QUEBEC — The Quebec Bar Association is set to hold a crucial summit on September 8-9, 2026, in Montreal, focusing on the concerning erosion of public trust in institutions. This event is strategically timed to coincide with the provincial election campaign in Quebec, leading up to the vote scheduled for October 5, 2026.
During the summit, political candidates will be invited to participate in discussions addressing the vital issue of how to restore and enhance public confidence in key institutions such as government entities, the judicial system, and the media. Marcel-Olivier Nadeau, the head of the Quebec Bar, emphasizes that maintaining trust in these institutions is essential for a functioning democracy.
Approximately 750 participants from various sectors—including legal, political, business, academic, and community organizations—are expected to attend the summit. This diverse gathering aims to facilitate a comprehensive dialogue about the challenges and solutions related to public trust.
Recent data underscores the urgency of this summit. An online Léger poll, conducted between May 22-24, 2026, surveyed 1,002 residents of Quebec and revealed troubling findings: 43 percent of respondents indicated that their trust in public institutions has declined over recent years. This significant statistic highlights the pressing need for concerted efforts to rebuild confidence among the populace.
The summit promises to be a vital platform for stakeholders across various sectors to share their perspectives and collaborate on actionable solutions to the declining trust in institutions. By bringing together a diverse group of individuals, the Quebec Bar Association aims to foster a constructive environment where ideas can flourish, potentially leading to strategies that will reinvigorate public faith in the institutions that serve them.
The results and discussions from this significant gathering could play a crucial role not only in addressing the current sentiment among Quebec residents but also in shaping the political discourse as the province prepares for its upcoming elections.
