Why Ottawa Must Draw the Line on Constitutional Shortcuts
Commentary In light of Albertans voting for five of 10 resolutions in their recent referendum and the incoming Parti Québécois (PQ) government moving to bypass Quebec’s constitutional system, the Carney government must defend the constitutional order and the rule of law. Specifically, it should draw a red line at PQ Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon’s plan to dismantle monarchical elements and abolish Quebec’s lieutenant-governor’s office, and should have intervened when he skipped the oath of allegiance to the King. Crucially, one need not be a diehard constitutional monarchist to recognize the danger in Quebec’s actions. Canadian constitutional experts overwhelmingly agree—the PQ cannot legally or unilaterally alter or abolish monarchical elements entrenched in Canada’s Constitution....
The Carney government is urged to defend Canada’s constitutional order and rule of law, especially in response to Quebec’s Parti Québécois (PQ) government’s actions. The PQ’s plan to dismantle monarchical elements and abolish the lieutenant-governor’s office is seen as a dangerous move that cannot be legally or unilaterally altered under Canada’s Constitution. Experts overwhelmingly agree that such changes are not permissible.
- The Carney government must defend the constitutional order and rule of law.
- A red line should be drawn at the PQ’s plan to dismantle monarchical elements and abolish the lieutenant-governor’s office.
- Intervention was warranted when PQ Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon skipped the oath of allegiance to the King.
- Canadian constitutional experts agree that the PQ cannot legally or unilaterally alter monarchical elements entrenched in the Constitution.
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