The use of the Notwithstanding Clause is becoming one of the biggest political and constitutional debates across Canada – especially in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Quebec. To help make sense of it, we’re breaking down the history of the clause, the current context, and what it tells us about democracy in Canada today. Ultimately, these conversations come down to how willing we are, as citizens and students, to learn about, engage with, and protect our democracy.
We reached out to one of Canada’s top constitutional lawyers – and the man who literally wrote the book on the Notwithstanding Clause – to help unpack the history of the clause, what it means, why it matters, and how to make sense of it with your students.
Peter is the Founder and President of Section1.ca. Lawyer, educator, writer, democracy scholar and advocate, businessman and community leader, he is a passionate advocate for the causes of liberal democracy, civil liberties, human rights, wildlife conservation and animal welfare.