Parliamentary Report: Key Takeaways from the Fall Session

September

Letting go of distractions

September gets off to a rough start for Premier Legault. His pre-session caucus meeting, intended to lay out his vision for the period leading up to the holidays, is completely overshadowed by the « declining motivation » of his super-minister Pierre Fitzgibbon. While Fitzgibbon had wanted to stay on until the holidays, the Premier asked him to step down to avoid « distractions. » That concern was far from over for François Legault: just eight days later, despite the CAQ’s attempts to project harmony within its coalition, the veneer cracked again with the departure of Saint-Jérôme MNA Youri Chassin, who would henceforth sit as an independent. The government’s management style and its deficit-ridden finances had cost him his political allegiance. Others would say it was a seat at the cabinet table that never materialized that pushed him across the floor of the Blue Room. His departure led the Premier to acknowledge the existence of discontent within his caucus.

September

A reshuffled cabinet

The task is immense for the government’s new super-minister, a figure known for having cleaned up messes in Immigration between explosive statements from her colleagues. Christine Fréchette arrives in her new role with Bill 69 barely underway and palpable tensions between the government and Hydro-Quebec. Work on Bill 69 will need to give the government a foundation for better management of energy resources, though the minister will advance it without passing it before the end of the session. On the economic front, she will bear the heavy responsibility of steering the battery sector and the now-famous Northvolt project, which is struggling. The opposition parties gleefully portray the battery plant project as a pet project of her predecessor.

Jean-François Roberge, the standard-bearer of the CAQ’s nationalist vision, inherits the Immigration portfolio and will now have to frame requests to the federal government on this file. More implicitly, he also takes on the unofficial role of tempering the Premier’s statements. His first test comes just days later, when Mr. Legault raises the forced transfer of migrants to other provinces.

Should François Legault have used this cabinet shuffle to bring in another player and satisfy his caucus? He instead opted for a slight reshuffling rather than a domino effect. A strategy that managed to temporarily quiet the cabinet shuffle rumours.

September

Foreign interference: the Hogue report expected by year end

Following a first report from the Public Inquiry Commission on Foreign Interference in May, Justice Hogue continued public hearings this fall, during which Prime Minister Justin Trudeau testified alongside several experts on the ability of institutions to detect, prevent and counter such acts of interference. During the Prime Minister’s appearance, he stated that he held the names of Conservative parliamentarians and candidates involved in acts of interference, something Conservative leader Pierre Poilièvre immediately denied. Yet to this day, Poilièvre has refused to obtain his security clearance to consult the unredacted report of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP). The federal inquiry commissioner is unequivocal: the names of suspected parliamentarians will not be made public. This is not the first confrontation between the two leaders, who will certainly have to address the matter when the Hogue report’s final recommendations are released by year end.

October

The mutinous MPs of the federal Liberal caucus

In politics, the concept of party line can sometimes chafe certain elected officials. Imagine when disagreements spill beyond the caucus and more than twenty MPs sign a letter calling for the resignation of the leader, in this case Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Although this famous letter never identified its signatories, the uncertainty damaged the Liberal Party of Canada leader’s authority. Poor polling numbers, a budget deficit of nearly $40 billion and the end of the agreement with the NDP left a bitter taste for voters, who now place the Conservative Party at the top of the polls in Canada. The worst seemed to have been avoided when the Liberal caucus emerged more united than ever, or so one might believe, from a meeting where « frank discussions » took place. Who better than Quebec’s elected members to support their leader: that is exactly what ministers Jean-Yves Duclos, Soraya Martinez Ferrada and MP Joël Lightbound did.

October

Toxic climate at Bedford school

Shocking revelations brought to light a toxic climate at Bedford school in Montreal, involving a group of 11 teachers known for unacceptable behaviour toward certain students and other staff members. The investigation ordered by Education Minister Bernard Drainville, at the request of MNA Marwah Rizqy, uncovered serious findings: intimidation, outdated teaching practices, breaches of secularism and questionable management by the president of the Montreal School Service Centre (CSSDM). The group, composed of individuals of Maghrebi origin, was widely denounced by other teachers of the same background. The situation drew reactions from various political parties, including the leader of the Parti Québécois, Paul St-Pierre-Plamondon, who denounced religious entrism in Quebec schools. To date, the 11 teachers involved have been suspended by the CSSDM, and a whistleblower line set up by the school board has already received more than 130 reports.

