[Translated from French]

(Quebec) François Legault’s new priority, the theme of “law and order”, will be on the agenda at his party’s convention next week. The CAQ wants, for example, to ban “masked” demonstrations and encampments in public or private places.

This is one of the proposals that will be debated during this party meeting in Gatineau, on September 27 and 28.

Its adoption seems a formality, since it was submitted not only by the political committee, but also by the youth wing and five riding associations.

While the right to demonstrate is “a pillar of democracy,” “certain situations raise important issues regarding security and respect for public spaces,” writes the Coalition avenir Québec (CAQ) in its resolutions.

Reference is made to “illegal encampments, notably at McGill University,” which have “occupied the public space and harmed many people and institutions.” There is no mention of homeless encampments, although the wording of the proposal suggests that they would also be prohibited.

“The Coalition Avenir Québec proposes to ban masked demonstrations, sanction the possession of dangerous objects during gatherings, and prohibit encampments in public or private places, in order to preserve order and security,” it reads.