Since the adoption of the Professional Code in July 1973, the Quebec government has been taking a more active role in regulating what are termed "professional" activities. Two major factors account for the reform nature of the new legislation: (1) the assertion that the main function of professional corporations is the "protection of the public"; and (2) the supervision of professional corporations by l'Office des Professions du Quebec, an organization created to see that each corporation ensures the protection of the public. This study consists of four chapters covering: (1) the pressures being brought to bear on l'Office to promote the development of the professionalization of occupations in Quebec; (2) the existence of a consensus in North America on what constitutes a profession; (3) the determination of the characteristics of a professional corporation that are likely to encourage the protection of the public; and (4) a definition of the policy of l'Office regarding the development of professionalism in Quebec. (LBH)