Argues Collaborative Economic Development Must Become a Constitutional Principle
The Community Economic Development and Employability Corporation (CEDEC) appeared before Québec’s National Assembly Committee conducting hearings on Bill 1, the proposed Québec Constitution Act. While the legislation was the formal subject of the proceedings, CEDEC’s presentation addressed a broader question:
How can Québec strengthen its constitutional future through inclusion, collaboration, and economic resilience?
CEDEC’s message was clear and constructive; a strong Québec is built on three interconnected principles:
- Recognition and mutual support strengthen our shared vivre-ensemble;
- Collaboration strengthens economic and social cohesion; and
- Inclusion strengthens Québec’s future.
WHO THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING COMMUNITY IS – WHY IT MATTERS
CEDEC reminded members of the National Assembly that the English-speaking community of Québec is a minority language community within Québec, while also sharing the language spoken by the majority of Canadians outside the province. English-speaking Quebecers are a minority because they live, work, and build their lives in Québec, rely on the same public services as other Quebecers, and contribute daily to the province’s economic and social vitality.
Therefore, ensuring the rights of English-speakers and the vitality of their community, including its institutions, is a matter of constitutional protection.
In that context, CEDEC called on the National Assembly to establish a Committee on the Status and Future of the English-speaking Community of Québec, mandated to:
- Examine the community’s recognition and status;
- Define Quebec’s obligations to its vitality; and
- Assess Bill 1 through an inclusive constitutional lens.
QUÉBEC IS BUILDING ON A STRONG CONSTITUTIONAL FOUNDATION
CEDEC emphasized that Québec already operates within a robust constitutional framework, grounded in the Canadian Constitution, cooperative federalism, and Parliament’s recognition that Québec forms a nation within a united Canada.
This framework has allowed Québec to take important measures to protect the French language, assert its autonomy, and develop a distinct social and economic model, while benefiting from shared institutions, national markets, and federal–provincial partnerships.
LINGUISTIC DUALITY AS A STRATEGIC AND ECONOMIC ADVANTAGE
A central theme of CEDEC’s presentation was that linguistic duality is not a constraint on economic development or on Québec’s constitutional vision; rather, it is a strategic advantage. Every day, English- and French-speaking Quebecers work side by side to:
- Expand market access;
- Support entrepreneurship;
- Maintain service infrastructure;
- Improve labour market participation; and
- Strengthen regional resilience.
“These collaborations are not symbolic,” stated John Buck, President and CEO of CEDEC. “They are foundational to economic performance and collective prosperity across Québec.”
CEDEC urged lawmakers to recognize Collaborative Economic Development as a key principle in shaping Québec’s constitutional future.
COLLABORATIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MUST BECOME A CONSTITUTIONAL PRINCIPLE
In today’s geopolitical and economic environment, economic development can no longer be treated as just one policy area among many. It has become a strategic imperative that cuts across constitutional, institutional, and intergovernmental boundaries.
As part of its recommendations, CEDEC proposed the creation of an Advisory Council on the Economic and Labour-Market Development of the English-speaking Community of Québec, reporting to relevant ministers. The Council would:
- Assess the economic impacts of decisions made under Bill 1;
- Advise on ways to mitigate any negative effects on the community; and
- Ensure alignment with federal support principles under the Official Languages Act.
LOOKING AHEAD
CEDEC concluded its appearance by reaffirming a simple but powerful message: Recognition strengthens social cohesion, collaboration strengthens the economy, and inclusion strengthens Québec’s future.
As hearings on Bill 1 continue, CEDEC indicated it remains committed to working constructively with legislators to help shape a constitutional framework that reflects Québec’s diversity, supports economic resilience, and reinforces the foundations of a strong Quebec within a strong Canada.