Published in the Pontiac Journal on December 17, 2025.
Tashi Farmilo
Local Journalism Initiative
QUEBEC – As the Quebec government prepares to adopt Bill 1 during the spring session of the National Assembly, the Regional Association of West Quebecers (RAWQ) is warning communities across West Quebec about how the proposed Quebec Constitution Act could affect local rights and services. Introduced in October 2025, the bill seeks to establish a provincial constitution, redefine the powers of public institutions, and restrict who can challenge provincial laws, prompting concern about how rural and minority-language communities will be protected.
A statement from RAWQ, signed by Executive Director Alina Holmes and President Chad Bean, argues the legislation could centralize power in Quebec City at the expense of regional decision-making. Holmes pointed to challenges already facing rural residents, such as limited access to bilingual education, scarce social services, and long travel distances for health care. “If this bill makes it harder for local institutions to defend our services, the most vulnerable will be the first to feel it,” she said.
One provision would bar more than 100 publicly funded entities, including school boards and municipalities, fromusing public funds to challenge provincial laws in court. Holmes said this would be especially damaging in areas like the Pontiac where institutions like the English-language school board help maintain bilingual services. “This couldlimit their capacity to push back against policies that might erode bilingual services,” she said.
In forums hosted by RAWQ, residents described the bill as disconnected from rural realities and prioritizing symbolism over urgent needs like health care and infrastructure. “People are telling us this feels like déjà vu after Bill 21 and Bill 96,” Holmes said. Bill 21 restricts public-sector employees from wearing religious symbols, while Bill 96 expanded French-language requirements and reduced English-language services.
Commentators such as the Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN) question whether the bill functions as a true constitution. Unlike traditional constitutions, Bill 1 doesn’t limit government power or require special procedures for amendment. Its preamble states that “human rights and freedoms are inseparable from the collective rights of the Quebec nation,” a shift critics argue could undermine individual protections guaranteed by the Canadian and Quebec charters.
The bill would also change the oath taken by Members of the National Assembly. Instead of
pledging service to the Quebec people, MNAs would swear loyalty to the Quebec nation and upholding the new constitution. Critics say this redefines political duty in terms of national identity rather than public service.
RAWQ is preparing a petition to the National Assembly and will participate in committee hearings. Holmes urged residents to write to their MNAs and join province-wide coalitions. “Pontiac has a strong history of community action. We’ve pushed back before, and we can do it again.”
Pontiac MNA André Fortin, now Leader of the Official Opposition, criticised both the bill’s content and the process behind it. “You can’t just push it through in the last year of a mandate without consulting Quebecers,” he said.
Hull MNA Suzanne Tremblay’s office affirmed support for the bill, describing it as a non-partisan measure to protect Quebec’s core values, including gender equality, secularism, and the French language. Her office highlighted the importance of the bill for border regions like the Outaouais. “This bill gives us the tools to strengthen our institutions and protect our distinct social values,” the statement read. The office also noted the bill’s preamble affirms respect for English-speaking institutions.
RAWQ issued a message to residents: “Democracy only works when we use it. Bill 1 deserves close attention, and it’s okay to say this isn’t the direction we want for our communities.”
