As a bill to codify a new Quebec Constitution moves through the province's National Assembly, universities have become a focal point of resistance. At issue is section 5 of the Act respecting the constitutional autonomy of Québec, which bars government-funded organizations including universities from using operating funds to legally challenge legislation that the government deems to be in Quebec's interest.
According to this provision, even if a law jeopardizes a university's mission, or is potentially unconstitutional, universities would be stripped of their primary legal means of contesting it, unless they could obtain external or private funding an unrealistic scenario for most institutions.
The bill has not yet passed into law, and its future is uncertain after the abrupt resignation of Quebec Premier François Legault on Wednesday. Legault said that he will remain in place as premier until his governing Coalition Avenir Quebec (CAQ) elects a new leader. Even before Mr. Legault's resignation, the bill faced a tight political calendar, since a provincial election must be held by October 5 of this year. The uncertainty adds political pressure to the debates in the legislature, where the stakes are high for democracy in the province.
For more information
350 Albert Street, suite 1710
Ottawa Ontario
Canada K1R 1B1
www.universityaffairs.ca
