The Quebec Rule of Law Summit
Two days of indispensable conferences and discussions on the rule of law, the challenges it faces and its crucial role in our democracy.
2026
United to Protect Our Rule of Law
A program that puts the rule of law front and centre
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Paul Arcand and Marie-Claude Barrette
Hosts
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Pierre-Olivier Zappa
Host
Schedule - Day 1
8:30 - Opening ceremony
An immersive, symbolic fresco that combines contemporary dance, visual projections and a cinematic soundtrack to trace the rule of law’s evolution through history.
8:40 - Opening speech
Me Marcel-Olivier Nadeau (President of the Quebec Bar Association) and The Right Honourable Richard Wagner, P.C., (Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada) open the Summit with a reminder of why the rule of law is now, more than ever, a collective issue and the role that Quebec needs to play in protecting it.
Speakers:
Me Marcel-Olivier Nadeau, Bâtonnier of Québec
The Right Honourable Richard Wagner, P.C., Chief Justice of Canada
9:10 - What if our democracy is more fragile than we might believe?
Focusing on recent events, this conference will highlight the current flaws, potential pitfalls, and warning signs present in our society. It offers a frank look at our institutions’ weaknesses and the mechanisms that are causing a gradual erosion of democracies.
Speakers:
Paul Arcand as moderator
Chantal Hébert - Journalist, Author and Political Columnist
Félix Mathieu - Political Scientist and Professor, Department of Law, Université du Québec en Outaouais
Guy Cormier - Former president and strategic advisor at Desjardins, Pomerleau board member
The Honourable Manon Savard
10:00 - The rule of law: A strategic advantage for Quebec
In a global context of instability and tensions, a resilient rule of law is a bulwark for prosperity and positive influence. This discussion explores this strategic asset for Quebec and the interest we all share in protecting it.
Speakers:
Paul Arcand as moderator
Valérie Beaudoin - Political Analyst Specializing in U.S. Politics
Guy Saint-Jacques - Former Canadian diplomat
Me Louis Philippe Lampron - Doctor, researcher and full professor of law
11:10 - Protection through measurement
The World Justice Project measures the rule of law in 140 countries. It is data that reveals trends that civil societies can no longer afford to ignore. Today, Jean-Marc Léger presents a global overview of the rule of law, situates Canada within this global picture, and identifies indicators of particular interest to Quebec.
Speaker:
Marie-Claude Barrette as moderator
Jean-Marc Léger - President, Leger
Me Marcel-Olivier Nadeau, Bâtonnier of Québec
Valérie Lapointe - Associate Director, Centre of Excellence on the Canadian Federation, Institute for Research on Public Policy
Me François Crépeau, Ad. E., à la retraite - Professor Emeritus of Public International Law at the Faculty of Law of McGill University
12:45 - When the rule of law fails: Lessons from the rest of the world
Via personal accounts and lived experiences, this dinner discussion will highlight the all-too-real consequences of an enfeebled rule of law, including loss of freedoms, repression, and exile. This is an opportunity to learn from those who have first hand seen their institutions falter, in order to better protect our own.
Speakers:
Pierre-Olivier Zappa as moderator
Leanid Marozeau - International Law Expert
David Frum - Staff Writer, The Atlantic, Former Speechwriter to U.S. President George W. Bush
1:45 PM - The rule of law: An investment that pays off
The rule of law is an intangible infrastructure that underpins investment, market confidence, and economic growth. Business leaders discuss the costs to companies of weakening institutions.
Speaker:
Marie-Claude Barrette as moderator
Véronique Proulx - Quebec Chambers of Commerce Federation CEO
Magali Picard - President, Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec (FTQ)
Carl Viel - President & CEO, Québec International
2:30 PM - A creative moment: transforming Ideas into collective commitment
A collaborative activity that encourages creative thinking, challenges perspectives, and generates unexpected ideas, captured in real time through an interactive platform.
Speaker:
Roch Fortin
3:05 PM - Collaborative workshop: Uniting to protect the rule of law
After a day of thought and reflection, it's time for action. Participants are invited to get together to develop principles designed to guide the future Quebec Declaration on the Rule of Law.
Speakers:
Roch Fortin and Deloitte
4:00 PM - From intention to action
A conference on preparing for extreme conditions as a tool for building resilience in the face of change.
Speaker:
Chris Hadfield - Commander, Explorer, Renowned Speaker, Business Leader, Six-Time Bestselling Author
5:20 PM - Cocktail
Schedule - Day 2
8:45 - Opening speech
Day One of the Summit through Gaëtan Namouric’s eyes. A lively and insightful look back at the previous day’s highlights.
