Bill 193: An Act to amend the Charter of human rights and freedoms to recognize the right to a healthful environment as a fundamental right

Any business operating in Quebec that has environmental impacts could be affected — from construction companies and manufacturers to agricultural operations and resource extraction firms. By elevating environmental quality to a fundamental right on par with other human rights protections, businesses could face legal challenges from individuals or communities who argue their operations are harming environmental health or biodiversity. This is particularly relevant for small and mid-sized operators in industries like demolition, chemical handling, farming, or waste management, where day-to-day activities have direct environmental footprints. The removal of the 'to the extent provided by law' qualifier is the most significant change — it means businesses can no longer rely solely on regulatory compliance as a complete defence against rights-based claims.