October

Scandal at the Cité-des-Prairies youth centre

The situation at the Cité-des-Prairies youth centre shed light on yet another scandal at the Direction de la Protection de la Jeunesse (DPJ), this time with an investigation revealing that female workers had committed sexual acts against youth in their care. Those individuals were suspended or dismissed. When questioned by the media and opposition parties, Minister Lionel Carmant denounced the situation and also highlighted the willful blindness of certain managers. The minister responsible for the DPJ file also called for a police investigation to clarify this deeply troubling situation. His statements did not convince the other parties, with Québec solidaire calling for his resignation and for the departure of Catherine Lemay, then the DPJ’s national director. Lemay did resign from her position a few days later. Despite his contested leadership, Premier François Legault once again expressed his confidence in Lionel Carmant.

October

Quebec puts permanent immigration on pause

On the occasion of tabling his 2025 Immigration Plan, the government decided to put permanent immigration on pause in order to control immigration growth in Quebec. The first plan unveiled by Minister Jean-François Roberge in his new role drew considerable criticism from the business community, which relies on immigration to meet labour needs. For eight months, a freeze on the issuance of Quebec Selection Certificates (CSQ) through the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) and the Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) would, according to the minister, help better respect Quebec’s integration capacity. For the PQ leader, the government has already completely lost control of immigration levels. This statement fits within his own plan, unveiled a few days earlier, to reduce immigration, which proposes essentially a reduction in temporary and permanent immigration thresholds while also focusing on automation and robotization. For his part, interim PLQ leader Marc Tanguay argued that the plan would harm Quebec, particularly with regard to skilled labour.

November

Trump: a feared comeback

After an endless series of twists and turns and a bitter, blow-laden campaign, American voters finally decided to give Donald Trump another chance as President of the United States. The re-elected former president ultimately convinced a majority of key states to vote for him, leaving his rival Kamala Harris far behind. Here in Quebec and across Canada, the defining elements of his platform wasted no time making themselves felt. Two weeks after his election, Donald Trump brandished his threat to impose 25% tariffs on imports from Canada (and Mexico), citing an invasion of drugs (particularly fentanyl) and illegal immigrants. While François Legault seized the opportunity to criticize Justin Trudeau’s immigration policies, it took only a few days for the Canadian Prime Minister to travel to Mar-a-Lago for dinner with the president-elect. During that dinner, President Trump reportedly suggested that Canada become the 51st state of the United States. A bluff, or the opening move of a tough negotiation?

November

The PLQ race begins

Liberal news started off on a rough note this session, with star MNA Marwah Rizqy announcing she would not be running in the next election, choosing to prioritize her family. Her announcement sparked a broad public debate about the ability of young parents to participate in active politics. Many had envisioned Rizqy taking the reins of the Parti libéral du Québec. Members will instead have to choose among Charles Milliard, former president of the Federation of Quebec Chambers of Commerce (FCCQ), Pablo Rodriguez, former minister in the Trudeau government, Frédéric Beauchemin, current Liberal MNA at the National Assembly, Marc Bélanger, a tax law specialist, and Denis Coderre, former mayor of Montreal and currently mired in a scandal over unpaid tax bills. At the Liberal convention held on November 8, candidates were already at the starting blocks and made a series of declarations, notably on the creation of a possible third link in Quebec City. The main target of attacks: Pablo Rodriguez, the one with the most recent track record to defend from the federal Liberals and, incidentally, the candidate leading in the polls. The race promises to be interesting this winter and spring, with the outcome set for June 14, 2025.

