Quebec bill to impose fines of up to $1,500 for threatening elected officials
People who harass or threaten Quebec politicians could soon be hit with a court injunction or a fine of up to $1,500, if a new bill tabled in the provincial legislature on Wednesday is adopted.
Municipal Affairs Minister Andree Laforest presented the proposed legislation, which aims to put an end to the often-toxic climate faced by elected officials.
She told reporters in Quebec City the measures in the more than 40-page omnibus bill are designed to stop threatening behaviour, and that she isn’t worried it will be used to muzzle political opposition.
“No, not at all,” she said in response to the question. “What we want is to stop situations that persist, threatening comments, violent comments.”
A recent survey by Quebec’s union of municipalities found that 74 per cent of elected municipal officials reported having experienced harassment and intimidation, and that 741 out of 8,000 had quit since the 2021 election.
While the Criminal Code already has laws against making threats, Laforest said further measures were needed to address harassing language directed at politicians by citizens.
Laforest cited the example of a citizen who comes to every city council meeting and who uses abusive language. “It can boil over, then it can be threatening comments, so we are in a situation of abuse and threatening comments, so now we will be able to act,” she said.
The legislation would give police the power to impose a fine of between $50 and $500 to anyone who disrupts a city council meeting with disorderly conduct. A person who threatens, intimidates or harasses a municipal or provincial politician in a way that prevents them from doing their job or makes them worry for their safety would face fines of between $500 and $1,500.
The bill would also authorize politicians subjected to comments or actions that “unduly hinder the exercise of their functions or invade their privacy” to apply to the Superior Court for an injunction. The court could then order the citizen to stop communicating with the politician or to refrain from going to their office or acting in a way that would hinder their work.
While politicians are already able to appeal to the court, the legislation would ensure that the request is treated urgently.
Other sections of the bill would also require municipalities to adopt “internal management regulations” to outline how order, civility and respect are to be maintained. As an example, Laforest said heated debates often erupt when resolutions are tabled without warning, so the regulations could outline how initiatives would be introduced and debated.
Laforest said she hopes the bill will be adopted by June.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on April 10, 2024.
View original article here Source
Brita Standard Water Filter, Standard Replacement Filters for Pitchers and Dispensers, BPA Free, 3 Count
$22.49 (as of April 17, 2024 09:47 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Royale Velour Toilet Paper, 12 Equal 24 Rolls, 142 Bathroom Tissues per roll
$8.97 (as of April 17, 2024 09:47 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Sahara Sailor Water Bottle, 32oz Motivational Sports Water Bottle with Time Marker - Times to Drink - Tritan, BPA Free,…
$14.99 (as of April 17, 2024 09:47 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Queen Size 4 Piece Sheet Set - Comfy Breathable & Cooling Sheets - Hotel Luxury Bed Sheets for Women & Men…
$29.99 (as of April 17, 2024 09:47 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Gritin Resistance Bands, [Set of 5] Skin-Friendly Resistance Fitness Exercise Loop Bands with 5 Different Resistance…
$14.99 (as of April 17, 2024 09:47 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Jacked Factory Creatine Monohydrate Powder 425g - Creatine Supplement for Increased Muscle Mass*,…
$29.99 (as of April 17, 2024 09:47 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Softsoap Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap Refill - Clean Aloe Vera 1.47 Liters - Moisturizing Hand Wash, Savon a Main,…
$5.97 (as of April 17, 2024 09:47 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Glad White Garbage Bags - Tall 45 Litres - ForceFlex, Drawstring, with Febreze Fresh Clean Scent, 50 Trash Bags,…
$11.88 (as of April 17, 2024 09:47 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Cottonelle Ultra Clean Toilet Paper, Strong Toilet Tissue, 12 Mega Rolls (12 Mega Rolls = 48 Regular Rolls), 284 Sheets Per
$15.97 (as of April 17, 2024 09:47 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)