Organization of Proceedings

Proceedings in the Assemblée nationale are conducted according to a calendar divided into Legislatures, sessions, sitting periods and sittings. A sitting generally has two parts, Routine Proceedings and Orders of the Day. Each of these parts is reserved for specific items of business.

The parliamentary calendar may be interrupted by prorogation or dissolution.

Strong Symbols and Strict Rules

Québec’s Parliament is rooted in British parliamentary tradition, as evidenced by the many symbols that have their place in the Assemblée’s proceedings.

The debates in the Assemblée follows strict rules of procedure. The Members of the Assemblée nationale (MNAs) must also obey rules of conduct and observe decorum.

Support Services

The Assemblée’s personnel help the 125 MNAs with preparations for each sitting and assist them during the sittings. To prepare each sitting, report what was said during the proceedings and keep a record of the decisions made, the Assemblée puts out three publications: the Order Paper and Notices, the Journal des débats (or Hansard), and the Votes and Proceedings.

Transcription and Broadcasting

Each sitting of the Assemblée is taped and the audio recording is used to produce a word-for-word transcription, which is then published in the Journal des débats. All sittings are broadcast live on television on the Assemblée nationale channel, the Canal de l'Assemblée nationale (French only), and on the Internet through the Video section of the Assemblée’s website.

For more on the Assemblée’s sitting schedule and on attending a sitting