An Act to amend the Constitution Act, 1867 (representation in the House of Commons)
Bill C-246 was a Bloc Quebecois Private Member's Bill amending the Constitution Act, 1867 (R.S.C. 1867, c. 3) to ensure that Quebec's share of seats in the House of Commons cannot fall below 25 percent of the total Commons seats (the so-called Quebec Floor). The 2021 federal Electoral Boundaries Readjustment Act framework had been amended by Bill C-14 (S.C. 2022, c. 6) to preserve Quebec at 78 seats despite Quebec's declining share of Canadian population. The bill aimed to enshrine the Quebec Floor in the Constitution Act, 1867 itself (a section 43 bilateral amendment requiring federal Parliament and Quebec National Assembly approval). Did not pass second reading.
Status
Quick learn
Would write a 'Quebec floor' into the Constitution so Quebec can never hold less than 25 percent of House of Commons seats, even as its share of the population falls. A 2022 law already protects Quebec's 78 seats. A Bloc Quebecois bill; it did not pass second reading.
Issues this bill touches
- Federalism & Quebec
Constitutionally guarantees Quebec at least 25% of Commons seats.
Legislative history
- First reading
First reading in the House of Commons.
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Official source
Read full text on Parliament of Canada