Speaker:
Gaëtan Namouric - Founder of Perrier Jablonski and Lecturer at HEC Montréal
9:00 - Beyond institutions: The people’s role
The rule of law cannot rely solely on institutions; it also depends on citizens. Here, speakers from diverse backgrounds discuss commitment, trust, and the role each of us can play in strengthening our democracy.
Speakers:
Fabrice Vil - Lecturer and essayist
Emilie Nicolas - Presenter and columnist
Malorie Flon - Director of the Institut du Nouveau Monde (INM)
Francis Verreault-Paul - Chef de l'Assemblée des Premières Nations Québec-Labrador (APNQL)
Annabel Soutar - Author, playwright and theatre producer
9:50 - Youth panel
Activist students and young academics share their perspectives, concerns, and expectations regarding the rule of law. This candid conversation will highlight how their generation views current institutions… and what they are prepared to do to defend them.
Speakers:
Juliette Benoit - President, Association québécoise des jeunes parlementaires
Alexandre Fabien Gagné - Representative of the Fédération étudiante en droit du Québec to the Barreau du Québec
Me Jeanne Gagné - President of the Young Bar of Montreal
Marc-André Bouvette - President, Force Jeunesse
10:45 - International conference: Ian Bassin and the 7 stages of contemporary authoritarianism
Authoritarianism is no longer solely imposed by force. Coups now often progress slowly, legally, almost imperceptibly. Ian Bassin analyzes the seven stages by which democracies cede power and explains how this slide into lawlessness can be prevented.
Speaker:
Ian Bassin - Co-founder and Executive Director of Protect Democracy
1:15 PM - Short lectures
Artificial intelligence, access to justice and media independence: these three short talks explore some of today’s most pressing challenges to the rule of law, while live audience polls and questions help shape the discussion in real time.
Creativity as a political act
When we rely on AI, who protects our rights?
Algorithms already influence access to credit, public services, and even predictive justice. How can we reconcile innovation and responsibility with the protection of fundamental rights?
Speakers:Me Paul Gagnon - Partner, Lawyer and Co-Leader, Technology and Artificial Intelligence, BCF Business Law
Dr. Sasha Luccioni - Co-Founder & Chief Scientific Officer, Sustainable AI Group
Media independence: a pillar of the rule of law.
Media independence is essential to ensuring access to objective information. At a time when information sources and platforms are multiplying, one question arises: in 2026, are we truly free to report the news?
Speakers:Me Frédéric Bérard - Ph.D. in Law, M.A. in Political Science, Postdoctoral Studies
François Cardinal - Deputy Publisher and Vice-President Information, La Presse
Jean-Louis Fortin - Director of Québecor’s Investigative Bureau
Access to justice: the same for everyone?
The rule of law is only meaningful if it is accessible to all. Yet, the costs, delays, and complexity of the judicial system pose real obstacles for a great many citizens. This panel explores the practical challenges of getting access to justice in Quebec.
Speakers:
Me Jennifer Fafard-Marconi - General Manager, Info Justice Montréal
Me Luc Bélanger - Executive Director, Juripop
Me Frédérick Roussel - Executive Director, Éducaloi
2:20 PM - Rule of Law and Freedom of Expression
The freedom to create, imagine, criticize and challenge is often among an authoritarian government’s first targets. This conference explores the essential role freedom of expression plays in an open and democratic society.
Speaker:
Alain Saulnier - Journalist
2:35 PM - Here come the elections: A party debate
With just 26 days to go until the general election, justice spokespeople for each provincial party here give their views on the rule of law. This clash of visions will enlighten audiences as to what each political party intends to do with regard to protecting institutions, guaranteeing access to justice, and strengthening current checks and balances.
Speakers:
Pierre-Olivier Zappa as moderator
3:30 PM - Summit closing remarks
This is an opportunity to take stock of the two days of conferences and discussions. The idea is to focus on our rule of law’s essential role and the need to protect it. It is also an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment and to mobilize for the future.
Speaker:
M. le bâtonnier Marcel-Olivier Nadeau
Though invisible, the rule of law can be seen everywhere in our daily lives.
Why this summit?
43% of Quebecers believe their trust in public institutions has declined in recent years.
The current climate compels us to ensure the strength of our rule of law. By uniting our ideas and our voices, we can protect our democracy.
Who is this summit for?
THE LEGAL COMMUNITY
whose role is central to our rule of law.
THE BUSINESS SECTOR
whose stability rests on a strong economy.
THE MEDIA OUTLETS
that contribute to upholding the rule of law in healthcare.
THE COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
that support citizens' rights.