Hold Harmless Agreement — Quebec (Accord d'indemnisation / Clause d'exonération)
Accord d'indemnisation / Clause d'exonération — Quebec (CCQ arts. 1474–1477)
HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT
Accord d'indemnisation / Clause d'exonération — Province of Quebec
Pursuant to CCQ arts. 1474–1477
This Hold Harmless Agreement ('Agreement') is entered into as of [Agreement Date] between [Indemnitee Name] of [Indemnitee Address] ('Indemnitee') and [Indemnitor Name] of [Indemnitor Address] ('Indemnitor').
1. ACTIVITY AND SCOPE
This Agreement relates to the following activity, service, or event: [Activity Description]
The Indemnitor acknowledges and accepts the following inherent risks: [Risk Description]
2. HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFICATION
Protection type: [Protection Type]
The Indemnitor, [Indemnitor Name], hereby agrees to hold harmless, release, and forever discharge the Indemnitee, [Indemnitee Name], from any and all claims, damages, losses, costs, and expenses arising from or related to the above-described activity, including but not limited to personal injury, property damage, and economic loss.
The Indemnitor confirms that they have voluntarily chosen to participate in the above activity, are aware of the inherent risks, and assume full responsibility for any injury, damage, or loss arising from ordinary negligence on the part of the Indemnitee.
3. MANDATORY QUEBEC LAW LIMITATIONS
IMPORTANT — MANDATORY PROVISIONS: Pursuant to CCQ art. 1474, this Agreement does NOT release the Indemnitee from liability for:
- Gross negligence (faute lourde) — a marked departure from the standard of care expected in the circumstances
- Intentional fault (faute intentionnelle) — conduct intended to cause harm
These limitations are mandatory under Quebec civil law and cannot be waived by contract. Any provision purporting to exclude liability for gross negligence or intentional fault is void under CCQ art. 1474.
This Agreement is also subject to the Consumer Protection Act (LPC) if the activity is provided to the Indemnitor as a consumer.
4. GOVERNING LAW
This Agreement is governed by the laws of the Province of Quebec and the Civil Code of Quebec. The Indemnitor confirms that they have read and understood this Agreement, have had the opportunity to obtain independent legal advice, and are signing freely and voluntarily. Executed at [Signing City] on [Agreement Date].
Indemnitor (party assuming risk)
________________
Signature
Indemnitee (party protected)
________________
Signature
Witness
________________
Signature
What Is a Hold Harmless Agreement — Quebec (Accord d'indemnisation / Clause d'exonération)?
A Quebec Hold Harmless Agreement (Accord d'indemnisation / Clause d'exonération) is a contract by which one party agrees not to hold another party liable for damages, losses, or claims arising from specific activities or services. Governed by CCQ arts. 1474–1477, it is subject to mandatory limits: gross negligence and intentional fault cannot be excluded.
When Do You Need a Hold Harmless Agreement — Quebec (Accord d'indemnisation / Clause d'exonération)?
A hold harmless agreement is needed for activities with inherent risks — recreational activities, event hosting, contractor work on property, use of facilities, equipment lending, or any situation where one party could be exposed to liability claims by the other.
Parties in Quebec should prepare a Hold Harmless Agreement — Quebec (Accord d'indemnisation / Clause d'exonération) proactively rather than waiting for a dispute to arise. Courts interpret agreements based on the written terms rather than oral representations. Where the transaction involves regulated activities, prior approval from the relevant authority may be required before execution.
What to Include in Your Hold Harmless Agreement — Quebec (Accord d'indemnisation / Clause d'exonération)
Key elements: identification of indemnitor and indemnitee, specific activities or scope covered, nature of risks being assumed, exclusions (gross negligence, intentional fault per CCQ art. 1474), duration, consideration, and signatures. Must be clear and brought to the other party's attention.
Additional compliance elements for a Hold Harmless Agreement — Quebec (Accord d'indemnisation / Clause d'exonération) used in Quebec include: Data Protection — applicable privacy legislation requires a lawful basis for processing personal data; Governing Law — specify Quebec law and jurisdiction; Dispute Resolution — parties may refer disputes to the appropriate tribunal or court.
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Reference this free template in an article, syllabus, or research note:
Forms Legal. (2026). Hold Harmless Agreement — Quebec (Accord d'indemnisation / Clause d'exonération) (Quebec) [Legal document template]. Forms Legal. https://forms-legal.com/quebec/personal/releases/hold-harmless-agreement-quebec
"Hold Harmless Agreement — Quebec (Accord d'indemnisation / Clause d'exonération) (Quebec)." Forms Legal, 2026, https://forms-legal.com/quebec/personal/releases/hold-harmless-agreement-quebec.
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author = {{Forms Legal}},
title = {Hold Harmless Agreement — Quebec (Accord d'indemnisation / Clause d'exonération) (Quebec)},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://forms-legal.com/quebec/personal/releases/hold-harmless-agreement-quebec}},
note = {Free legal document template. Based on Civil Code of Québec (CCQ), Book Five: Obligations}
}Frequently Asked Questions
Quebec has specific rules about the enforceability of exclusion and limitation of liability clauses (clauses d'exonération de responsabilité) under CCQ arts. 1474-1477. Under art. 1474 CCQ, a person cannot exclude or limit their liability for gross negligence (faute lourde) or intentional fault (faute intentionnelle). This is a mandatory provision that cannot be contracted out of. For ordinary negligence and other civil liability, parties may contractually limit or exclude liability. However, courts may refuse to enforce a clause that is unconscionable under CCQ art. 1437 or that contradicts mandatory provisions of the Consumer Protection Act. The clause must be clear, unambiguous, and the other party must have been made aware of it.
A Hold Harmless Agreement — Quebec (Accord d'indemnisation / Clause d'exonération) does not legally require a lawyer in Quebec, and individuals and businesses may draft and execute the document independently. However, seeking independent legal advice from a qualified Quebec lawyer is recommended for transactions involving substantial financial value, complex regulatory requirements, or cross-border elements where multiple legal jurisdictions may apply. A lawyer can verify that the document complies with all applicable statutory requirements, identify potential risks specific to the transaction, and confirm that the terms adequately protect the interests of all parties involved. The Superior Court of Québec has jurisdiction over disputes arising from this type of document, and Registraire des entreprises du Québec may impose additional compliance obligations depending on the nature of the underlying transaction. Professional legal review is particularly advisable where the document will be submitted to government agencies or used as evidence in legal proceedings.
This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.Full disclaimer
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