Marois says she would invoke notwithstanding clause to ensure charter’s survival
TROIS-RIVIERES, – Parti Quebecois Leader Pauline Marois says she is prepared to invoke the notwithstanding clause to ensure her party’s controversial secular charter is adopted.
Marois says she has plans to reintroduce the values charter project as it currently stands if her party forms a majority government in next Monday’s Quebec election.
Marois told a news conference today that any legal threat against the charter will be met with the notwithstanding clause.
The clause is enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and allows Parliament or provinces to override the charter in order to adopt legislation.
The federal government and other parties have already said they will take whatever action is necessary to stop the charter.
In the past, Marois has said she was confident the charter would be able to withstand legal challenges, but is bringing up using the seldom-used clause for the first time.
Identity issues and language have taken centre stage a week before the vote.
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