CAQ could submit a draft constitution by 2026

Photo: Jacques Boissinot The Canadian Press For now, the Legault government says it is still at the stage of analyzing the Proulx-Rousseau report on Quebec’s constitutional issues within the Canadian federation.

Premier François Legault is “open” to proposing a draft constitution for Quebec by 2026, as a working group on constitutional issues suggested to him on Tuesday.

Drafting a “codified constitution,” as recommended by the Proulx-Rousseau report on Quebec’s constitutional issues within the Canadian federation, is not crazy, according to the head of government, who briefly told reporters of his interest in the issue on Wednesday.

“We’re open to that,” he said as he headed toward the Salon Rouge to a reporter who had just asked him if he could move forward with such a project before the next general election.

On Tuesday, in their voluminous report, six experts commissioned by the Legault government urged Quebec to put in place a constitution with the symbols, fundamental characteristics and founding laws of the Quebec nation. If it were up to them, this would also outline the contours of a citizenship of Quebec.

“There is a third way”

For now, the Legault government says it is still at the analysis stage. The Prime Minister’s entourage believes that it is too early to promise such a project by the next election.

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This is also the position adopted by Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette on Wednesday. Approached by the parliamentary press, he reiterated that he would “study the report” before taking a position. However, the CAQ elected official did not fail to point out that “other federated states in Canada have a constitution.” “The report explains very clearly that fundamental laws could be enshrined there,” he said.

“This clearly shows that there is a third way between the status quo of the Liberal Party and waiting for a referendum and sovereignty for the Parti Québécois,” he added. “I really think that Quebec can make gains and we should not wait for anyone before we can make gains.”

Divided oppositions

At a press conference Wednesday morning, Liberal MNA André Fortin showed strong interest in a possible constitution for Quebec. His party's political committee had indicated this summer that it was in favour of such a project, but Liberal leadership candidate Denis Coderre has no appetite for it.

“I even held a press briefing here to talk to you about the abolition of the monarchy at one point,” Mr. Fortin recalled on Wednesday. “So, there are things in this [constitution] project that resonate with me as a member of Parliament, that resonate with me as a Quebec citizen, but at the same time, we're going to take the time to analyze it properly.”

Initially arguing for Quebec sovereignty, Québec solidaire and the Parti québécois reacted coldly to the possible tabling of a draft constitution. “Instead of creating a real Quebec house where we make all our decisions, they decide to find a way to repaint their room in the big Canadian house,” illustrated PQ MNA Pascal Bérubé.

“If the CAQ government decides to do that, then table it, we will study it,” added the new co-spokesperson for Solidaire, Ruba Ghazal. “[But] at Québec solidaire, what is important for us is to make Quebec independent and, after that, to have a constitution for Québec-pays.”

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