lieutenant Governor’s office, traditionally funded jointly by Ottawa and Quebec, faces potential restructuring under the Plamondon government’s vision for a more contemporary administrative framework.
