Threatening politicians could lead to a $1,500 fine under a Quebec bill

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QUEBEC — People who threaten or intimidate Quebec politicians could soon face court orders or fines of up to $1,500 if a new bill introduced in the National Assembly passes Wednesday.

Municipal Affairs Minister Andre Laforest has introduced House Bill 57, which aims to end the toxic climate that often exists among elected officials.

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He told reporters in Quebec City that the measures in the more than 40-page omnibus bill are intended to stop threatening behavior and that he does not fear it will be used to silence political opposition.

“No, not at all,” he said in response to the question. “Our desire is to stop the conditions that are maintained, the threatening comments, the violent comments.”

A recent survey by the Union of Quebec Municipalities found that 74 percent of elected municipalities had experienced harassment or intimidation, and 741 out of 8,000 had resigned after the 2021 elections.

Although the criminal code already contains laws against making threats, Laforest said more measures are needed to stop citizens from insulting politicians.

Laforest gave the example of a citizen who comes to every meeting of the city council and uses profanity. “It can boil over and then it can be threatening comments, so we're in a situation of bullying and threatening comments, so now we can take action,” he said.

The law gives police the power to fine anyone who disrupts a city council meeting by disorderly conduct, from $50 to $500. A person who intimidates, intimidates or harasses a municipal or provincial politician in a way that prevents them from doing their job or causes concern for their safety is liable to a fine of $500 to $1,500.

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The bill also allows politicians who are subjected to comments or actions that “unreasonably interfere with the performance of their functions or invade their privacy” to apply to the Supreme Court for an injunction. The court can then order the citizen to stop communicating with the politician or to stay away from their office or to refrain from activities that interfere with their work.

Although politicians can already file a lawsuit, the legislation ensures that the request will be processed immediately.

Other sections of the bill require municipalities to adopt “rules of thumb” outlining how to maintain order, civility and respect. As an example, Laforest said heated debate often occurs when resolutions are introduced without notice, so rules can dictate how initiatives are introduced and debated.

Laforest said he hopes to have the bill passed by June.

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