Paul Monty

The Attorney General of Quebec appealed decisions acquitting the respondents of taking part in an illegal strike.

The respondents challenged the constitutionality of the Act respecting remuneration in the public sector and the Act respecting the conditions of employment in the public sector, arguing that sessional papers forming the essence of the legislation were tabled in French only.

The Supreme Court of Canada dismissed the appeals, adopting the reasons of the Quebec Court of Appeal and holding that the legislation was unconstitutional as it violated the bilingual enactment requirements of s. 133 of the Constitution Act, 1867.

The Attorney General of Quebec appealed a decision refusing a writ of prohibition against a Youth Court judge who proceeded with a robbery charge against a juvenile under the federal Juvenile Delinquents Act and Criminal Code.

The appellant argued that the provincial Youth Protection Act precluded such proceedings unless brought in accordance with its provisions.

The Supreme Court of Canada dismissed the appeal, holding that section 455 of the Criminal Code is valid federal legislation and that the relevant sections of the provincial Youth Protection Act are rendered inoperative in this context due to paramountcy, as they conflict with the valid federal criminal process.