QUEBEC CITY, QC: The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms announces that the trial in Harvest Ministries International v. Quebec Minister of Tourism begins next week, challenging the Quebec government’s decision to unlawfully cancel a Christian conference at a publicly owned convention centre because of the organizer’s beliefs.
Lawyers funded by the Justice Centre will argue that former Quebec Minister of Tourism Caroline Proulx violated the Charter when she directed the Société du Centre des congrès de Québec, which operates the Quebec City Convention Centre, to cancel a signed rental contract with Harvest Ministries International for its “Faith, Freedom, Fire” musical event.
The government justified its decision by citing disagreement with the organization’s beliefs regarding abortion, despite the fact that the conference program did not include abortion-related content.
At issue is whether a religious organization can be denied access to a publicly owned venue because of its views on matters of public debate. The government argues that organizations such as Harvest Ministries do not enjoy the same Charter protections as individuals. Counsel for Harvest Ministries will argue that this interpretation undermines the ability of individuals to exercise their freedoms collectively through organizations.
Constitutional lawyer Olivier Séguin said, “Freedom of association can never be defended if individuals cannot defend their rights through organizations.”
“Freedom of expression should not be confined to expressing ideas favored by the government,” he added.
The trial is scheduled to proceed from February 23 to 24, 2026, beginning at 9:00 a.m. ET, at the Superior Court of Quebec, Palais de justice de Québec, in room 3.08.
