“We firmly intend to abolish this monarchy in Quebec, both within our democratic institutions and in our civil society,” Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon wrote in a letter sent Monday to Lieutenant-Manon Jeannotte, setting the stage for a historic cabinet swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday where a representative of the monarchy will not preside for the first time.
Wednesday marks a historic moment for Quebec and its ties to the monarchy as premier-designate Paul St-Pierre Plamondon’s incoming minority government takes power following the Oct. 5 provincial election. Lt.-Gov. Manon Jeannotte accepted a written request from the incoming premier not to attend the event, according to her office. Instead, she will watch the proceedings on a screen from a nearby office and sign necessary appointment documents behind the scenes so the secretary general can administer oaths without her, allowing newly appointed ministers to begin work immediately.
Lieutenant-Governor Manon Jeannotte Agrees to Remote Sign-Off
Jeannotte’s office stated that nothing requires her physical presence at the ceremony and that she does not wish to become the centre of attention. Her primary focus remains the continuity of government in accordance with the Constitution and the rules of the National Assembly. Within his correspondence, St-Pierre Plamondon expressed gratitude to the lieutenant-governor for working together to ensure the proceedings run smoothly without obstruction, honoring the mandate of Quebec’s elected assembly members while reaffirming his organization’s mission to eliminate the provincial monarchy.
Lawrence David Files Emergency Injunction Over Bill 4
While the cabinet prepares to take office, the new government’s anti-monarchy agenda faces an immediate legal roadblock. Lawrence David, founder of the Public Interest Litigation Institute, filed an emergency injunction earlier this month attempting to force the incoming PQ government to swear allegiance to King Charles. David’s legal challenge targets Bill 4, a 2022 provincial law that made the oath to the monarch optional for members of the National Assembly after the bill was tabled by the Coalition Avenir Québec government following pressure from the PQ. Judge Ian Demers is set to hear the injunction arguments on Tuesday, with David confirming he will appeal the judgment if he does not win.
Quebec Superior Court Weighs Charter Rights and Constitution Act
David’s legal action centers on the claim that Quebec modified the Constitution Act of 1867 unilaterally, failing to secure the mandatory unanimous approval from the Senate, the House of Commons, and every provincial legislature across Canada required to remove the compulsory oath. Furthermore, the lawsuit contends that Bill 4 breaches Section 3 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms—which protects the right to meaningful representation—since lawmakers who decline the oath fail to meet the qualifications necessary for holding office as an MNA. St-Pierre Plamondon has already confirmed he will refuse the oath to King Charles again. Should the court approve the stay, newly elected members of the National Assembly who reject the oath may face legal disqualification from occupying their seats when the legislature reconvenes mid-November.
Frequently Asked Questions About Quebec’s Cabinet Swearing-In
Why is the lieutenant-governor absent from Wednesday’s ceremony?
Lieutenant-Manon Jeannotte accepted a written request from premier-designate Paul St-Pierre Plamondon not to attend the event. She will watch the event on a screen from a nearby office and sign appointment documents behind the scenes.
When does the Quebec legislature reconvene?
The legislature reconvenes in mid-November following the Oct. 5 provincial election that resulted in a Parti Québécois minority government.