Political and legal systems

Québec is a society based on the primacy of law. All persons are equal  in value and dignity and have an equal right to the protection of the law. They must also respect all laws regardless of their personal convictions.

Democratic organization of Québec

The Québec political system has three levels:

• The federal (or Canadian) government
• The provincial government
• Municipal councils

In addition to these three government levels, a board of education is also elected. School boards are administered by elected commissioners. They collect school taxes and set policies for managing schools in compliance with the directives issued by the Ministère de l'Education, du Loisir et du Sport (Ministry of education, recreation and sport).

Administration of justice

The justice system is independent of the legislative and executive branches. Legal jurisdiction is shared between the federal government and the Canadian provinces, which are both responsible for the administration of justice.

The Québec legal system is two-tiered, with courts of first instance and the appeal court. They are responsible for enforcing:

• the Civil Code of Québec, which is based on the Napoleonic code, and
• the Canadian Criminal Code, which is based on the British model.

Civil Code of Québec

Québec is the only Canadian province that has a civil code originating from French law. The present Civil Code was thoroughly revised and has been in effect since January 1, 1994. The Civil Code of Québec governs individuals, relationships between individuals, and property.

Useful links

• Civil Code of Québec
• Ministère de la Justice
• Québec portal - Politics