Québec Solidaire MNAs will swear oath to the King after all

One of the Quebec political parties that refused to swear allegiance to Canada’s monarch, King Charles III, will take the oath after all — and immediately demand the rule be changed.

Québec Solidaire (QS) announced Thursday morning that its 11 MNAs, who had previously only sworn allegiance to the people of Quebec, will swear the official oath to the Crown in the coming days.

Last month, MNAs from both the Parti Québécois (PQ) and QS refused to pledge loyalty to the King during their swearing-in ceremonies. 

The Speaker of Quebec’s National Assembly ruled Wednesday that all members must swear the oath if they wish to perform their duties, or risk being expelled by the sergeant-at-arms.

Speaking to CBC Thursday morning, QS parliamentary leader Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois said they “of course disagree with that decision,” but acknowledged that they have to accept it.

He said there was “no way” that QS MNAs would be expelled from the legislature on Nov. 29, when the National Assembly reconvenes.

“So we’re going to complete the procedure, and we’re going to file a bill to make sure no one, no other MNA is forced to swear such an oath,” he said.

“If we want to change the rules of the game, you need to play the game, you need to fulfill your duty — and that’s what we’re going to do.”

Nadeau-Dubois said the members involved agree with the decision and the party will table its bill proposing a change in procedure as soon as possible.

He said he also spoke with PQ Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon Wednesday night, to inform him of his decision. Members of the PQ have refused to swear allegiance, even after hearing the Speaker’s decision.

Speaking on Tuesday, Pascal Bérubé, the PQ MNA for Matane-Matapédia, said he and his fellow elected party members weren’t going to swear an oath to the King “no matter what.” 

As for the order given to the National Assembly’s sergeant-at-arms, Bérubé said, “we will see.”