Bill C-246

Constitution Act, 2022 (representation of Quebec)

An Act to amend the Constitution Act, 1867 (representation in the House of Commons)

Sponsor

Martin Champoux Bloc

Introduced as a private member’s bill. (These don’t often become law.)

Status

Defeated, as of June 8, 2022

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Summary

This is from the published bill.

This enactment amends section 51 of the Constitution Act, 1867 to provide that the total number of members from the province of Quebec cannot be less than 25% of the total number of members in the House of Commons.

Elsewhere

All sorts of information on this bill is available at LEGISinfo, an excellent resource from Parliament. You can also read the full text of the bill.

Bill numbers are reused for different bills each new session. Perhaps you were looking for one of these other C-246s:

C-246 (2020) Post-Secondary Education Financial Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act

C-246 (2016) Modernizing Animal Protections Act

C-246 (2013) An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (hearing impairment)

C-246 (2011) An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (hearing impairment)

Votes

June 8, 2022 Failed 2nd reading of Bill C-246, An Act to amend the Constitution Act, 1867 (representation in the House of Commons)

Debate Summary

This is a computer-generated summary of the speeches below. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.

Bill C-246 proposes a constitutional amendment to ensure that Quebec holds a minimum of 25% of the seats in the House of Commons, regardless of population changes, to protect its political weight and recognize its status as a nation. The bill aims to provide a special clause for Quebec similar to existing clauses that protect representation for smaller provinces and territories. This proposal is intended to address concerns that Quebec's influence in the House will diminish as the overall number of seats increases, and some view it as necessary for preserving Quebec's unique identity and culture within Canada.

Bloc

Protect Quebec's representation: The Bloc Québécois seeks to amend the Constitution Act to include a nation clause, ensuring Quebec's representation in the House of Commons is not diminished over time.
Uphold Quebec's political weight: The Bloc argues that Quebec's political power should be maintained at a minimum of 25% of the seats in the House of Commons, reflecting its status as a nation.
Recognize Quebec's distinct identity: The Bloc emphasizes the fundamental differences between Quebeckers and Canadians, highlighting the need to protect Quebec's unique culture, values, and language within the Canadian federation.
Oppose reduction of seats: The Bloc opposed any scenario that would reduce Quebec's political weight in the House of Commons, but Bill C-14, introduced by the Liberals, is a half measure, that only protects the number of seats.

Conservative

Supports fair representation: The Conservative Party believes in representation by population in the House of Commons, as was originally intended in the Constitution. They highlight historical context and the importance of maintaining the principles of Confederation.
Against reducing seats: The party opposes any redistribution scenario that would cause Quebec or any other province or territory to lose electoral districts in the future. They introduced a unanimous consent motion to this effect, which was rejected but is now reflected in Bill C-14.
Recognizing Quebec's nationhood: The Conservative Party acknowledges that Quebeckers form a nation within a united Canada, supporting the motion to that effect adopted in a previous Parliament. They also recognize the distinct society of Albertans within Canada.

NDP

Support for Bill C-246: The NDP supports Bill C-246, as they have introduced similar bills in the past. They believe it is important to ensure Quebec's representation in the House of Commons and maintain a minimum level of representation for the Quebec nation, which aligns with the Sherbrooke declaration.
Federal representation: The NDP has always taken steps to ensure that Quebeckers are represented in the House of Commons and that Quebec's weight is not reduced, as there has long been a floor on the provinces' representation, as well as that of the territories and the Atlantic provinces.
Proportional representation needed: The NDP advocates for proportional representation, which is not included in Bill C-246. They argue that the current system leads to under-representation for the NDP in Quebec and over-representation for other parties, and that proportional representation would make institutions more democratic and effective, and promote co-operation among parties.
Special clause for Quebec?: The NDP is open to exploring whether Quebec could benefit from a special clause regarding representation, similar to clauses that exist for other provinces and territories. The member argued that what is good for others should be applied to Quebec to recognize it as a nation.

Liberal

Supporting Bill C-14: The Liberal members question the need for Bill C-246, given their commitment to ensuring Quebec's minimum number of seats through Bill C-14. They believe Bill C-14 addresses the concerns regarding Quebec's representation without necessitating constitutional changes.
Concerns with constitutional changes: The Liberals express concern that Bill C-246 would require a constitutional change, which would necessitate the support of 50% of the population and seven of the ten provinces, which they believe is not a priority for Canadians at this time.
Respecting independent commissions: The Liberal speakers emphasized the importance of independent, non-partisan electoral boundary commissions in redrawing electoral maps, highlighting the risk of political interference if the process were handled within the House of Commons. They trust these commissions to make informed decisions in the best interest of Canadians.

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Constitution Act, 2022 (representation of Quebec)Private Members' Business

June 6th, 2022 / 11:45 a.m.

Bloc

Martin Champoux Bloc Drummond, QC

Madam Speaker, we request a recorded division.

Constitution Act, 2022 (representation of Quebec)Private Members' Business

June 6th, 2022 / 11:45 a.m.

The Assistant Deputy Speaker Carol Hughes

Pursuant to order made Thursday, November 25, 2021, the recorded division on the motion stands deferred until Wednesday, June 8, at the expiry of the time provided for Oral Questions.

Sitting SuspendedConstitution Act, 2022 (representation of Quebec)Private Members' Business

June 6th, 2022 / 11:45 a.m.

The Assistant Deputy Speaker Carol Hughes

The House will now be suspended to the call of the Chair.

(The sitting of the House was suspended at 11:49 a.m.)

(The House resumed at 12:03 p.m.)

The House resumed from June 6 consideration of the motion that Bill C-246, An Act to amend the Constitution Act, 1867 (representation in the House of Commons), be read the second time and referred to a committee.

Constitution Act, 2022 (representation of Quebec)Private Members' Business

June 8th, 2022 / 4:05 p.m.

The Speaker Anthony Rota

Pursuant to order made on Thursday, November 25, 2021, the House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion at second reading stage of Bill C-246 under Private Members' Business.

(The House divided on the motion, which was negatived on the following division:)

Vote #140

Constitution Act, 2022 (representation of Quebec)Private Members' Business

June 8th, 2022 / 4:15 p.m.

The Speaker Anthony Rota

I declare the motion lost.

It is my duty, pursuant to Standing Order 38, to inform the House that the questions to be raised tonight at the time of adjournment are as follows: the hon. member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, International Development; the hon. member for Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, Health; the hon. member for Spadina—Fort York, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.