Quebec Premier to Renew Notwithstanding Clause for Bill 96

Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette plans to introduce legislation as early as Wednesday to renew the province's use of the Charter's notwithstanding clause, shielding a key French-language law from court challenges.

The move marks the first bill from Fréchette's government since she was sworn into office last month. It targets Bill 96, enacted in 2022, which strengthens Quebec's French-language requirements by expanding the authority of the Office québécois de la langue française, the province's language watchdog, and imposing stricter rules on businesses and public services. The government preemptively invoked the notwithstanding clause at the time to prevent legal challenges, a measure that requires renewal every five years.

By advancing the renewal now, Fréchette aims to compel the opposition Liberals to clarify their position ahead of the October 5 general election. Liberal Leader Charles Milliard has faced growing pressure from within his party base, where some members have voiced criticism of Bill 96's provisions.

The Quebec National Assembly session begins Monday with Fréchette's throne speech, in which she will outline her administration's priorities for the coming weeks....