Quebec premier-designate seeks to exclude lieutenant-governor from cabinet oath ceremony

Premier-designate Paul St-Pierre Plamondon sent a letter to Lieutenant-Governor Manon Jeannotte asking her to refrain from attending the cabinet swearing-in scheduled for Wednesday, insisting that a representative of the British Crown not preside over the event. He argued that removing the lieutenant-governor from the ceremony would allow ministers to begin work immediately and reflects his goal of abolishing the monarchy in Quebec’s political and civil spheres.

At the same time, Public Interest Litigation Institute founder Lawrence David filed an emergency injunction to compel the new government to administer the oath to King Charles, challenging the 2022 Bill 4 amendment that made the oath optional. A court hearing with Judge Ian Demers is slated for Tuesday, and David warned of further legal action if the lieutenant-governor’s office is eliminated. The case raises constitutional questions about Quebec’s authority to modify the oath without unanimous federal consent and potential violations of the Charter’s representation rights.