Contributions civilistes à l’interprétation des lois constitutionnelles canadiennes

Abstract

While the interpretation of Canadian constitutional laws has long been carried by a teleological wave, a textualist backlash has emerged in recent years. This article questions this trend and argues that the teleological method remains the most appropriate for constitutional interpretation.

To support this argument, the article first draws a parallel between Canadian constitutional laws and civil codes, primarily the Civil Code of Québec (the “Code”). These instruments share certain fundamental characteristics—namely, their constitutive role, their aspiration for unity and durability, as well as their often general and abstract drafting style. It is well established that these characteristics require civilian interpreters to adopt a flexible and evolving method that emphasizes the purposes and spirit of the Code beyond its text. The presence of these same characteristics in Canadian constitutional laws justifies the application of the same interpretative method, which reinforces the teleological approach and thereby rules out any textualist inclination.

The article then responds to some objections—namely, the idea that the entrenchment of constitutional laws justifies the use of a more textual method of interpretation. It further suggests that this particularity, far from hindering the application of the civilian method, provides an additional argument in its favour. Finally, it argues that the pan-Canadian reach of our constitution requires that the approaches developed in Quebec be taken into serious consideration.