Professional Code: Towards Better Protection For Victims Of Sexual Violence

On December 4, 2024, the National Assembly officially adopted Bill 73, which introduced An Act to counter non-consensual sharing of intimate images and to improve protection and support in civil matters for persons who are victims of violence (the "Act"). The Act amends the Civil Code of Québec (the "C.C.Q."), the Labour Code, the Professional Code, the Public Service Act, the Act respecting administrative justice, and the Act to establish the Administrative Labour Tribunal. For comparison purposes, we will focus on section 149.0.1 of the Professional Code and article 2858.1 of the C.C.Q.

The purpose of the Act is to provide better support for survivors of sexual or domestic violence before the courts in civil and administrative matters, including matters of professional law for actions covered by section 59.1 of the Professional Code. It also establishes the same protections against myths and stereotypes that already exist in criminal law.