Summary#
Bill 191 would amend the Act on the Circle of Former Members of the National Assembly of Quebec.
It aims to modernize the governance of the Circle. It would notably bring the following changes:
- The Circle's bylaws could create different categories of members.
- Any former member of the National Assembly could become a member, according to these bylaws.
- Other individuals could also be admitted into certain categories. However, they would not have the right to vote at meetings and could not become directors.
- The composition of the board of directors would be determined by the Circle's bylaws.
- The board could create an executive committee of three to five members.
- The chair of the board would automatically be a member and chair of the executive committee.
- The powers of the executive committee would be established by regulation.
The bill was presented by Sylvie D’Amours, Member of the National Assembly for Mirabel. The effective date would be the date of the law's assent.
What This Means for You#
The bill mainly targets the internal functioning of the Circle of Former Members. It would have little direct effect on most Quebecers.
For former deputies and other ex-parliamentarians:
- Membership rules could be clarified or expanded.
- The Circle's bylaws would determine the categories of members and the terms of participation.
- Former parliamentarians would retain the possibility of becoming members, subject to these bylaws.
For other individuals:
- They could be admitted into certain categories of members if the bylaws allow it.
- However, they would not be able to vote at the Circle's meetings or hold a director position.
For the management of the Circle, the bill would provide greater flexibility to organize the board of directors and delegate certain responsibilities to an executive committee.
Practical details would depend on the bylaws adopted by the Circle. No publicly available information.
Costs#
The bill does not foresee any specific public expenditure.
It could incur administrative costs for the Circle, particularly for amending its bylaws, organizing its member categories, and establishing an executive committee. The amounts are not specified.
No publicly available information.
Supporters' Viewpoint#
Supporters might argue that the bill:
- Updates the governance rules of the Circle.
- Allows the Circle to more easily adapt its member categories to its needs.
- Clarifies the possibility of welcoming individuals who are not former parliamentarians, while limiting their voting rights and access to the board of directors.
- Facilitates day-to-day management through the possible creation of an executive committee.
- Gives the Circle greater autonomy to set its internal rules.
Opponents' Viewpoint#
Opponents might raise the following concerns:
- A large part of the rules would be determined by the Circle's bylaws rather than directly by the law.
- The opening to other categories of members could change the nature of the Circle.
- The limits imposed on members who are not former parliamentarians could create categories of members with different rights.
- The creation of an executive committee could concentrate certain decisions in the hands of a limited number of people.
- The bill does not specify the admission criteria for the new categories of members or the detailed powers of the executive committee.