The Quebec government has proposed a new law to combat intimate partner violence, known as Bill 4. This legislation aims to empower individuals concerned about their safety or that of their children by providing access to information regarding the history of conjugal violence involving their current or former partners. Officially titled the Act respecting the communication of information for the purposes of protecting against intimate partner violence, it has also been referred to as the Gabie Renaud law.
The bill is named after Gabie Renaud, who tragically lost her life last September in Saint-Jérôme, Que, allegedly at the hands of her partner, Johnathan Blanchet. Blanchet had a disturbing record of arrests, with at least six convictions related to intimate partner violence and around 15 violations of his probation conditions. Rachel Renaud, Gabie’s sister, expressed hope that this legislation will prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Similar laws, often referred to as Clare’s Law, are already in place in the U.K. and various Canadian provinces like Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Under Quebec’s proposed law, the police will compile detailed reports exceeding standard criminal record checks. These reports will be shared with local women’s groups, who will then relay the information and offer support to the requesting individual.
Although all parties in the National Assembly support the bill and aim for swift adoption, opposition groups stress that information alone is insufficient. Québec Solidaire co-spokesperson, Ruba Ghazal, highlighted the urgent need for increased funding and assistance for women’s shelters. Ghazal has been urging Premier Christine Fréchette to take stronger actions against conjugal violence.
Since the beginning of 2026, Quebec has reported ten suspected fatal attacks on women. If you are facing immediate danger or suspect someone else is, please call 911. If you are experiencing family or intimate partner violence, seek help through crisis lines and local support services.