2026
United to Protect Our Rule of Law
Until July 31
A program that puts the rule of law front and centre
Schedule - Day 1
8:30 - Opening ceremony
An immersive, symbolic fresco that combines contemporary dance, visual projections and a cinematic soundtrack to trace the rule of law’s evolution through history.
8:40 - Opening speech
Me Marcel-Olivier Nadeau (President of the Quebec Bar Association) and The Right Honourable Richard Wagner, P.C., (Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada) open the Summit with a reminder of why the rule of law is now, more than ever, a collective issue and the role that Quebec needs to play in protecting it.
Speakers:
M. le bâtonnier Marcel-Olivier Nadeau
The Right Honourable Richard Wagner, P.C.
9:00 - What if our democracy is more fragile than we might believe?
Focusing on recent events, this conference will highlight the current flaws, potential pitfalls, and warning signs present in our society. It offers a frank look at our institutions’ weaknesses and the mechanisms that are causing a gradual erosion of democracies.
Speakers:
Coming soon
9:40 - The rule of law: a strategic advantage for Quebec
In a global context of instability and tensions, a resilient rule of law is a bulwark for prosperity and positive influence. This discussion explores this strategic asset for Quebec and the interest we all share in protecting it.
Speakers:
Valérie Beaudoin
Guy St-Jacques
10:20 - Protection through measurement
The World Justice Project measures the rule of law in 140 countries. It is data that reveals trends that civil societies can no longer afford to ignore. Today, Jean-Marc Léger presents a global overview of the rule of law, situates Canada within this global picture, and identifies indicators of particular interest to Quebec.
Speaker:
Jean-Marc Léger
11:50 - When the rule of law fails: lessons from the rest of the world
Via personal accounts and lived experiences, this dinner discussion will highlight the all-too-real consequences of an enfeebled rule of law, including loss of freedoms, repression, and exile. This is an opportunity to learn from those who have first hand seen their institutions falter, in order to better protect our own.
Speaker:
Leanid Marozeau
1:30 PM - The rule of law: an investment that pays off
The rule of law is an intangible infrastructure that underpins investment, market confidence, and economic growth. Business leaders discuss the costs to companies of weakening institutions.
Speakers:
Véronique Proulx
Hubert Bolduc
2:15 PM - A Creative Moment: transforming Ideas into collective commitment
A collaborative activity that encourages creative thinking, challenges perspectives, and generates unexpected ideas, captured in real time through an interactive platform.
Speaker:
Roch Fortin
3:00 PM - Collaborative Workshop: Uniting to Protect the Rule of Law
After a day of thought and reflection, it's time for action. Participants are invited to get together to develop principles designed to guide the future Quebec Declaration on the Rule of Law.
Speakers:
Roch Fortin and Deloitte
4:00 PM - From Intention to Action
Understanding the challenges that undermine our democracies is a positive initial step. But what about transforming this understanding into lasting action? Here, two inspiring figures share their vision of how to turn leadership and collective engagement into effective mobilization.
Speakers:
Coming soon
Schedule - Day 2
8:30 - Opening speech
As co-host of the Summit, Marie-Claude opens the second day, setting the tone for a day focused on mobilization.
Speaker:
Marie-Claude Barette
8:40 - Beyond institutions: the people’s role
The rule of law cannot rely solely on institutions; it also depends on citizens. Here, speakers from diverse backgrounds discuss commitment, trust, and the role each of us can play in strengthening our democracy.
Speakers:
Fabrice Vil
Emilie Nicolas
Malorie Flon
Francis Verreault-Paul
Annabel Soutar
9:40 - Youth Panel
Activist students and young academics share their perspectives, concerns, and expectations regarding the rule of law. This candid conversation will highlight how their generation views current institutions… and what they are prepared to do to defend them.
Speakers:
Coming soon
10:45 - International Conference: Ian Bassin and the 7 Stages of Contemporary Authoritarianism
Authoritarianism is no longer solely imposed by force. Coups now often progress slowly, legally, almost imperceptibly. Ian Bassin analyzes the seven stages by which democracies cede power and explains how this slide into lawlessness can be prevented.
Speakers:
Ian Bassin
1:15 PM - Short lectures
Creativity and freedom of expression, artificial intelligence, access to justice, media independence. This series of four short talks explores some of today's most pressing challenges to the rule of law from complementary perspectives, while live audience polls and questions help shape the discussion in real time.
Creativity as a political act
The freedom to create, imagine, criticize, and challenge is often among an authoritarian government’s first targets. This discussion explores the role of culture in our democracy, freedom of expression’s essential place in an open society, and the necessity of artists' voices in civic debate.
When we rely on AI, who protects our rights?
Algorithms already influence access to credit, public services, and even predictive justice. How can we reconcile innovation and responsibility with the protection of fundamental rights?No independent media. No rule of law.
Without an independent press, rights are violated, institutions are no longer held accountable, and abuses go unreported. Yet, press freedom has rarely seemed so vulnerable. This panel brings together journalists and media professionals to ask the question: in Quebec, in 2026, is the news genuinely independent?Access to justice: the same for everyone?
The rule of law is only meaningful if it is accessible to all. Yet, the costs, delays, and complexity of the judicial system pose real obstacles for a great many citizens. This panel explores the practical challenges of getting access to justice in Quebec.
Speakers:
Coming soon
2:15 PM - Here come the elections: a party debate
With just 26 days to go until the general election, justice spokespeople for each provincial party here give their views on the rule of law. This clash of visions will enlighten audiences as to what each political party intends to do with regard to protecting institutions, guaranteeing access to justice, and strengthening current checks and balances.
Speakers:
Coming soon
3:15 PM - Summit Closing Remarks
Coming soon
Though invisible, the rule of law can be seen everywhere in our daily lives.
Why this summit?
43% of Quebecers believe their trust in public institutions has declined in recent years.
The current climate compels us to ensure the strength of our rule of law. By uniting our ideas and our voices, we can protect our democracy.
Now is the time to unite to protect our rule of law.
Be among the first to participate in this historic summit on September 8 and 9, 2026, at the Palais des congrès de Montréal.
Launch rate until July 31: $650
Student rate and rate for employees of public, parapublic and non-profit organizations available - contact us at sommet@barreau.qc.ca for details.