On December 8, 2025, the Protecteur du citoyen submitted a brief to the Commission des institutions in which it commented on Bill 1, the Québec Constitution Act, 2025.
This bill proposes three new acts:
- The Act respecting the constitutional autonomy of Québec (ACAQ);
- The Constitution of Québec (Constitution);
- The Act respecting the Conseil constitutionnel.
It also proposes significant changes to the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms.
Multiple concerns
The Protecteur du citoyen is concerned about various aspects of the bill.
Regarding the ACAQ, it notes that certain provisions undermine the independence of persons designated by the National Assembly. In addition, the ACAQ would limit access to justice for state-funded organizations.
As for the Constitution, the Protecteur du citoyen considers that it should:
- Recognize the Indigenous nations in Québec as peoples with rights, including the right to self-determination.
- Plan for a genuine consultation and co-construction process with these nations.
Furthermore, the Constitution proposes to protect the right to abortion. However, this right is already guaranteed in Canada. This proposal could open the door to challenges and limitations on this right. The Protecteur du citoyen is of the opinion that efforts should instead be focused on improving access to abortion services.
Lastly, the Protecteur du citoyen considers that public integrity should be one of the founding principles of the national State of Québec set out in the draft Constitution of Québec.
The Protecteur du citoyen makes six recommendations in response to the concerns mentioned above.
It also urges the legislature to consider the analysis of the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse regarding the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. It finds several recommendations made by the Commission to be crucial to avoid weakening this legal framework for the protection of rights and freedoms.
Learn more about this Protecteur du citoyen intervention:
