Saskatchewan Says Federal Attempt to Limit Notwithstanding Clause a ‘Significant Infringement’ of Provincial Rights

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says he opposes Ottawa’s bid to limit provincial use of the notwithstanding clause, a section of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms that gives provinces the right to protect legislation from constitutional challenges under certain sections of the Charter for up to five years.

Moe’s comments came in response to a Sept. 18 announcement from Federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser that he filed a request with the Supreme Court to limit provincial use of the notwithstanding clause, saying that its use goes against Canada’s Constitution and is equivalent to “denying its very existence.”