MONTREAL — Quebec Premier François Legault says he’s “open” to the possibility of adopting a Quebec constitution before the next provincial election. His comments follow the publication of a report on Tuesday recommending several steps the province could take to boost its autonomy, including drafting its own constitution.
The report was delivered by a committee Legault appointed in June to study the province's rights and to assess ways of enhancing its powers within the Canadian federation. This initiative appears to be aimed at appeasing his nationalist supporters, especially as his Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government has fallen behind the sovereigntist Parti Québécois (PQ) in recent polls.
During a press interaction, when asked whether he was prepared to draft a constitution before going to the polls in October 2026, Legault answered affirmatively, stating he was “open to it.” Meanwhile, Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette has opted for caution, announcing the government would review the committee’s 42 recommendations over the coming weeks.
The recommendations include modernizing Quebec’s laws to eliminate references to the monarchy—a significant step toward asserting provincial autonomy. They also suggest negotiating with the federal government on several issues, including the appointment of provincial judges from nominees proposed by Quebec.
Émilie Foster, who teaches political management at Carleton University and is a former CAQ member, opined on the potential adoption of the constitution. She noted, “At a time when Donald Trump has been elected in the United States and there is a wind of conservatism blowing across the rest of Canada, which differs from Quebec, I think it could be a symbolic element of unity concerning our values.”
Nonetheless, the path to establishing such a constitution won't be seamless. Charles Breton, the executive director of the Centre of Excellence on the Canadian Federation, emphasized the necessity of popular consultation if the constitution is to carry real weight. He stated, “It’s not a bad recommendation, but it’s a difficult, complicated process. Because of this, I don’t foresee it happening quickly.”
The report's findings are not without controversy. The Quebec Liberals have passed motions favoring the constitution at their convention, arguing it should enshrine the rights of the province's English-speaking minority, which adds another layer of complexity to the discussion.
Beyond the constitution itself, the committee’s report suggests broadening Quebec’s powers through enhanced negotiations with the federal government, which some local experts find promising yet challenging, as they would require cooperation and potentially amendments to the Canadian Constitution itself.
Legault’s openness to this constitutional discussion marks a significant development in Quebec's political climate as regional autonomy becomes increasingly central to provincial governance. With the next provincial election drawing near, all eyes will remain fixed on how these recommendations play out and the reactions they elicit from citizens and political entities alike.
This report, originally published by The Canadian Press, reflects the potential for important changes within Quebec's governance structure and the significance of historical identity within Canadian democracy.
