Quebec Premier-Designate Rejects Monarchy Role at Cabinet Swearing-In

Quebec premier-designate Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has asked the province’s lieutenant-governor to stay away from his new cabinet’s swearing-in ceremony, renewing his push to remove the British monarchy from Quebec’s democratic institutions.

In a letter sent to Lt.-Gov. Manon Jeannotte, the Parti Québécois leader said his incoming government would not allow a representative of the Crown to preside over the ceremony. He asked Jeannotte to sign the necessary appointment documents privately so the new ministers could take their oaths and begin work.

Legal Challenge Could Affect Elected Members

The government’s position faces a legal challenge from lawyer Lawrence David, founder of the Public Interest Litigation Institute. David has sought an emergency injunction to suspend a 2022 Quebec law that made the oath of allegiance to the monarch optional for members of the National Assembly.

David argues that Quebec could not change the constitutional requirement without the necessary consent from federal institutions and all provincial legislatures. His legal challenge also claims the law affects elected representatives’ ability to serve in the legislature.

Dispute Over the Oath to King Charles

St-Pierre Plamondon has said he will refuse to swear allegiance to King Charles III. The dispute follows the Parti Québécois’s success in securing a minority government in the provincial election.

If the court suspends the law, members who refuse to take the oath could face restrictions on taking their seats when the legislature reconvenes in mid-November.

David has also warned that any attempt by the incoming government to abolish the office of lieutenant-governor could prompt further legal action.

CBC News