Supreme Court Weighs Notwithstanding Clause in Bill 21 Case

0:00Canada Supreme Court is tackling a big question about the notwithstanding clause in the Constitution. This comes as they review Quebec's Bill 21, a law that blocks public workers like teachers and police from wearing religious symbols on the table. Job. Federal lawyers told the court this week that the clause lets legislators override certain charter rights but that power has clear limits. Even when the clause is used, rights under the charter of rights and freedoms still matter. Federal counsel stressed that judges should be able to point out if those rights get trampled so people know what's happening with the law. Quebec and provinces like Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan pushback hard. They say the clause was a key deal back in 1982 when the Constitution was brought home, giving lawmakers wide room to protect local. Needs without court meddling. Meanwhile, Manitoba and British Columbia back the federal view agreeing courts need to say to check these laws. No one from Ottawa weighed in on whether Bill 21 itself breaks the Constitution.

1:04Hearings are ongoing and the court's ruling could reshape how provinces use this tool, balancing voter choice with rights protections across the country. Stay informed with Canada News Today. AI-powered updates. I'm Corey with the story.