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The Quebec government has introduced legislation aimed at helping prevent intimate partner violence.
Bill 4, tabled on Wednesday, would allow people who fear for their safety or that of their children to obtain information about the conjugal violence history of their current or ex-partner.
The legislation is officially titled the Act respecting the communication of information for the purposes of protecting against intimate partner violence. But it has also been referred to as the Gabie Renaud law.
Renaud was allegedly killed by her partner Johnathan Blanchet last September in Saint-Jérôme, Que. He’d been arrested dozens of times, convicted at least six times for incidents related to intimate partner violence, and accused of violating his probationary conditions about 15 times.
Rachel Renaud, Gabie’s sister, said Wednesday she is hopeful the legislation will prevent other tragedies.
“It’s very significant because it makes it that my sister is not dead for nothing. We will remember her forever and she’s helping other women,” she said at a news conference at the province’s National Assembly.
Breakaway14:47Sister of Gabie Renaud applauds new legislation to prevent intimate partner violence
Known as Clare’s law in many jurisdictions, Quebec has introduced a new bill to allow a person to request past criminal records of potential intimate partners. Once adopted, the new law will carry the name of Gabie Renaud, who was killed in 2025. Her sister Rachel spoke with guest host Allison Van Rassel about what this means for her family, and what other changes she’d like to see implemented to better protect victims of intimate partner violence.
Similar legislation exists in the U.K., as well as several Canadian provinces, including Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Under Quebec’s proposed legislation, police would prepare a detailed file that goes well beyond a standard criminal record check.
Police would share the file with a local women’s group, who would then deliver the information to the person who made the request and offer professional support.
While all parties in the National Assembly support the bill and say they would like to see it adopted quickly, opposition parties argued that information alone is not enough.
Québec Solidaire co-spokesperson Ruba Ghazal said women’s shelters are in desperate need of more money and support.
“This is not acceptable in Quebec society,” said Ghazal, who has been calling on Premier Christine Fréchette to do more to counter conjugal violence.
“We need to do more, and to invest more.”
Quebec has recorded 10 suspected fatal attacks on women since the start of 2026.
Provincial police, call lines and women’s shelters say reports of intimate partner violence in Quebec have jumped in the past year. If you or one of your loved ones is experiencing conjugal violence, here are some of the resources available in the province.
If you’re in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911. If you’re affected by family or intimate partner violence, you can look for help through crisis lines and local support services.
