Bill 1, the Quebec Constitution Act proposed by Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette, was intended to be an act of political maturity. Instead, it appears to be a missed opportunity.
A constitution is not simply a legal text; it affirms a vision of the territory, power relations, and living in harmony. When it fails to unite, it betrays its purpose as a founding document by contributing to deepening divisions and jeopardizing the collective future it purports to define.
Yet, in its current form, this is precisely what Bill 1 proposes. By attempting to define the future of the territory without fully recognizing the presence, rights and governments of First Nations, it creates division where bridges should be built.
The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) firmly believes that a shared future is not only possible, but essential. True coexistence, based on respect, mutual recognition and sincere dialogue, would bring social, cultural, educational and economic benefits to all of society. This vision does not pit anyone against each other; it invites us to move forward together, with clarity and goodwill.
It is precisely for this reason that we are calling for the withdrawal of Bill 1. Not because we reject the constitutional principle, nor even because of the flawed process from which it stems. This constitutional bill simply cannot be drafted while ignoring those who are at the very heart of this territory’s history.
Limiting the recognition of First Nations to general mentions in a preamble, while asserting the exclusivity of Quebec laws over the entire territory, perpetuates historical imbalances in addition to erasing and rendering them invisible. This approach strengthens neither social cohesion nor collective self-affirmation; rather, it revives logics of domination, even colonialism, which, hopefully, belong to another era.
Recognizing the inherent and treaty rights of First Nations does not weaken Quebec — it strengthens it. Similarly, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is not an obstacle, but a compass: It harmonizes the relationship between governments while offering a clear framework for building sustainable, respectful and equitable partnerships, without being detrimental to others.
Reconciliation cannot be merely symbolic or declaratory. It must also be legislative. It requires a paradigm shift — a co-development process in which First Nations governments are full partners, engaged in government-to-government dialogue. Only then can solid common ground emerge.
The parliamentary work around Bill 1 highlighted the lack of prior consultation with First Nations and other key stakeholders in civil society. A “law of laws” cannot be born of exclusion. It must reflect a collective project that recognizes the diversity of voices and experiences of yesterday, today and tomorrow.
The Quebec government faces a crucial choice. It can either persist in a divisive, unilateral approach or choose the more demanding — but infinitely more promising path of dialogue, recognition and co-development. It would be paradoxical, to say the least, for a foundational text, championed by the minister of justice, to be tainted by anxiety and insecurity.
Courage and humility are essential characteristics of true leadership. Thus, it must be acknowledged that the foundations of the proposed bill run counter to the expectations of a population committed to coexistence, and that the only option is to withdraw it.
Francis Verreault-Paul is chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL).