The Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government has introduced Bill 4 [2], which would allow people to access a partner's history of intimate partner violence.
This legislation aims to provide a critical safety mechanism for individuals who fear for their own safety or the safety of their children. By granting access to prior domestic violence records, the government intends to prevent future incidents and protect vulnerable citizens from potential abusers.
The bill is modeled after similar measures known as Clare's Law. Under the proposed framework, individuals who believe they are at risk can request information regarding whether a current or former partner has a history of domestic abuse [3]. This transparency is designed to empower victims to make informed decisions about their relationships, and safety.
Some reports refer to the legislation as the Gabie Renaud law [2], named after a victim whose experience underscores the need for such preventative measures. The move comes amid a concerning trend of violence against women in the province.
According to government data, there have been 10 suspected fatal attacks on women in Quebec since the start of 2026 [1]. The CAQ government said the bill is a direct response to the need for better protection against intimate partner violence [4].
If passed, the law would establish a formal process for the disclosure of this sensitive information. The government said the goal is to ensure that those in danger are not left unaware of a partner's violent past when that information could save lives [4].
“The government intends to prevent future incidents and protect vulnerable citizens from potential abusers.”
The introduction of Bill 4 signals a shift toward a preventative, disclosure-based approach to domestic violence in Quebec. By mirroring 'Clare's Law'—which has been implemented in various jurisdictions globally—Quebec is moving away from a purely reactive legal system toward one that prioritizes the victim's right to know a partner's history as a primary safety tool.
