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Common values
Quebec is a democratic society based on the rule of law. The law is the set of rules of conduct that members of society must follow.
Main common values
- The necessity of speaking French
- A free and democratic society
- A society enriched by its diversity
- Community life governed by laws
- Separation of political and religious powers
- Equal rights of men and women
- Priority given to children, and the importance of a sense of family
- The exercise of human rights and freedoms while respecting the rights and freedoms of others and their general well-being
Québec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms
The Québec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms forbids discrimination against people on the basis of:
- Race
- Colour
- Gender
- Sexual orientation
- Religion
- Political convictions
- Language
- Ethnic or national origin
- Pregnancy
- Civil status
- Age except as provided by law
- Social condition (your situation within society based on your income, profession and education)
- Disability or the use of any means to compensate for a disability
For instance:
- Access to housing cannot be denied to a person because of their ethnic origin.
- Discrimination is prohibited in job offers, the hiring process and working conditions.
- Homosexual persons have the same rights and responsibilities as anyone else.
- Police officers must abide by the same laws as the rest of the population.
Filing a complaint
Do you think that your rights have not been upheld? To find out if you can file a complaint, contact the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse.
Information:
1-800-361‑6477
Family violence
Domestic violence
Canada’s Criminal Code prohibits the use of force against one’s spouse. This is a crime and is considered assault.
Attempting or threatening to use force is also a crime. If a police officer finds that an assault was committed in a domestic violence situation, they can arrest the suspect even if the victim does not press charges.
Violence toward children and senior citizens is also prohibited by the Criminal Code.
What will happen if you call the police to report an instance of domestic violence?
Police officers will listen to you and take your statement seriously. Victim safety is their priority; they are there to help you.
They are trained to respond quickly with victims and the perpetrators of the assault. They use effective methods to ensure the safety of those in distress and any witnesses, to control risky situations, and to subdue a dangerous person.
They may ask you to recount what you have seen or heard, but reporting acts of domestic violence does not necessarily involve testifying in court. Your testimony can be anonymous.
If you witness acts of violence, call 911. It is your duty as a citizen.
SOS VIOLENCE CONJUGALE
This service is free, confidential and anonymous. It is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
A single phone call provides victims, their loved ones or witnesses with immediate access to information, advice and assistance (e.g., accommodation services).
Corporal punishment and child education
In Canada, parents hold parental authority. This means that they have the right and duty to take care of their children, protect them, and educate them until they are 18 years old.
Parents have the right to punish their children to protect and educate them.
However, parents are not allowed to use unreasonable physical force to correct their children.
For example, the following corporal punishments are prohibited, regardless of the circumstances:
- Punishment with objects such as a belt or a ruler.
- Punishment that may cause injury.
- Slaps and blows to the head.
- Kicks.
There are other ways to exercise parental authority
To find out more, consult the following professional resource, which is free and confidential:
Sexual relations
In Quebec, men and women are equal, including when they form a couple. To engage in a sexual relationship, both partners must consent, even if they are married.
- Sexual consent is when a person informs another one that they agree to take part in a sexual activity.
- Consent must be given voluntarily, i.e., the decision must be free and informed. If a person refuses to partake in a sexual activity and they are forced into it, this is considered a sexual assault. Sexual assault is a crime, regardless of the relationship between the perpetrator of the assault and the victim.
- Consent must be clear and given by the person partaking in the sexual activity. Consent resulting from another person’s words or behaviour is not valid.
- Not resisting does not constitute consent.
Sexual assault and incest: it’s a crime
Sexual assault is a crime, regardless of the relationship between the perpetrator of the assault and the victim.
In Canada, incest is also a crime. Incest refers to sexual relations between close relatives within a family.
For instance:
Brother + sister = illegal
Parent + child = illegal
If you are found guilty of a crime under Canada’s Criminal Code, you will have a criminal record. The consequences are significant and include the following three:
- It will be more difficult to find a job.
- You will no longer be allowed to cross the border into the United States.
- It will be more difficult for you to obtain Canadian citizenship.
Information:
Help for victims of sexual assault
What you should do: ask for help
If you are a victim of threats, sexual assault or family violence, don’t hesitate to talk about it.
- If you are in danger or witnessing violence, call 911 for immediate assistance.
- Call the police department at 819-821-5555 to explain what is happening to you.
Free and confidential hotline for victims of sexual assault
The Centre d’aide et de lutte contre les agressions à caractère sexuel (CALACS) offers phone support and counselling services, as well as information on social, medical and legal aspects.
Free and confidential emergency phone support service, day and night, 365 days a year.
Other organizations offer support more specifically to men or homosexual or trans people.
Age of sexual consent : 16 years
In Canada, the law stipulates that the minimum age to consent to a sexual activity is 16.
When a person engages in a sexual activity with someone under the age of 16 and a complaint is filed with the police, the consent of the person under the age of 16 is not recognized as valid by the law.