Simon Jolin-Barrette: The CAQ Minister Shaping Quebec’s Constitutional Future

QUEBEC CITY, January 23, 2026 – As Quebec’s Minister of Justice, Minister Responsible for Canadian Relations, and Government House Leader, Simon Jolin-Barrette stands as one of the most influential figures in Premier François Legault’s government. The architect of landmark laws on secularism and the French language, Jolin-Barrette is now steering an even more ambitious project: drafting a constitution for Quebec. With the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) facing a leadership transition, the 38-year-old minister is also widely seen as a potential successor to Legault.

From Borduas to the Cabinet Table

Simon Jolin-Barrette, a lawyer by training, was first elected as the MNA for Borduas in 2014 by a narrow margin of 99 votes. His political rise within the CAQ has been rapid. After serving as the party’s critic on various files, he entered cabinet in 2018 as Minister of Immigration, Diversity and Inclusion. In this role, he piloted the controversial Bill 21, which prohibits certain public servants in positions of authority from wearing religious symbols.

Following a cabinet shuffle in June 2020, he was appointed Minister of Justice. He concurrently took on the French language portfolio, overseeing the strengthening of Bill 101 through Bill 96, which received royal assent in June 2022. Since January 2025, his responsibilities have expanded to include Canadian Relations, positioning him at the forefront of Quebec’s intergovernmental strategy.

The Quebec Constitution Project

Jolin-Barrette’s most defining current initiative is the drafting of a Quebec constitution. Tabled in the National Assembly on October 9, 2025, as Bill 1, the draft constitution aims to codify Quebec’s distinct identity and autonomy within Canada.

The proposed text includes several key provisions: replacing the title of lieutenant governor with “officer of Quebec”; protecting the National Assembly’s right to use the notwithstanding clause; and creating a Constitutional Council to advise on federal interference. It also seeks to shield fundamental laws like Bill 21 and Bill 96 from legal challenges using public funds.

A particularly contentious element is the enshrinement of the right to abortion. In December 2025, Jolin-Barrette defended this move, stating he did not trust courts to protect the right in the long term, though medical and legal groups warned it could make the right more vulnerable to challenge. Following opposition criticism over a lack of consultation, the minister agreed to hold general public consultations on the draft, which began in late 2025.

Immigration and Language: A Lasting Policy Legacy

Jolin-Barrette’s policy impact extends beyond justice. His tenure as immigration minister left a lasting mark on Quebec’s approach to newcomers. He oversaw a major reform of economic immigration programs, placing a heightened emphasis on French-language proficiency for permanent and temporary residents.

This focus continues under new immigration orientations for 2026-2029, which he now influences as a senior minister. The plan reduces permanent immigration targets to 45,000 for 2026, closes the popular Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), and introduces a French language requirement for temporary foreign workers who have been in the province for three years. These measures are framed as essential for protecting French as the common language and ensuring successful integration.

Key Facts: Simon Jolin-Barrette

A Political Future in the Balance

With Premier Legault’s resignation announced in January 2026, the question of succession dominates Quebec politics. Several CAQ colleagues have publicly expressed support for a Jolin-Barrette leadership run, though the minister has not yet declared his candidacy. His profile as a staunch defender of Quebec’s identity and autonomy resonates with the CAQ base, but his polarizing policy record would be a central issue in any campaign. As consultations on his constitutional project continue, Simon Jolin-Barrette remains at the centre of debates that will define Quebec’s future for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is in Quebec’s draft constitution?

The draft constitution, tabled by Simon Jolin-Barrette in October 2025, aims to affirm Quebec’s distinct identity. Its main points include protecting the use of the notwithstanding clause, replacing the lieutenant governor title, creating a Constitutional Council, and shielding laws like the secularism and French-language charters from court challenges funded by public money. It also proposes to enshrine the right to abortion and strengthen equality between men and women.

Why is the constitution controversial?

The project has faced criticism from all three opposition parties, who initially voted against its tabling. Concerns include the lack of prior consultation and the risk that enshrining specific rights like abortion could make them more vulnerable to legal challenge. The government’s move to prohibit the use of public funds to challenge fundamental laws has also raised debates about access to justice.

What is Simon Jolin-Barrette’s connection to Bill 21 and Bill 96?

Jolin-Barrette was the minister responsible for both laws. As Immigration Minister, he piloted Bill 21 (the secularism law) in 2019. As Justice Minister and Minister responsible for the French Language, he oversaw the passage of Bill 96 in 2022, which significantly strengthened the Charter of the French Language (Bill 101).

Is Jolin-Barrette running for CAQ leader?

As of January 2026, Simon Jolin-Barrette has not officially declared his candidacy for the Coalition Avenir Québec leadership. However, he is widely considered a top contender, and several cabinet colleagues have endorsed a potential run following Premier François Legault’s resignation announcement.