Premier Fréchette plans to renew notwithstanding clause on Quebec’s language reform

With just weeks to legislate before the National Assembly resumes ahead of the election, Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette plans to renew the notwithstanding clause on Bill 96.

Hoping to bolster her nationalist image ahead of the election, Fréchette’s plan to renew the notwithstanding clause on the CAQ’s signature language bill would shield it from constitutional scrutiny for another five years.

Under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the notwithstanding clause expires after five years, unless renewed by lawmakers. For Bill 96, the five-year period ends in 2027, meaning the question of whether to renew the clause was expected to fall to the next government.

Quebec Liberal Leader Charles Milliard ruffled feathers in his caucus last month when he said he would renew the constitutional shield. But he partially walked back the promise just days later, telling reporters he would only renew the clause if necessary to preserve the elements of the language law he intends to keep.

Milliard’s about face prompted sharp criticism from the Parti Québécois, which accused him of bowing to “anglophone MNAs” instead of standing up for the French language.

MNAs return to work in Quebec City Tuesday for a short final session that will end in mid-June. By the fall, politicians will be in campaign mode, with the election scheduled Oct. 5.

Fréchette, who was sworn in as premier less than three weeks ago, will have just a brief window to push through an ambitious legislative agenda.

Speaking to her caucus last week, the premier vowed to keep up a breakneck pace to push bills into law ahead of the election.

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Jack Wilson

I've reported for The Gazette since 2024. I love covering a good politics story, but any day I tell Montrealers something new about the world around them feels like a good one. Got a tip for me? Email me at [email protected]

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