Quebecor v. Vallières: The Firm Has Sun Media’s Application Dismissed

On November 3, 2009, Sun Media Corporation filed legal proceedings against Mr. Yvon Vallières in his capacity as President of Quebec’s National Assembly, contesting his refusal to give media accreditation to two journalists seeking to cover proceedings in the National Assembly. According to the President, his decision was necessary to ensure that the business of the legislature be conducted in an orderly fashion. Sun Media is contesting the President’s decision and on November 4^th sought an interim order that the journalists be accredited pending final judgment in the matter. On November 9, 2009 the Honourable Étienne Parent dismissed Sun Media’s application for a safeguard order.

The Court concluded that at this stage of the proceedings, Sun Media could not require the President to approve the accreditation request on a temporary basis, in light of its judicial notice of “the existence of parliamentary privileges invoked by the President, which appear to include the power to accredit journalists”. The case is to be heard by the Superior Court in mid-December 2009. François LeBel represented the President of the National Assembly, assisted by Jean-Philippe Abraham and Charles Daigle, with the benefit of Raynold Langlois’ advice.