Quebec's Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government has abandoned its controversial proposed constitution bill, Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette announced Thursday. The decision comes after months of criticism from opposition parties, legal experts, and Indigenous groups who argued the bill would centralize power and undermine minority rights.
Background of the Bill
The bill, introduced in April 2026, sought to enshrine Quebec's secularism and language laws into a formal constitution. It also proposed declaring Quebec a nation and giving the province greater autonomy. However, critics said it would override the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and weaken protections for English-speaking Quebecers and Indigenous communities.
Reasons for Abandonment
Jolin-Barrette cited a lack of consensus and the need to focus on other priorities, such as the economy and health care. “After extensive consultations, it became clear that this project does not unite Quebecers,” he said. “We are listening and we are moving forward.”
The opposition welcomed the move. Liberal leader Marc Tanguay called it a “victory for democracy,” while Québec solidaire co-spokesperson Ruba Ghazal said the bill was “divisive and unnecessary.”
The CAQ had made the constitution a key promise in the 2022 election, but support waned as details emerged. Indigenous leaders, including the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador, had threatened legal action.
The decision marks a significant retreat for Premier François Legault, who had championed the bill as a defining legacy. Political analysts say it reflects the challenges of navigating Quebec's complex political landscape.
