9. True or false? Québec is a liberal democracy.

In Québec, democracy is based on the protection of individual rights and freedoms.

Political freedoms

• Freedom of expression: expressing your opinions without fear of punishment or persecution
• Freedom of association: belonging to a group that defends specific rights (a union, a political party, etc.)
• Freedom of assembly: participating in a protest or gathering without disturbing the peace
• Freedom of religion: choosing and practising your religion without fear of punishment or persecution

Right to gender equality

In Québec, men and women have equal rights in all aspects of life.

This protects women in several ways:

• Right to security, bodily integrity and dignity
• Right to vote
• Access to education and freedom to choose your field of study
• Freedom to choose your job
• Financial independence
• Access to free and legal abortion
• Access to paid parental leave

Right to vote

Liberal democracy is “representative,” since citizens elect their political representatives.

In Québec, Canadian citizens have the right to vote if they:

• Are aged 18 or over
• Have lived in Québec for more than 6 months