November

The crowning of a co-spokesperson

The past year has not been smooth sailing for Québec solidaire, a party that has faced mounting difficulties, notably due to intense internal debates over its direction and the place it should occupy on the political spectrum. Some want co-spokesperson Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois (GND) to adopt more pragmatic positions, while others hope Québec solidaire remains a party of demands and advocacy. The resignation last spring of duly elected co-spokesperson Émilise Lessard-Therrien after only four months had also thrown the party into turmoil. It was once again amid an air of controversy that Québec solidaire crowned its new co-spokesperson, the sole candidate for the position, Ruba Ghazal, at its November convention. The highly controversial remarks made the previous week by MNA Haroun Bouazzi about the construction of racist discourse at the National Assembly cast a shadow over the entire convention weekend. MNAs from other parties did not miss the opportunity to lambast Bouazzi in the House for his comments. With GND taking three months of parental leave, this may be Ruba Ghazal’s chance to show her potential and pull the party out of its torpor.

November

A holiday gift cheque

After the Legault government’s cheques, it is Justin Trudeau’s turn to play Santa Claus as the holidays approach. The Prime Minister of Canada, whose approval ratings have been in free fall for several months, has been looking for ways to recapture his former glory through generosity, granting a GST holiday on several consumer goods, including children’s clothing and Christmas trees. He also used the occasion to simultaneously announce a $250 cheque for all individuals earning less than $150,000 per year. A measure that drew sharp criticism from opposition parties and seniors’ advocacy groups, as retirees, like students, are not covered by the cheque. So far, the distribution of holiday cheques does not seem to be improving Justin Trudeau’s fortunes, especially in Quebec. According to a recent Léger-Le Journal-TVA poll, 71% of Quebecers believe this measure is purely electoral.

November

Are we getting there?

News about the Quebec City tramway, now under the responsibility of CDPQ Infra, has been increasingly slow to come. Meanwhile, the Transport Minister is pushing ahead at full speed with her agency Mobilité Infra Québec (MIQ) to accelerate public transit projects. The tramway file remains rather quiet, while the third link is generating international interest thanks to the call for interest launched by Geneviève Guilbault. She no longer hides it: the minister who once killed the project now wants construction to begin before 2028. One might think that her renewed enthusiasm is contagious, even for the tramway project, as she opened the door, via an amendment to her bill creating MIQ, to the construction of a second phase toward d’Estimauville. Rumours suggest, however, that before the end of December, the Mayor of Quebec City, the minister and the Caisse de dépôt will officially announce the agreement that will allow the project to move forward.

November

Constitution or not?

Less common in the news in recent years, constitutional issues returned to the forefront this session. As early as last August, the Parti libéral du Québec, seeking to champion Quebec identity and win back a certain francophone electorate, had floated the idea of endowing Quebec with its own constitution, an idea far from unanimous among leadership candidates. On the government side, the idea also gained traction: an advisory committee led by former Liberal minister Sébastien Proulx and Université de Sherbrooke law professor and former PQ candidate Guillaume Rousseau was established. The committee, tasked with analyzing Quebec’s constitutional issues within the Canadian federation, tabled a report in November containing 42 recommendations, including the proposal to give Quebec its own constitution. Enough to energize Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette and his government, which is actively seeking answers to Quebec’s identity challenges. It remains to be seen which recommendations the CAQ will act upon.

November

Batteries overheating

Investments in transportation electrification projects are beginning to generate bad press for the government. While battery manufacturer Northvolt had already announced in September that it was laying off 1,600 employees in Sweden, the government’s insistence on proceeding with the mega-factory project in the Montérégie region is drawing growing criticism, with opposition parties reproaching the CAQ for investing in foreign companies whose profits do not benefit Quebecers. As one misfortune rarely comes alone, Lion Électrique, this time a Quebec company manufacturing electric buses, in which the government had invested $212.5 million since 2020, announced its financial difficulties. The company laid off 520 employees this year and temporarily laid off another 400 workers. To shelter itself from creditors, the company requested additional financial assistance from the Quebec government, which refused to invest without private partners. In the end, « not a single cent more » would be invested in Lion Électrique. While electrification is one avenue for securing Quebec’s energy future, its implementation is proving to be quite the challenge.

