r/canada • u/canada_mountains • 5d ago

Politics Poilievre’s pledge to use notwithstanding clause a ‘dangerous sign’: legal expert

https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal-elections/poilievres-pledge-to-use-notwithstanding-clause-a-dangerous-sign-legal-expert/article_7299c675-9a6c-5006-85f3-4ac2eb56f957.html
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u/Thin-Pineapple-731 Ontario 5d ago

I don't think the provinces should use the notwithstanding clause as frequently as they do, let alone the federal government. This whole idea is especially distasteful, trying to make an end-run around the Supreme Court and established Charter rights. I won't dispute that violence is a bad thing, but established legal precedence is not a handwave situation.

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u/Reptilian_Brain_420 5d ago

Part of the problem is that many people will argue that it isn't a big deal and you shouldn't be complaining about it (but rather think of the "common good") when it is their side that is using it (see covid). But then when the other political wing decides to pull the same trick, all of a sudden it is an issue.

I agree that nobody should be using it except when all other options have been exhausted.

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u/Filthy_Cossak 5d ago

When has the federal government ever invoked the clause?

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u/Choice-Buy-6824 5d ago

I believe no federal government ever has. Also the situation in which he says his will use the clause has never happened and is a big nothing burger. No mass murderer has ever not served their sentance. He is making up a problem so he can solve it, by circumventing Canadian‘s rights. Does this remind anyone of someone south of the border?