The Quebec parliamentary session came to a close on Friday, with the provincial government reclaiming powers from Ottawa.
The session, which began on September 15, saw the Quebec government pass several bills aimed at asserting its autonomy and protecting its interests.
One of the key pieces of legislation passed was Bill 96, also known as the “Quebec Language Charter.” This bill aims to strengthen the use of French in the province and limit the use of English in government and businesses.
Another significant bill was Bill 59, which gives the province more control over immigration and the selection of immigrants. This move has been met with criticism from the federal government, who argue that it goes against Canada’s values of diversity and inclusion.
The Quebec government also passed a bill that would require all public sector employees, including teachers and police officers, to remove any religious symbols while on duty. This has sparked controversy and has been challenged in court by civil rights groups.
In addition to these bills, the Quebec government also announced plans to create a provincial constitution and establish a Quebec citizenship. These moves are seen as further attempts to assert the province’s autonomy and distance itself from the federal government.
The end of the parliamentary session marks a significant moment for Quebec, as it continues to push for more control over its affairs and assert its distinct identity within Canada.
However, these actions have not gone unnoticed by the federal government, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stating that he will defend the rights and values of all Canadians, including those in Quebec.
As the session comes to a close, it is clear that the relationship between Quebec and Ottawa remains complex and will continue to be a topic of debate and discussion in the future.