December

The health network has a new employer

The last month of the year begins with Santé Québec coming into operation. Chief Executive Officer Geneviève Biron undertook an extensive media tour, with mixed results that did not particularly convince skeptics about the forthcoming improvement of the health and social services network under the new agency’s leadership. It must be said that her entrance on the scene is coloured by the first mandate given to her team: absorb the $1.5 billion deficit of the CISSSs and CIUSSSs anticipated for March 2025, while minimizing the effects of fiscal restraint on patient services.

December

The government delivers a green omnibus bill

With Bill 81, tabled by Minister Benoit Charette, the Quebec government intends to amend all eight laws under its Environment Ministry in one fell swoop. The bill’s objective is to accelerate the process for evaluating and reviewing environmental impacts. It also includes provisions relating to zero-emission heavy vehicles, the harmonization of provincial and municipal environmental regulations, and the protection of endangered species and natural habitats. On this last point, the use of financial compensation required for harm to natural habitats promises to attract attention.

December

Is that in the deposit system?

Quebec consumers will have to wait two more years before paying, and recovering, if they are diligent, the deposit collected on glass beverage containers and multi-layer packaging such as milk or juice cartons. The Environment Ministry launched an administrative investigation into the Association québécoise de récupération des contenants de boissons (ARQCB), the industry-created organization mandated to administer the return locations for newly deposited containers, known as Consignaction. Does that ring a bell? It should not come as a surprise. While the government’s initial objective was to open 400 sites across Quebec, the target for March 1, 2025 was revised downward to 200 sites. To date, fewer than 10% of those sites have been opened by the ARQCB. A few days later, Minister Charette admitted to having lost confidence in the organization and said he would not hesitate to impose financial penalties if the objectives are not met. Let us look on the bright side: the deposit on plastic water and juice bottles will indeed come into effect in March.

December

Homelessness is everyone's concern

Who bears responsibility for homelessness? The community around this issue is divided as the number of homeless individuals continues to rise. After municipalities called for help last year, funds were distributed sparingly to cities and organizations, but all signs suggest it will not have been enough. As their responsibilities grow, municipalities refuse to take on social intervention, despite the importance of the issue. The real question: should CIUSSSs and CISSSs be more involved in the debate? Every early winter, the pattern repeats: dismantle or leave the encampments. Some cities hold a firm line, like Quebec City with its zero-tolerance policy, while others try pilot projects with more lenient approaches. One thing is certain: the homelessness and housing crises are closely intertwined, and Minister France-Élaine Duranceau learned that the hard way when she was booed at the États généraux de l’itinérance held in Quebec City at the end of November. Will this protest be strong enough to move the needle, or will our responsible ministers also need to be subjected to the sadly familiar technique used at the Complexe Desjardins (the baby-shark-on-repeat technique) to get things moving?

December

Pass go, work 5 years in the public system

The Health Minister had a new curve to flatten: the number of physicians disaffiliating from the RAMQ to practice exclusively in the private sector. That number increased by 70% in Quebec between 2020 and 2024, representing 750 doctors, compared to only about 25 equivalent cases across the rest of Canada. In response, Christian Dubé tabled a bill that would require physicians, both general practitioners and specialists, to work for five years in the public network upon graduating from a Quebec university. Students in violation of this obligation, who would be bound by contract, could face fines of up to $200,000 per day per medical act in cases of repeat offence. Enough to « shake the pillars of the temple » right in the middle of negotiations to renew the framework agreement between the government and physicians.

December

The 92 labours of Sonia Lebel

Modernizing the negotiating framework for public sector collective agreements. That is the objective of Treasury Board President Sonia Lebel, who announced at the end of the parliamentary session her intention to table a bill in winter to reform the bargaining regime with which she has become deeply familiar through public sector strikes and the delayed conclusion of an agreement with the FIQ nurses. Faced with 92 bargaining tables (89 sectoral tables on working conditions and 3 central tables dealing with wage demands), Minister Lebel’s challenge is to foster faster agreements without touching union rights, even as the largest ministry of the Quebec state, the Ministry of Health, has itself entered a new era of labour relations with its single employer, Santé Québec.