Alain Joffe

The Attorney General of Quebec appealed a decision declaring that various instruments amalgamating the cities of Rouyn and Noranda were unconstitutional for failing to comply with s. 133 of the Constitution Act, 1867.

The Supreme Court of Canada dismissed the appeal, holding that the entire legislative process, including the ministerial orders and letters patent, was subject to the mandatory bilingualism requirements of s. 133.

The Court declared the instruments nullities but suspended the declaration of invalidity for one year to allow the National Assembly to remedy the defects.

The Attorney General of Quebec appealed a decision regarding the constitutionality of provincial legislation amalgamating the cities of Rouyn and Noranda.

The respondents challenged the legislation on various grounds under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, including the right to vote, fundamental justice, freedom of association, and equality rights.

The Supreme Court of Canada delivered an oral judgment from the bench, answering the constitutional questions in the negative and finding the arguments without merit.