Quebec premier-designate Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has asked Lt.-Gov. Manon Jeannotte not to attend Wednesday's swearing-in of his new Parti Québécois cabinet, a first in the province's history. The request, sent by letter Monday, is part of his pledge to remove the monarchy from Quebec's institutions.
What did the premier-designate request?
In the letter, St-Pierre Plamondon said his government has the "firm intention of abolishing this monarchy in Quebec," arguing that a foreign sovereign has no democratic legitimacy. He told Jeannotte the request implies no personal disrespect toward her.
Jeannotte agreed not to attend in person, according to a government spokesperson. Her office confirmed she would not be physically present, though The Canadian Press reported that it did not receive confirmation from her office Monday evening.
How will ministers be sworn in?
The ceremony will be held in the Red Room of the legislature, where the secretary general of the government will receive the oaths. The appointment documents, which need Jeannotte's signature to take effect, will then be sent to her office behind the National Assembly for signing the same day. The government says this keeps the appointments valid.
Under the Constitution, ministers are appointed by the lieutenant-governor, the representative of King Charles III in Quebec, on the premier's recommendation. St-Pierre Plamondon has also said he will again refuse to swear allegiance to the King himself.
What happens next in court?
The change faces a legal challenge. Lawrence David, founder of the Public Interest Litigation Institute, filed an emergency injunction seeking to force newly elected members to swear the oath to the monarch. He says the case will be heard Tuesday before Judge Ian Demers, and he expects a quick ruling. According to CBC, David said he would appeal if he does not win.
The injunction targets Bill 4, a 2022 law that made the oath to the King optional for members of the National Assembly. The law added a clause to the Constitution Act of 1867 stating the oath no longer applies to Quebec legislators. It was tabled by the previous Coalition Avenir Québec government after pressure from the PQ, several of whose members had refused the oath.
FAQ
Are the cabinet appointments still valid?
The government says yes. Jeannotte will sign the appointment documents from her office on the same day, so ministers can start work on October 21.
What is Bill 4?
It is a 2022 Quebec law that made the oath to the King optional for members of the National Assembly.
