Quebec premier-designate Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has formally requested the lieutenant-governor of the province to refrain from attending the swearing-in ceremony of his new cabinet on Wednesday. In a letter addressed to Lt.-Gov. Manon Jeannotte on Monday, the Parti Québécois leader expressed that his incoming administration will not permit a representative of the British Crown to oversee the event.
St-Pierre Plamondon emphasized the intention to eliminate the monarchy in Quebec from both the democratic institutions and civil society. He explicitly stated his preference for the lieutenant-governor to sign the necessary appointment documents privately so that the Secretary General can administer the oaths without her presence. This approach, as mentioned by the PQ leader, will enable the newly appointed ministers to commence their duties promptly.
Expressing gratitude in advance for the cooperation to ensure a smooth democratic process aligned with the will of Quebec’s elected officials, St-Pierre Plamondon highlighted the significance of the day for the province’s democracy.
However, the new government’s anti-monarchy stance is encountering immediate legal opposition. Lawrence David, a lawyer challenging the 2022 Quebec law that made the oath to the King optional for elected officials, indicated that his request for an emergency injunction will be heard in court on Tuesday. David anticipates a swift decision from Judge Ian Demers but has affirmed the intention to appeal if the ruling does not favor his position.
The legal dispute surrounding the oath of allegiance has intensified following the recent provincial election, where the Parti Québécois secured a minority government. St-Pierre Plamondon has reiterated his stance of refusing to swear allegiance to King Charles III. If the injunction is granted, incoming MNAs who decline the oath may face legal restrictions from assuming their seats when the legislature reconvenes in mid-November.
At the core of the legal challenge is the argument that Quebec unilaterally altered the 1867 Constitution Act without the required unanimous consent, violating the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The lawsuit alleges that the law infringes on the right to effective representation, as politicians declining the oath are deemed ineligible to serve as MNAs.
David has cautioned that further legal challenges could be pursued if the newly elected government proceeds to unilaterally abolish the position of the lieutenant-governor.
