National Assembly of Quebec
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| National Assembly of Quebec | |
|---|---|
| Name | National Assembly of Quebec |
| Legislature | 43rd Quebec Legislature |
| House type | Unicameral |
| Body | Parliament of Quebec |
| Leader1 type | President |
| Leader1 | Nathalie Roy |
| Election1 | 2022 |
| Leader2 type | Premier |
| Leader2 | François Legault |
| Election2 | 2018 |
| Leader3 type | Government House Leader |
| Leader3 | Simon Jolin-Barrette |
| Election3 | 2022 |
| Leader4 type | Opposition Leader |
| Leader4 | Marc Tanguay |
| Election4 | 2022 |
| Members | 125 |
| Political groups1 | Government (90), Coalition Avenir Québec (90), Official Opposition (19), Quebec Liberal Party (19), Other Opposition (16), Québec solidaire (11), Parti Québécois (4), Independent (1) |
| Term length | 4 years |
| Voting system1 | First-past-the-post voting |
| Last election1 | 2022 Quebec general election |
| Next election1 | On or before October 3, 2026 |
| Meeting place | Parliament Building, Quebec City |
| Website | www.assnat.qc.ca |
National Assembly of Quebec. It is the legislative body of the Parliament of Quebec, vested with the power to enact statutes, approve budgets, and oversee the executive branch led by the Premier of Quebec. As a unicameral legislature, it consists of 125 members, known as MNAs, who are elected from provincial ridings across Quebec. The institution traces its origins to the Lower Canada legislature and is central to the province's unique political and constitutional identity within the Canadian Confederation.
History
The institution's origins lie in the Legislative Assembly of Lower Canada, created under the Constitutional Act 1791. Following the Lower Canada Rebellion and the Durham Report, it was succeeded by the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada after the Act of Union 1840. Upon Canadian Confederation in 1867, the British North America Act, 1867 established the Legislative Assembly of Quebec. The name was officially changed to its current form in 1968 under the administration of Premier Daniel Johnson Sr.. Key historical events involving the assembly include the Quiet Revolution, the passage of the Charter of the French Language (Bill 101), and the 1980 Quebec referendum and 1995 Quebec referendum on sovereignty.
Composition and structure
The assembly is composed of 125 MNAs elected in single-member constituencies through a First-past-the-post voting system. The presiding officer is the President of the National Assembly of Quebec, a role currently held by Nathalie Roy, who is responsible for maintaining order and impartiality. The Premier of Quebec, currently François Legault, is typically the leader of the party commanding the confidence of the assembly. Other key officers include the Leader of the Official Opposition, Marc Tanguay, and the Government House Leader, Simon Jolin-Barrette.
Powers and functions
Its primary constitutional powers, derived from the Constitution Act, 1867, include the exclusive authority to make laws in areas of provincial jurisdiction such as health care, education, civil law, and natural resources. The assembly holds the Executive Council accountable through mechanisms like Question Period and parliamentary committees. It also possesses the sole power to originate supply bills and approve the provincial budget, thereby controlling public expenditure. Furthermore, it can amend the Constitution of Quebec and certain portions of the Constitution of Canada.
Legislative process
Most government bills are introduced by ministers in the Cabinet of Quebec, though private members' bills can also be proposed. Legislation typically proceeds through a first reading, second reading, committee stage (often in bodies like the Committee on Institutions or the Committee on Public Finance), consideration in committee, and a third reading in the assembly. After passage, bills require royal assent by the Lieutenant Governor of Quebec, the Crown's representative, to become law. The assembly's committees, such as the Committee on Citizen Relations, play a crucial role in scrutinizing legislation and conducting hearings.
Building and facilities
The assembly convenes in the Parliament Building, a Second Empire-style structure located on Parliament Hill in Quebec City. Designed by architect Eugène-Étienne Taché and opened in 1886, the building features the National Assembly Chamber and the Legislative Council Chamber, a remnant from the former upper house abolished in 1968. The complex includes the Honoré-Mercier Building, the André-Laurendeau Building, and the Jean-Antoine-Panet Building. The grounds are adorned with monuments to figures like Maurice Duplessis and René Lévesque.
Current membership and elections
The current membership stems from the 2022 Quebec general election, which resulted in a majority government for the Coalition Avenir Québec led by François Legault. The Quebec Liberal Party, led by interim leader Marc Tanguay, forms the Official Opposition. Other represented parties are Québec solidaire and the Parti Québécois. Elections are held at least every four years, as per the Election Act (Quebec), though the Lieutenant Governor of Quebec may dissolve the assembly earlier on the advice of the premier. The next election is constitutionally required on or before October 3, 2026.
Category:National Assembly of Quebec Category:Unicameral legislatures Category:Government of Quebec