A Day of Reflection: “La démocratie et l’état de droit. À l’épreuve du projet de constitution du Québec”*

In light of the proliferation of legislative and political initiatives that undermine rights and freedoms, both in Quebec and internationally, this event offers a day of reflection and discussion on contemporary transformations of the rule of law and democracy. Drawing on the CAQ government’s draft constitution and other recent initiatives in Quebec, the event aims to provide a better understanding of the scope and effects of the reforms underway and to open up discussion on the democratic conditions necessary for defining how we live together.

The day will take the form of a structured exchange divided into three main thematic sessions.

1. The devitalization of the rule of law: contrasting perspectives on a global phenomenon

This first session will place Quebec debates in an international context marked by a widespread weakening of mechanisms for protecting rights and limiting political power. Presentations will focus on transformations in the rule of law, the normalization of violations of fundamental rights, and strategies for circumventing institutional checks and balances. The goal is to better understand what is changing, how these changes are taking place, and what their consequences are for contemporary democratic regimes.

2. Rights and freedoms under pressure: Bill 1 and recent legislative initiatives

This session will focus on the Quebec context. It will analyze Quebec’s draft constitution (Bill 1) in light of a broader set of laws and public policies adopted in recent years that are helping to redefine the balance of powers and the system for protecting rights and freedoms in Quebec. For example, it will address laws affecting union rights, secularism, language, gender equality, and the normalization of the use of the notwithstanding clause.

3. Revaluing democracy and the rule of law: participation, inclusion, and recognition

The final session will broaden the discussion to democratic issues raised by political transformations currently underway. It will focus on the conditions for an inclusive constitutional process with strong democratic legitimacy, the concept of political community and “we” in recent government initiatives, and the importance of co-construction with Indigenous peoples in defining how we live together in Quebec.

This event is organized by the Centre de recherche sur la diversité et la démocratie au Québec in collaboration with the Centre de recherche en éthique, Amnistie internationale, the Barreau du Québec, Conseil de la Nation Atikamekw, the Fédération des femmes du Québec, the Ligue des droits et libertés, and the Observatoire pour la justice migrante.

Organized by Karine Millaire (UdeM), Martin Papillon and Christian Nadeau (UdeM). With the participation of Louis-Philippe Lampron, Daniel Weinstock (McGill), Dominique Leydet (UQÀM), Dia Dabby and Lucie Lamarche.

*Please note that the event will take place in French.

Photos by Ryoa Chung (UdeM) and Ximena Samson.