Quebec Flags Required Across Public Sites

Summary#

This bill would expand where the Quebec flag must be shown and set clear rules for how to display and retire it. It adds a public Flag Day ceremony in every region, allows inspections and fines, and creates a program to give residents free flags.

• Sets the Quebec flag’s position when flown with other flags (left from the viewer’s point; if three flags, Quebec’s flag in the center).
• Requires the flag on many more sites: federal buildings in Quebec, national parks and historic sites in Quebec, provincial parks, municipal parks, and constituency offices of MNAs and Quebec MPs. Also requires a flag in every classroom.
• Orders a public ceremony for Quebec’s Flag Day in each regional county municipality (or stand‑alone local municipality).
• Lets the minister name inspectors to check compliance; sites must cooperate. Fines can be set for breaking the rules, within existing limits.
• Standardizes flag care: half‑mast when the government declares, no sharing a mast with another flag, and specific rules for disposing of worn flags.
• MNAs must give a free Quebec flag on request while supplies last; any resident can ask for a flag that flew on the Parliament Building’s central tower. Provincial rules override conflicting municipal bylaws.

What it means for you#

• Residents

  • You will see more Quebec flags at parks, historic sites, schools, and public buildings across the province, including federal offices in Quebec.
  • You can ask your MNA’s office for a free Quebec flag (until they run out).
  • You may request a flag that flew on the Parliament Building’s central tower.
  • Expect a public Flag Day ceremony in your region each year.

• Students and educators

  • A Quebec flag must be present in every classroom.
  • Schools must keep flags in good condition and lower them to half‑mast when told by the government.

• Municipalities and school service centers

  • Municipal parks must display the Quebec flag.
  • Local bylaws cannot override these provincial flag rules.
  • The minister may ask you to help host a Flag Day ceremony in your area.

• Federal offices and national sites in Quebec

  • Buildings in Quebec used by federal institutions must display the Quebec flag.
  • National parks and national historic sites in Quebec must also display the flag.
  • Buildings that house a Quebec MP’s or an MNA’s riding office must fly the flag, even if they occupy only part of the building.

• Building owners and landlords

  • If your building contains a federal office, a national site, a municipal park facility, or a riding office, you may need to install and maintain a Quebec flag.
  • Flags cannot share a mast with another flag; a separate pole or mount may be needed.

• Compliance and inspections

  • Inspectors authorized by the minister can visit at reasonable times, look at flags, and take photos.
  • Owners and staff must assist inspectors. Violations can lead to fines, within set limits.
  • Worn flags must be retired properly: burn discreetly if natural fibers; otherwise cut into unrecognizable strips and dispose of them in an eco‑friendly way.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• Strengthens pride and visibility of Quebec’s identity in everyday places across the province.
• Gives clear, simple rules for where the Quebec flag goes when flown with others.
• Makes civic education more present in schools by placing a flag in each classroom.
• Ensures consistency by applying rules to federal buildings and national sites located in Quebec.
• Offers residents an easy way to get a flag, building community spirit through free flags and Flag Day events.
• Inspections and fines create real accountability so the rules are followed.

Opponents' View#

• Adds costs for cities, school systems, parks, heritage sites, and building owners to buy, install, and maintain more flags and poles.
• May create legal and jurisdiction issues by requiring the Quebec flag on federal buildings and national sites.
• The ban on sharing a mast with other flags could force new hardware and reconfiguration at many sites.
• Inspectors’ power to enter sites and require assistance may be seen as intrusive or burdensome.
• Free flag programs and more ceremonies add administrative work and ongoing expenses without clear funding details.
• Extra flags mean more waste over time; disposal rules help, but some worry about environmental impact and practicality.