The Quebec government has tabled Bill 4, a piece of legislation aimed at enhancing the safety of individuals by allowing them to obtain information about their partner’s history of intimate partner violence. The bill, known as the Gabie Renaud law, was introduced in the wake of the tragic death of Gabie Renaud, a woman allegedly killed by her partner in September 2025.
Renaud’s partner, Johnathan Blanchet, had been arrested numerous times, convicted six times for intimate partner violence-related incidents, and accused of violating probation conditions multiple times before the fatal event. The bill aims to provide people who fear for their safety, or that of their children, with access to this vital information to help protect against intimate partner violence.
Under the proposed legislation, police would compile a detailed file beyond a standard criminal record check, which would then be shared with a local women’s group to be delivered to the individual requesting it. Professional support would also be provided to the recipient.
Named after Gabie Renaud, the bill echoes similar laws in jurisdictions such as the U.K. and provinces like Saskatchewan and Manitoba. While the bill has garnered widespread support, some opposition parties have raised concerns that it doesn’t go far enough, highlighting the need for increased funding and support for women’s shelters and services dedicated to preventing intimate partner violence.
Rachel Renaud, Gabie’s sister, expressed hope that the legislation would prevent further tragedies. “It’s very significant because it makes it that my sister is not dead for nothing,” she said, emphasizing the lasting impact the law could have in protecting other women.
