SUPERIOR COURT STRIKES DOWN TWO-YEAR LIMIT ON MAIL-IN VOTING FOR QUEBECERS ABROAD Français
Following a week-long trial held from June 2 to 6, 2025, the Superior Court rendered its judgment on August 14, ruling in favour of Mr. Gélinas-Faucher and declaring section 282 invalid.
Section 282 of the Election Act allows Quebec voters to vote by mail when temporarily leaving Quebec, for example for studies, but only for a period of two years. After this period, voters abroad lost the right to vote by mail. As a result, they are required to travel physically to Quebec to vote, which can be lengthy, costly, and difficult, or even impossible.
According to the Superior Court, by withdrawing the right to vote by mail from voters who have been absent for more than two years, section 282 of the Election Act deprives them of a real possibility to vote in Quebec elections, and thus contravenes the right to vote guaranteed by section 3 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
This decision has a significant impact for the tens of thousands of voters who temporarily leave Quebec for studies, work, or for family or personal reasons. From now on, their right to participate in provincial elections is protected, even after more than two years of absence.
The judgment may still be appealed. The Attorney General of Quebec has not announced his intention as of the date of this press release.
Mr. Gélinas-Faucher and his lawyers are available for interviews upon request at the contact information below.
About Bruno Gélinas-Faucher
Bruno Gélinas-Faucher is an assistant professor at the Faculty of Law of the University of New Brunswick. After completing his undergraduate law studies at the University of Ottawa and graduate studies at the University of Cambridge, he worked as a law clerk at the Supreme Court of Canada, then with the President of the International Court of Justice. He then pursued doctoral studies in international law at the University of Cambridge, before returning to Canada to continue his academic career.
About Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt
Osler is a leading law firm practicing nationally and internationally from offices in Canada and New York. Members of the Osler team—Mtre Julien Morissette (partner and lawyer), Mtre François Laurin-Pratte (counsel), Mtre Quentin Montpetit (lawyer), and Mtre Rachelle Saint-Laurent (lawyer)—are acting pro bono as counsel for the applicant in this case.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Cision Canada
7 hours ago
- Cision Canada
Investing across Quebec to build safe and strong communities Français
MONTREAL, /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is delivering over $557.5 million to Quebec this year through the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF). This allocation is part of the previously announced $2.8 billion in CCBF funding Quebec will receive by 2029 to build communities with stronger and more resilient infrastructure. In addition to its other significant infrastructure investments, the Government of Quebec is contributing more than $1.7 billion by 2029 to projects funded by the CCBF. Investing in basic infrastructure projects – such as public transit, water and wastewater infrastructure, and local roads and bridges – enables communities to grow and build more housing. Today's announcement reflects exactly what Canada's new government has committed to achieving with the Canada Community-Building Fund program, in collaboration with the Government of Quebec. With the funding announced today, communities can build essential and recreational infrastructure so families in Quebec can thrive. The administrative agreement on the CCBF between the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec provides the flexibility needed to respond strategically to the current and future infrastructure needs of Quebec municipalities. The overall budget, which will allow for investments of more than $4.5 billion by the 2028-2029 fiscal year, is administered by the Société de financement des infrastructures locales (SOFIL)and the funds are distributed to municipalities for projects developed in collaboration with the ministère des Affaires municipales et de l'Habitation and the ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable. Quotes "Building a strong Canada starts with building strong communities. We are investing in new infrastructure projects that support housing and foster connected communities. Our investment in Quebec reinforces our commitment to building bold, building strong, and building together in all communities." The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure "Our government is proud to support Quebec's cities and municipalities in modernizing their essential infrastructure. Whether it's safer roads, more reliable water systems, or accessible recreational spaces, today's investment gives Quebec the means to build a more sustainable and inclusive future for its communities. By supporting local priorities, we are committed to building a stronger Canada." The Honorable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, Minister responsible for Official Languages, and Quebec Lieutenant "The amounts announced today are significant and will enable Quebec municipalities to develop infrastructure that meets the needs of citizens. This agreement guarantees stable funding for the next 10 years for the benefit of all Quebecers." Eric Girard, Minister of Finance and Minister Responsible for Relations with English-Speaking Quebecers "Infrastructure needs are great in all regions of Quebec, and this funding will enable us to work with municipalities to develop a variety of essential projects that directly address local priorities. By joining forces, we are doing much more than investing in our infrastructure: we are investing in the quality of life and vitality of our communities." Andrée Laforest, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean Region Quick facts The Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF) will deliver $26.7 billion between 2024-2034 in federal funding to catalyse core infrastructure investments. In 2025-26, the CCBF will provide $2.5 billion to 3,700 communities across Canada to support local infrastructure priorities. In 2025-26, Quebec will receive $557.5 million to make strategic infrastructure investments across 19 project categories. Since 2015, the federal government has invested $26.6 billion across Canada through CCBF, including more than $6.03 billion in Quebec communities. In Quebec, the SOFIL administers programs that provide access to CCBF funding through various programs. The CCBF is a permanent, indexed source of funding provided to provinces and territories, who in turn flow this funding to local governments and other entities to support local infrastructure priorities. Associated Links Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
Cision Canada
7 hours ago
- Cision Canada
Minister Olszewski announces federal investments to bolster rural and Indigenous economic development across Alberta Français
