Democracy, rights and responsibilities

Québec is a democratic society. Its political system is based on:

• freedom,
• equality, and
• citizen participation in political parties and associations.
  
  

Both native and naturalized citizens elect their representatives at every level of government during elections.

The State is secular. The separation of political and religious powers is a fundamental value of Québec society.

The Québec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms sets out the fundamental values of Québec society.

• It defines the right to equality.
• It prohibits all forms of discrimination.
• It specifies the political, legal, economic and social rights of citizens.
  
  

The National Assembly of Québec adopted a Déclaration du gouvernement du Québec sur les relations interethniques et interraciales (Declaration on intercultural and interracial relations). This declaration condemns racism and commits the gouvernement du Québec to encourage the full participation of every person in the economic, social and cultural development of Québec, regardless of colour, religion, ethnic or national origin.

The democratic nature of Québec society encourages immigrants and their descendants to fully contribute and participate in national life.

	USEFUL INFORMATION
	Québec society favours settling disputes through negotiation. The violent expression of ethnic, political or religious rivalry and hatred is not tolerated.

All Quebecers have the responsibility to respect the fundamental values set out in the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms and other laws. Moreover, Québec’s appeal as a destination for immigrants lies mainly in the basic values that characterize its society.

For immigrants, choosing Québec means agreeing to respect these basic values. If you make this choice, the Québec government welcomes you and invites you to join the 7.5 million Quebecers from all parts of the world who are working to build the future.

Useful links

• Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms
• Civil Code of Québec
• Commission d’accès à l’information
• Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse
• Curateur public du Québec
• Déclaration du gouvernement du Québec sur les relations interethniques et interraciales (Declaration on Intercultural and Interracial Relations)
• Ministère de la Justice
• Québec interculturel
• Québec Ombusdman