Advertisement

What not to wear: Quebec National Assembly to review dress code

Click to play video: 'What not to wear at the Quebec National Assembly'
What not to wear at the Quebec National Assembly
WATCH: Some Quebec MNAs are coming under fire – not for what they're saying but rather because of what they're wearing. As Global's Felicia Parrillo reports, some newer MNAs aren't heeding the “business casual” dress code at the National Assembly – Dec 5, 2018

Debates are a normal process at Quebec’s National Assembly, but on Wednesday, an unorthodox one was taking place out in the halls.

“I respect the institution, I respect what the institution means, what it encompasses, what it’s supposed to be,” said Québec Solidaire MNA Catherine Dorion.

“It’s supposed to be the people’s house, so why can’t we look like normal people?”

Some newer MNAs, particularly those with Québec Solidaire, are making headlines for their style choices; some wearing running shoes, jeans and Dr. Martens boots.

READ MORE: Quebec politicians back to work Tuesday under new CAQ government

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

There is no specific dress code in the assembly — rules only call for elected officials to dress in a manner that upholds parliamentary decorum — which is defined as business casual.

Story continues below advertisement

“There’s probably a line somewhere, but I didn’t think about where it should be, and I don’t think right now it’s a problem,” said Québec Solidaire MNA Sol Zanetti.

READ MORE: New speaker of Quebec’s National Assembly promises ‘modern and efficient democracy’

National Assembly speaker, François Paradis, said there may need to be a pre-determined line.

But he told reporters he thinks this is a healthy and sane discussion that needs to be reflected upon.

“Yes, our regulations are very broad,” he said. “We are speaking about attire that is business casual. It has been 100 years and today, that isn’t the same thing.

Paradis suggested that there would be a review of the rules — something other politicians think could be a good idea.

READ MORE: Quebec politicians debate whether the electric car is greener option

“I think the National Assembly should have some rules about the dress code, but now we don’t have them so it’s the liberty of each MNA to wear what they want,” said Parti Québécois MNA Catherine Fournier.

Sponsored content

AdChoices