What Is 37th National Assembly of Quebec

Overview

The 37th National Assembly of Quebec was formed following the provincial general election held on April 14, 2003. This session marked a pivotal shift in Quebec’s political landscape, ending nearly 13 years of Parti Québécois governance and restoring the Quebec Liberal Party to power.

Under the leadership of Jean Charest, the Liberals secured a majority government, winning 76 out of 125 seats. The National Assembly convened on April 14, 2003, and remained in session until the next election in 2007, passing legislation on education, health care, and economic development.

• Majority Government: The Quebec Liberal Party won a decisive majority with 76 seats, ensuring stable governance for the full term.
• Official Opposition: The Parti Québécois became the Official Opposition with 45 seats, down from 76 in the previous assembly.
• Smaller Parties: The Union Nationale was not represented, having dissolved in 1989, and no third party won seats in this election.
• Key Legislation: The Assembly passed major reforms in health care funding and introduced tuition fee increases for university students.
• Electoral System: Members were elected via first-past-the-post in single-member districts across Quebec’s 125 ridings.

How It Works

The National Assembly of Quebec operates as the unicameral legislature of the province, responsible for passing laws, approving budgets, and overseeing the executive branch.

• Term: The 37th Assembly served a full four-year mandate from April 14, 2003, to April 24, 2007. This term was completed without early dissolution.
• Leadership Structure: The Speaker of the Assembly, Yvon Vallières, presided over debates and maintained procedural order during sessions.
• Legislative Process: Bills were introduced, debated, and voted on in the Assembly chamber, requiring royal assent from the Lieutenant Governor to become law.
• Committee Work: Standing committees reviewed proposed legislation in areas such as finance, health, and education before full Assembly votes.
• Session Schedule: The Assembly typically met in two annual sessions: fall (September–December) and spring (February–June), with recesses in between.
• Public Access: Proceedings were broadcast publicly, and transcripts were published in the Debates of the National Assembly.
• Accountability: Weekly Question Period allowed opposition members to directly challenge ministers on government policies and actions.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 37th National Assembly to the preceding and following sessions highlights shifts in party strength and legislative priorities.

This table shows a clear reversal in 2003, with the Liberals regaining power after years in opposition. The 37th Assembly was notable for completing its full term, unlike the short-lived 38th Assembly elected in 2007.

Why It Matters

The 37th National Assembly played a crucial role in shaping modern Quebec through key policy decisions and institutional reforms.

• Healthcare Reform: Introduced performance-based funding for hospitals, aiming to reduce wait times and improve service delivery across the province.
• Education Policy: Implemented tuition fee increases for post-secondary education, sparking widespread student protests in later years.
• Language Legislation: Maintained Bill 101 but faced pressure to modernize language laws in Montreal’s increasingly diverse communities.
• Economic Development: Focused on attracting foreign investment and supporting the IT and aerospace sectors during a period of national economic growth.
• Democratic Precedent: Set an example of stable majority governance after years of minority or PQ-led administrations.
• Environmental Initiatives: Launched early climate change programs, including greenhouse gas reduction targets under the Kyoto Protocol.

The 37th National Assembly remains significant for restoring political stability and advancing economic modernization in Quebec, setting the stage for future legislative challenges.