Quebec law to protect women: Fréchette ‘troubled’ by PSPP’s attitude

Quebec Premier Christine Frechette answers questions from the opposition in the Quebec National Assembly on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot

Premier Christine Fréchette said she was “troubled” by the fact that PQ leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon did not stand to applaud the part of her inaugural speech where she said she wanted to move forward with a law to protect women from femicide.

“I call on the opposition parties to work together. I want their support, their commitment, and I hope the leader of the Parti Québécois will join us,” said Fréchette during a press scrum on Wednesday at the National Assembly.

Next week, the government will introduce a bill inspired by “Clare’s Law” to allow women to access their partners’ history of violence.

The premier reiterated this commitment on Tuesday in the legislature during her speech marking the start of the session. According to a report in “Le Soleil,” all members of the Assembly applauded at that moment, except for the PQ leader.

On Wednesday, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon defended himself. “I did not stand for any of the proposals. (...) I did not stand for French, I did not stand for the defence of the regions. I listen and take notes,” he stated.

“It’s typical of the CAQ to engage in petty politics, implying that we’re against a bill we actually support wholeheartedly, just to create a ‘side show’ and distract from its track record and substantive issues,” added the PQ leader.

Gabie Renaud Act

The idea for this law has been gaining traction since the death of Gabie Renaud last September, who was allegedly killed by her partner. He had a long history of domestic violence.

Québec solidaire campaigned for the adoption of a Gabie Renaud Act, inspired by “Clare’s Law.”

Fréchette subsequently made it a campaign pledge during her leadership race.

Clare’s Law was enacted in England following the murder of Clare Wood by her ex-partner in 2009. He had a history of violence against women.

Several Canadian provinces have already adopted this type of law, such as Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

- This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on May 6, 2026.