Lawyer seeks order forcing Quebec legislature members to swear oath to the King

Quebec lawyers are petitioning the Quebec Superior Court to issue an emergency order compelling newly elected provincial legislators to swear an oath of allegiance to the King. The Consumer Law Group, represented by Lawrence David, is seeking to suspend the implementation of a 2022 law that rendered the oath optional. The proposed law was enacted after the Parti Québécois previously barred legislators from taking their seats due to their refusal to swear allegiance to King Charles.

David contends that those who do not swear the oath will not have the constitutional right to serve in the legislature, and therefore any legislation they propose would lack legal validity. David has already contested the law and contends it should be put on hold until the case is heard. The Parti Québécois, which won a minority mandate in the recent election, has already stated it will continue to refuse the oath.

Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon also mentioned seeking legal counsel to further sever ties with the monarchy, such as removing the lieutenant-governor's roles and funding. Plamondon stated that having a foreign king dictate provincial matters at the start of a legislative term is "abnormal." Bill 4, passed in 2022, excluded Quebec from the constitutional requirement for the oath.

David argues that the legislation contravenes Quebecers' rights to vote and receive effective representation, as they would be represented by politicians who are not constitutionally qualified to hold office and whose votes on legislation and other parliamentary activities would be constitutionally invalid. The court date for David's request has not yet been determined, but he plans to request a decision before the legislature reconvenes in mid-November.

David also indicated readiness to pursue further legal action if the Parti Québécois proceeds with breaking from the monarchy, including efforts to abolish the lieutenant governor's office. This report was originally published by The Canadian Press on October 7, 2026.