Unlock the Power or Rights

Help Canada repeal the notwithstanding clause!

The notwithstanding clause is Section 33 in the

What is Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It was

introduced in 1982 by PM Pierre Trudeau and can be

it? used to pass federal or provincial legislation that

infringes on s. 2, 7-15 Charter rights.

When the s.33 was introduced, the common opinion

History was that future governments would be reluctant to

use it due to negative impacts on public opinion.

and Use However, both Quebec and Ontario have been using
this clause increasingly in legislation since 2019.

Why should we repeal s. 33?

The Charter becomes meaningless.
Governments' extensive use of s. 33 sets a precedent for future governments to
continue the practice
Governments abuse s. 33 powers to easily override constitutional rights

In Quebec:
2022 - Bill 96 forced immigrants to use
exclusively French for the first half-
year to receive public services
English-speaking rights and
Indigenous language rights eroded
In Ontario:
2022 - Bill 28 makes CUPE strike
illegal and imposes heavy fines for
each day of job action
Denies union workers opportunities
to voice opinions on fair pay

Unequal protection of rights.

Use of s. 33 varies by province, so some provinces have more protection of rights
than others.
S. 33 undermines protections for minorities, increasing discrimination

In Quebec: Muslim, Jewish, and Sikh

Bill 21 - bans public employees from
women reported a decline
wearing religious symbols at work 73% in their sense of security
Constructive discrimination against
after Bill 21 passed.
religious minorities

In Ontario:
Bill 307 - Premier Doug Ford prohibited "third party organizations" such as labour
unions or non-profits from political advertising
Organizations in other provinces can do political advertising (freedom of expression)

Negative impacts on Canada's reputation.

Increased use of s. 33 damages Canada's international reputation as a democratic
country
Frequent use diminishes public trust of the government

International Implications:
No other country has a formal override clause that allows government to circumvent
constitutional rights in legislation
Governments are only allowed to limit citizens' rights in emergency situations, such as
war (similar to Canada's state of emergency)

Public Trust:
Study by Angus Reid Institute exposes Canadians' opinions of the recent uses of s.33

What do Canadians Think?

Canadians think that the

Canadians want to abolish
55% the notwithstanding clause.
53% notwithstanding clause
damages national unity

Canadians think that the Canadians think that the

72% use of s. 33 in Bill 96 is 68% use of s. 33 in Bill 28 is
unacceptable. unacceptable.