For a bill touted as the “law of laws,” the Legault government’s proposed constitution for Quebec has so far resulted in the spilling of surprisingly little ink.

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That might be about to change.

Let’s sure hope so, for the sake of human rights, state accountability and democratic principles.

Monday is the deadline for submitting briefs on Bill 1, which was tabled in the National Assembly back in early October. Anyone from constitutional scholars to civil society to ordinary citizens is welcome to offer their two cents. Starting next week, committee hearings will be held so various experts and groups can present their views to political leaders directly.

This is a critical step that was skipped before the constitution was originally put forth. One of the early criticisms is that Bill 1 emerged from nowhere and was drafted by government officials behind closed doors.

Traditionally, constitutions come from and are written by the people. But this one was sprung on Quebecers by Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette in the final year of the Coalition Avenir Québec government’s second mandate, with the intention of rushing it into being by the Fête nationale.

Since the cart was put before the horse, legal experts are questioning its legitimacy. Some