Citizens who intimidate, harass or “abusively” obstruct the work of an elected official will be liable to a fine of up to $1,500. Bill 57, which aims to protect elected officials, was adopted in the National Assembly on Thursday.
The legislative piece follows a significant wave of municipal elected officials who resigned in recent months due to the difficult climate in which they had to do their work. The hasty departure of the mayor of Gatineau, France Bélisle, last February, caused a shock wave in the municipal community.
The new law will allow an elected official to appeal to the Superior Court to issue an injunction against a citizen who threatens, intimidates or harasses him.
Bill 57 has been the subject of criticism from social groups, unions and press company bosses. There were fears that it could infringe on freedom of expression.
Faced with these criticisms, the Minister of Municipal Affairs, Andrée Laforest, agreed to amend her legislative document. It was specified that it aims to protect elected officials “from threats, harassment and intimidation, without restricting the right of any person to participate in public debates”.
The bill also indicates that the Court will have to evaluate requests “taking into account the public interest” and that it is not an “impediment to expressing, by any means, one’s opinion in respect of the democratic values of Quebec.
Also, it should have initially been the Director General of Elections who should have initiated proceedings against a citizen who threatens or obstructs the work of an elected member of the National Assembly. The bill was amended so that this responsibility was instead entrusted to the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions.
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