A Quick Guide To Important Quebec Laws

To accommodate new immigrants, refugees, tourists, and those who are thinking about planning a visit to The Federation of Quebec, the Ministry of Tourism in conjunction with the Ministry of Justice would like to present a quick guide to legislation regarding major issues in Quebec.

1 - Crime and Punishment

Quebec prefers to rehabilitate criminals as opposed to condemning them. Sentences are carried out based on a Crime Severity Index. For example a Level One crime such as jaywalking or refusing to pay a parking ticket will result in a small fine while a Level Ten crime such as treason, terrorism, and mass murder will result in life in prison. All citizens are entitled to a fair and private trial with their choice of a trial before a judge or jury. Capital Punishment is outlawed in Quebec as the Constitution and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms state that "no crime, regardless of how heinous, is deserving of the ultimate punishment".

Foreigners who commit crimes in Quebec territory are subject to the Quebec justice system.

2 - Religion

The Charter of Rights and Freedoms states that all citizens are guaranteed "freedom of religion and freedom from religion". Quebec is officially a secular nation as the Constitution forbids the Government of Quebec from "establishing a state religion" and states that "no law shall be based on the principle of a religion" and that "Church and State will always remain separate".

Although the majority of Quebeckers identify as Atheist, there are still many adherents to other religions. Buddhism, Judaism, and Islam have the most adherents of any religion while the various sects of Catholicism and Christianity have the least. Religious visitors are free to visit and worship in Quebec's many temples, mosques, and churches.

3 - Drugs

Alcohol is legal in Quebec and is sold in both provincial and private stores. The legal drinking age in Quebec is 17.

Smoking Tobacco is tightly regulated in Quebec. Although it is not illegal to smoke, there have been several campaigns to ban it and the Federal Government is currently considering such a proposal. Currently, citizens must pay a special "sin tax" on all tobacco and cigarette related products. Smoking in restaurants, bars, pubs, and vehicles with children is illegal as is smoking in public spaces.

Marijuana is legal in Quebec and is a tightly regulated federal industry. Private sellers and growers must obtain a license from the Federal Government. Medical marijuana is also legal. The legal age to smoke and purchase marijuana is 19.

Hard drugs, such as LSD and crack cocaine, remain illegal. However, the usage of these drugs typically does not result in prison time unless the use causes death. Users of hard drugs are instead sent to government run rehabilitation facilities while the sellers of these drugs can face up to ten years in prison.

4 - LGBT and Minority Rights

The Constitution states that all citizens "regardless of gender, age, race, sexual orientation, religion or lack thereof, disability, and nation of origin are protected from discrimination". It also defines marriage as "the consented union between adults". Homosexual activity has always been legal. Same-sex marriage has been legal since Quebec's founding and polygamy was legalized in 288. Arranged marriages remain banned as this violates the stature that all marriages must remain consensual.

5 - Gambling

Gambling is legal in Quebec. One can find many private and government run casinos and lotteries. Betting on sporting events, election results, and other events via bookies is also legal. The legal "gambling age" is 18.

6 - Prostitution

Prostitution is legal in Quebec, although remains a tightly federally run and regulated industry. All of those involved in the industry must be at least 20 years old and consenting to take part. Those who take advantage of the system are subject of up to thirty years in prison. Prostitutes must agree to bi-monthly health and safety checks in order to obtain their license. Those who wish to acquire the services of prostitution in Quebec must be 21.

7 - Firearm Ownership

Gun ownership is a privilege in Quebec as opposed it a right. It is not mentioned in neither the Constitution nor the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Automatic, semi-automatic, handguns, and other "military grade weapons" are strictly illegal and only used by Quebec's military and police forces. In order to obtain legal firearms all citizens must submit to extensive background checks. Those with mental illnesses and a criminal history are banned from obtaining firearms. Once purchased, the weapons must then be submitted to the Federal Firearms Registry. Open carry of weapons is illegal and most provinces have banned concealed carry.

8 - Abortion

Abortion has remained legal in Quebec since its foundation. There are few restrictions and the procedure is regularly preformed in hospitals and private clinics.

9 - Euthanasia

Euthanasia was legalized in 14, although is more regulated than abortion. All citizens who wish for euthanasia must state their desire to obtain their procedure should their lives "become too painful and unbearable that death would be preferable to living". In cases where the person has not stated their desire and is not in a position to do so, then that person's significant other and close family must reach a "majority decision" in order to obtain the procedure. The same case is applied to underage citizens. The legal age to obtain the procedure is 20.

10 - Asylum Seekers

Quebec is willing to house asylum seekers, depending on what crimes they committed in their nation. A convicted murderer would not be welcome in Quebec, while the nation will welcome LGBT rights activists and homosexuals from countries where homosexuality is illegal with open arms. It is suggested that all asylum seekers learn more at the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Presented by the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Justice.

Laws may be subject to change.