Quebec Lawmakers Get Access to Public Institutions

Summary#

This Quebec bill would give every Member of the National Assembly (MNA) a clear right to visit many public institutions. The goal is to strengthen oversight of government action and make it easier for MNAs to see conditions on the ground, speak with people, and report problems.

• Lets any MNA visit listed public bodies (for example: ministries, agencies, municipalities, public transit, schools, colleges, universities, many health and social service institutions, child care centers, and state-owned companies).
• Institutions must allow the visit and help organize it, unless there are serious security reasons to limit or refuse it.
• Sets limits: at most one visit per institution every three months, for up to two consecutive days, during normal working hours, with at least 10 working days’ written notice.
• MNAs may hold private, unrecorded talks with anyone on site (except Cabinet members), without managers present.
• MNAs can be accompanied by one staffer, an expert, and a journalist; filming is generally allowed except where security or confidential information is at risk.
• If access is wrongly refused, an MNA can ask a court to order the visit; misuse by an MNA can be investigated by the Ethics Commissioner.

What it means for you#

• General public and users of services

  • You may see MNAs visiting hospitals, schools, transit systems, and city offices.
  • You can speak privately with an MNA during these visits. These talks are confidential and not recorded.
  • Personal information you share must be protected by the MNA and cannot be shared without your consent, except when reporting crimes or legal violations to watchdogs or police.

• Public employees and contractors

  • You can meet an MNA privately without your supervisors present.
  • Usual confidentiality or loyalty duties to your employer do not block you from sharing information with the MNA in these talks. Lawyer–client, notary–client, and health professional secrecy still apply.
  • The MNA must safeguard any personal information and notify Quebec’s access-to-information commission if a serious privacy incident occurs.

• Managers of public bodies and institutions

  • You must facilitate the visit, host the delegation with experienced managers, and provide a guide.
  • You can only limit or refuse for serious security reasons, and you must explain those reasons in writing.
  • Filming or photography is generally allowed; you may restrict it in specific areas for security or to protect confidential information.
  • A refusal can be challenged in Superior Court and may be treated as an infringement of the Assembly’s rights.

• Journalists

  • You may accompany the MNA but must stay with them, cannot conduct separate interviews, and can only report what you observed during the visit.

• Municipalities, school networks, child care centers, transit agencies, and health/social service providers

  • You are covered by the visit rules unless specifically excluded in the bill’s list.
  • Expect scheduled visits with notice and clear conditions; prepare to manage access, privacy, and security on site.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

• The bill does not include funding or new fees.

Proponents' View#

• Improves transparency and accountability by letting MNAs see real conditions, not just read reports.
• Gives workers, users, and residents a safe, private way to raise concerns with an elected official.
• Sets clear, uniform rules so institutions cannot block visits for vague reasons; only serious security issues allow limits.
• Media presence can inform the public while rules protect privacy and keep the focus on the visit.
• Court backstop ensures the right of visit is meaningful and can be enforced quickly.

Opponents' View#

• Hosting visits takes staff time and may disrupt daily operations, especially in small institutions like child care centers or schools.
• Filming and broader access increase risks around privacy and security, even with limits.
• Visits with journalists may encourage political theater or pressure front-line staff.
• Broad permission to share information with MNAs may create confusion about confidentiality duties and overlap with existing whistleblower systems.
• Possible legal disputes over refusals or limits could add costs and administrative burden.