Title: Quebec Government Proposes Draft Constitution to Protect Identity

MONTREAL - The Quebec government has introduced a draft constitution aimed at safeguarding the province's unique identity and culture. Premier François Legault presented the bill on Thursday in the provincial legislature, asserting that it will serve as "the law of all laws" and take precedence over existing provincial legislation.

Legault emphasized the need for this constitution to defend Quebec's core values, particularly in light of perceived threats to the province's culture and language in North America. He stated, "We must ensure their survival for future generations." The draft constitution is seen as a culmination of various initiatives his government has implemented to bolster Quebec values, including recent laws on secularism and French language reform.

However, the proposal has faced criticism from the Liberal Opposition, which argues that the government did not adequately consult with them. They contend that a constitution should represent the views and interests of all Quebecers.

The introduction of this draft constitution comes as Legault's Coalition Avenir Québec party is experiencing a decline in popularity ahead of the provincial election scheduled for October 2026. The government aims to reinforce its position by highlighting its commitment to protecting Quebec's distinct identity through this constitutional initiative.