Summary#
This bill would change the Canadian Multiculturalism Act so that it does not apply in Quebec. The Act sets the federal policy of multiculturalism and duties for federal institutions. The bill adds a one-line exemption: “This Act does not apply in Quebec” (Bill — Application Exemption after s.2).
- Federal multiculturalism duties would no longer bind federal institutions in Quebec (Canadian Multiculturalism Act, ss.3–5).
- The federal Minister’s multiculturalism role would not apply in Quebec (Act, s.5).
- Federal reporting and policy requirements under the Act would exclude Quebec (Act, ss.3–5).
- The bill does not change the Charter of Rights and Freedoms or provincial laws.
- The bill contains no spending, taxes, or fees.
What it means for you#
- Households (Quebec):
- Federal services delivered in Quebec would no longer be guided by the Act’s multiculturalism policy and related duties (Act, ss.3–5). Effective on enactment.
- Community and cultural organizations (Quebec):
- Federal programs or grants that rely on authority under the Act may no longer be offered in Quebec. The bill does not specify what happens to current funding. Timing would depend on departmental implementation. Data unavailable.
- Federal employees and institutions (Quebec):
- No duty under the Act to “promote and pursue” multiculturalism in policies, programs, and services in Quebec (Act, s.3).
- Minister of Canadian Heritage would have no Act-based role in Quebec to “encourage and assist” federal institutions and groups (Act, s.5).
- Reporting and performance expectations tied to the Act would not apply to Quebec operations (Act, ss.3–5).
- Residents and organizations outside Quebec:
- No change. The Act would continue to apply elsewhere in Canada.
- Provincial and municipal governments (Quebec):
- No new powers or duties. The Act already governs only federal institutions. Indirect effects could occur if federal programs linked to the Act change. Data unavailable.
- Legal rights:
- The bill does not amend the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, including section 27 on interpreting the Charter consistent with Canada’s multicultural heritage. Charter rights remain the same.
Expenses#
Estimated net cost: Data unavailable.
- The bill contains no appropriations, taxes, or fees (Bill — Application Exemption after s.2).
- No official fiscal note identified. Data unavailable.
- Potential changes:
- Possible reductions in federal administrative work in Quebec tied to Act-based duties and reporting. Data unavailable.
- Possible changes to federal grants or initiatives in Quebec that rely on the Act for authority. The bill does not direct reallocation or savings. Data unavailable.
Proponents' View#
- Respects Quebec’s nation status and its ability to define identity, protect French, maintain state secularism, and support gender equality, without the federal multiculturalism framework (Preamble).
- Avoids overlap between federal multiculturalism policy and Quebec’s own integration approaches, by removing Act-based duties in Quebec (Bill — Application Exemption).
- Keeps federal multiculturalism policy in place for the rest of Canada while recognizing Quebec’s distinct path (Bill — Application Exemption).
- No direct fiscal cost because the bill adds no new programs or spending (Bill — no appropriations).
Opponents' View#
- Uneven federal standards: People in Quebec would not benefit from the Act’s commitments that guide federal services and programs, creating different treatment by province (Act, ss.3–5).
- Program uncertainty: Community groups in Quebec may lose access to federal grants or support that rely on the Act, but the bill is silent on transitions or replacements. Risk of service gaps. Data unavailable.
- Accountability gap: Federal institutions in Quebec would no longer be bound by Act-based duties to develop, implement, and report on multiculturalism objectives, reducing transparency and data for that province (Act, ss.3–5).
- Implementation complexity: Federal departments operating nationwide may face administrative and legal complexity in applying one framework outside Quebec and another inside, increasing compliance risk. Data unavailable.
- Legal uncertainty: While the Charter remains unchanged, removing the Act in Quebec could create tension with federal guidance that relies on the Act when designing policies affecting Quebec. Data unavailable.