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4mo ago

Quebec Tables ‘Gabie Renaud’ Bill Letting People Check a Partner’s Abuse History

The move follows a surge in domestic-violence reports across Quebec.

Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette responds to Opposition questions at the legislature in Quebec City, on May 12.
Ian Lafrenière, Quebec deputy premier and minister of internal security, tables legislation as Quebec Premier Christine Frechette, left, looks on at the legislature in Quebec City on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot
Ruba Ghazal, Québec Solidaire co-spokesperson, hugs Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette, centre, after Minister of Domestic Security Ian Lafrenière tabled a legislation intended to protect women from intimate partner violence.

Overview

  • The Quebec government introduced Bill 4 to let people who fear for their safety request a partner’s history of intimate-partner violence.
  • Under the plan, police would assemble a detailed file that goes beyond a standard criminal record check and a local women’s group would deliver the findings with support.
  • All parties signaled support for quick passage, while opposition members said information without more shelter funding leaves many at risk.
  • The law would be named for Gabie Renaud, killed in 2025, whose alleged partner had repeated abuse convictions and probation breaches.
  • Quebec has recorded 10 suspected femicides so far this year, police files on intimate-partner violence rose 81% from 2021 to 2024, and Ottawa is considering Bill C-16 to define femicide and criminalize coercive control.