Advocacy groups raise concerns over Quebec’s proposed constitution draft 

Sophie Demers 

The Regroupement des groupes en défense collective des droits (RODCD) and local collective rights advocacy groups participated in a major mobilization on October 22 in the Outaouais as part of National Independent Community Action Week. There were three gatherings, one in Gracefield, one in Chelsea and another in Gatineau.

There are nearly 350 collective rights advocacy groups (CRAGs) across Quebec with the mission to defend and promote human rights through collective action. These groups aim to combat discrimination, improve living conditions of marginalized individuals and encourage civil engagement.

Many Outaouais groups came together to highlight the need for rights advocacy in today’s context of multiple crises, the rise of far-right ideology, and divisive politics. The organizations wanted to demonstrate how essential rights advocacy groups are in maintaining social justice and democracy.

“Acting as true watchdogs for social and economic rights, these groups enable people excluded from public debate to make their voices heard,” said Alexandre Gallant, coordinator of the Collectif régional de lutte à l'itinérance en Outaouais.

The groups feel that their work is under attack with the provincial government's new bill on the Quebec constitution. This was proposed on October 9 by the CAQ government. It has received mixed reactions from opposing parties. According to the organizers of the event, this proposed bill is “attempting to shirk its responsibilities to recognize and support community action.

According to the government, the bill aims to “ensure the protection of the Quebec nation, its values, and its collective rights”. The document details the constitution’s founding principles, which include French as Quebec’s official language and gender equality. The document also notes that the province rejects “Canadian multiculturalism” opting for a “national integration” model.

The document also bars publicly funded organizations, such as school boards and CRAGs, from using public money to cover legal costs if they challenge a law in court. The restriction would apply in cases where the law is deemed to protect the province’s defining characteristics.

This specifically targets collective rights advocacy groups and minority language organizations such as the Western Quebec School Board from fighting for their rights in court. The organizers of the October 22 gatherings say that these proceedings have often improved Quebec legislation. They stated that CRAGs across Quebec have brought to light and combated major social issues through their work in policy analysis, public education, social mobilization, and presentations to decision-makers at all levels of government.

“It is therefore essential that governments recognize the fundamental role these groups play in democratic life and in the fight against poverty and social exclusion,” added Valérie Michaud, activities coordinator for the Association de solidarité et d'entraide communautaire de la Vallée-de-la-Gatineau.

The organizers state that CRAGs are already struggling to meet demand with the limited funding they receive. They need more support but are facing increasingly difficult obstacles.

“Such support would strengthen the groups' capacity to act, increase their presence in the field, and broaden their reach for the direct benefit of the citizens of the Outaouais. Together, it is possible to build sustainable and inclusive solutions,” said Geneviève Tremblay-Racette, coordinator of the Table ronde des organismes volontaires d'éducation populaire de l'Outaouais.