Funding will help communities, support entrepreneurs, attract talent, and build a skilled workforce right here in Alberta EDMONTON, AB, Aug. 20, 2025 /CNW/ - Rural and Indigenous communities, entrepreneurs, and businesses across the Prairies play a key role in contributing to Canada's economic strength while supporting high quality jobs. The Government of Canada is making targeted investments in locally led initiatives that support economic reconciliation while enabling rural prosperity. Today, the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), announced more than $5.9 million for seven projects across Alberta to help communities strengthen rural employers and expand economic development opportunities. The seven projects include: Supporting Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) to build Indigenous-led Community Atlases—data platforms to assist communities with industry consultations, land use, decision-making on industrial projects, and land reclamation. It is receiving $1 million. Funding for Siksika Nation to establish a new business resource centre and deliver programming to entrepreneurs. They are receiving $810,300. Enabling the County of Grande Prairie and the Grande Prairie Chamber of Commerce to launch Work Northwest Alberta – a collaborative partnership and regional approach to attract, retain, and develop a skilled workforce. They are receiving $689,000. Helping Arts Council Wood Buffalo to transform a vacant Fort McMurray property into a large-scale arts incubator, supporting local artisans and hands-on community learning. It is receiving $750,000. Funding for AKSIS - Edmonton Indigenous Business and Professional Association to develop and operate the AKSIS Indigenous Resource Centre to provide resources, networking opportunities, and support to Indigenous entrepreneurs—as well as deliver cultural awareness workshops to strengthen the community of non-Indigenous allies in Edmonton. It is receiving $200,000. The Rural Routes to Climate Solutions Society will support the Blackfoot Confederacy to adopt regenerative agriculture practices, which align with cultural protocols, by launching a program to promote agribusiness. They are receiving $458,250. Support Bear Hills Gas Station to develop a 2,000 square foot travel centre that includes fuel and electric vehicle (EV) refueling as well as a convenience store as part of a Louis Bull Tribe economic development initiative in Maskwacis. It is receiving $2 million. Quotes "From arts and cultural venues to agribusinesses and tourism, rural and Indigenous communities across the Prairies are home to a multitude of businesses and initiatives that fuel Canada's economy and advance economic reconciliation. Our new government's investments will help address the unique needs and opportunities of local communities to realize their vision for long-term economic development." – The Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) "This investment enables NAIT to work alongside Indigenous communities to co-create data platforms that strengthen decision-making, support land stewardship, and build local capacity. The Indigenous Community-led Atlases project advances community-driven research, while contributing to workforce development for a stronger, more sustainable future." –Laura Jo Gunter, President & CEO, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology "This investment in the AKSIS Indigenous Resource Centre is more than funding. It's a commitment to the future of Indigenous business in Edmonton. By creating this hub, we're strengthening the foundations for Indigenous economic prosperity ensuring our contributions continue to shape a stronger, more inclusive Edmonton economy for future generations." – Shelly Mandeville, Co-Executive Director for AKSIS Edmonton Quick facts PrairiesCan funding is being provided through two programs: the Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD) program and the Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) program. CEDD supports economic development initiatives that contribute to the economic growth and diversification of communities across the Prairie provinces. Through this program, PrairiesCan enables communities to leverage their capacity and strengths to respond to economic development opportunities and adjust to changing and challenging economic circumstances. The RIE program creates, grows and nurtures inclusive regional ecosystems that support what businesses need to innovate from start to finish and an environment where companies can innovate, grow and compete. Funding announced today is non-repayable and will support regional economic ecosystems, including Indigenous communities. The investments announced today are expected to support approximately 375 jobs across Alberta. Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD) program Stay connected Follow PrairiesCan on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-9378 TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired): 1-877-303-3388 SOURCE Prairies Economic Development Canada
Cision Canada
8 hours ago
- Cision Canada
Commissioner of Canada Elections announces 11 administrative monetary penalties and an undertaking for Canada Elections Act violations
GATINEAU, QC, /CNW/ - The Commissioner of Canada Elections (CCE), Caroline J. Simard, announced today the publication of 11 administrative monetary penalties (AMPs) and an undertaking to address violations under the Canada Elections Act (the Act). To maintain transparency, and as required by the Act, summaries of AMPs are published on the CCE's website. A contestant during the federal general election of 2021 who failed to appoint a replacement financial agent without delay. The official agent of a candidate during the 2021 federal general election who failed to report on the payment of a claim and the source of the funds used to pay the claim, within the required deadline. The financial agent of a candidate during the leadership contest of a party in 2020 who failed to report on the payment of a claim or loan and the source of the funds used to pay it, within the required deadline. The official agent of a candidate during the 2021 federal general election who failed to dispose of the campaign's surplus within the required deadline. A union that failed to open a separate bank account dedicated exclusively to its electoral activities. The financial agent of a deregistered electoral district association for failing to provide the financial return within six months of its deregistration. The official agent of a candidate during the 2021 federal general election who failed to provide the campaign's financial returns within the required deadline. The official agent of a candidate during the 2021 federal general election who provided a campaign's financial return that did not substantially set out the information required under the Act. A contestant during a nomination contest in 2021 who failed to appoint an auditor without delay. A contestant during a nomination contest in 2021 who signed a declaration that contained false or misleading information. The official agent of a candidate during the 2021 federal general election who failed to dispose of the campaign's expenses within the required deadline. In addition, the CCE accepted an undertaking from the official agent of an electoral district association who failed to pay the Receiver General the amount of two ineligible contributions. AMPs are administrative tools that the Commissioner can use to address violations under the Act. They aim to promote compliance with the Act. More information about AMPs can be found in the CCE's Policy for the Administrative Monetary Penalty Regime. An undertaking is a pledge made by a person or entity that did not comply with a requirement of the Act and accepted by the Commissioner. Undertakings aim to ensure compliance with the Act. The CCE is responsible for ensuring compliance with, and enforcement of, the Act and the Referendum Act. The Office of the Commissioner of Canada Elections is distinct from Elections Canada and carries out a different mandate. For media enquiries, please contact: [email protected]. For complaints and non-media-related enquiries, please use our online form.
