February 2026 news

Here are the highlights of this month's newsletter:

• New regulations on safety in public baths
• The ACQ submits a pre-budget brief to the government for the first time
• Certification and compliance visits 2026
• Declaration of major changes 2026
• 2026 Conference - Call for Speakers

New regulations on safety in public baths

We would like to bring to your attention changes to the regulations governing safety in public baths, which were recently covered by the Public Bath Safety Regulations (B-1.1, r. 11).

Since July 17, 2025, the regulations applicable to safety in public baths can be found in Chapter X, Swimming Areas, of the Building Code (for the construction of a swimming area) and in Chapter IX, Swimming Areas, of the Safety Code (which regulates the safety of its operation).

To this end, you will find two guides on the Régie du bâtiment du Québec website explaining the main changes and new features applicable to the new regulations to help you implement the required changes, such as the development of a surveillance and rescue organization plan.

Upcoming webinar

The Lifesaving Society is preparing a webinar on the changes and new features for this spring. Keep an eye on the training calendar for more information!

If you have any questions about the regulations, the Lifesaving Society can help: [email protected]

The ACQ submits a pre-budget brief to the government for the first time

On February 4, 2026, the Association des camps du Québec (ACQ) presented a pre-budget brief directly to the Ministry of Finance for the first time, marking an important milestone in its political advocacy efforts. This initiative is already yielding positive results.

What is a pre-budget submission?

A pre-budget submission is an official document submitted to the Minister of Finance to influence the preparation of the annual budget. It allows organizations to highlight their priorities, issues, and the measures they deem necessary for the development of their sector.

Requests submitted by the ACQ

1. Ensure the necessary funding to continue the work already begun on the safety framework for camps and the eventual production of a directory of camps that comply with well-defined and monitored minimum requirements.
2. Enable all Quebec families to benefit from camp offerings by increasing funding for the integration of people with special needs, in particular by allowing the hiring of more people dedicated to supporting them and by supporting camp attendance by people from less affluent or disadvantaged families.
3. Implementation of three structural measures to promote the sustainability of the industry:

• Amendment to the Consumer Protection Act (CPA)
• Increase and modification of tax credits granted to families for camp registration
• Financial support for upgrading the camp infrastructure with accommodation

A swift and encouraging response

Less than four hours after submitting the brief, the ACQ received an invitation to a private meeting with the minister's office to discuss its requests in detail. The meeting, held on February 11, took place in an atmosphere of attentive listening. It was, therefore, a favourable first contact.

It now remains to be seen how this interest will be reflected in the budget to be tabled this spring.

In the meantime, the team remains available for any further information requests.

Certification and compliance visits 2026

The Association des camps du Québec (ACQ) will shortly notify organizations that will be visited by a consultant this summer, following:

• a new membership application (certification or reference framework)
• a membership renewal
• one or more major changes such as: new owner, new management, new location or new site, new program, etc.

Keep an eye on your emails!

A visit requires preparation!

We remind you that preparatory training sessions are mandatory for members who will be visited this summer:

Interpretation of the Reference Framework guidelines: for municipal members and organizations participating in the compliance program (Reference Framework)

Interpretation of certification standards: for certified members and organizations “on the road to certification”.

These mandatory training sessions will help you prepare effectively for your visit this summer. Depending on your needs, you will have the opportunity to review each standard or guideline, learn about useful tools and references, and receive practical advice on applying the standards or guidelines.

To register, consult the ACQ training calendar:

Declaration of major changes 2026

Have there been any major changes within your organization? Fill out the major changes form.

Certified camps are required to inform the Association des camps du Québec of any major changes within their organization, such as a new owner, new management, a new location or site, a new program, etc.

In order to comply with the Membership Policy and help us:

• keep our data up to date,
• provide accurate information to the public,
• prepare for certification visits,

we ask that you confirm these major changes using the form below and email it to [email protected] by May 1, 2026.

2026 Conference - Call for Speakers

Would you like to propose a presentation or recommend an inspiring speaker for the ACQ conference, which will be held at the Delta Hotel Mont Sainte-Anne, from November 10 to 12, 2026? Fill out the form by March 27 (french only).