Assemblee Nationale: Quebec.

AuthorTurcot, Christina
PositionLegislative Reports - General election; legislative bills; parliamentary procedure

The general election of September 4, 2012 produced a minority government with two parliamentary groups forming the opposition. Temporary amendments made to the Standing Orders and the Rules for the Conduct of Proceedings were adopted for the duration of the 40th Legislature. These amendments primarily concern the membership of committees, the allocation of chairmanships and vice-chairmanships, as well as quorum requirements.

Budget and Estimates

On November 20, the Minister of Finance and the Economy, Nicolas Marceau, delivered the 2013-2014 budget speech. On November 30, at the conclusion of the 25-hour debate held in the House and in the Committee on Public Finance, the budgetary policy of the Government of Quebec was adopted by the following vote: 49 yeas, 48 nays and 0 abstentions.

Cabinet and parliamentary offices

On December 4, Premier Pauline Marois made a few changes to the composition of her Cabinet and to her team of parliamentary office holders. Yves-Francois Blanchet was appointed Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Wildlife and Parks, in place of Daniel Breton. Veronique Hivon, was restored to her previous post as Minister for Social Services and Youth Protection. Marjolain Dufour was appointed Chief Government Whip and Sylvain Page was named caucus chair.

Legislation

Eleven bills were passed during the sessional period of the 40th Legislature: 9 public bills on behalf of the Government and 2 private bills. Of these bills, 10 were passed with the unanimous consent of the Members of the Assembly. Among the more noteworthy bills passed are Bill 1, Integrity in Public Contracts Act, and Bill 2, An Act to amend the Election Act in order to reduce the elector contribution limit, lower the ceiling on election expenses and increase public financing of Quebec political parties.

Directives from the Chair

President Jacques Chagnon gave a directive on November 21, in reply to the Chief Government Whip, who requested a decision from the Chair on the following question: "Should the Canadian flag be removed from the Legislative Council Chamber at all times during parliamentary proceedings?" The President ruled that the decision should not only be his but that of all the Members and thus, in accordance with Standing Order 41, submitted the matter to the Assembly for its decision. It should be noted that no President had referred to this standing order since the * adoption of the current Standing Orders, in 1984. On December 4...

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