Canada's NDP

Skip to main content

September 13th, 2018

NDP Calls for Emergency Meeting, Expert Input on Ford's Reckless Use of Notwithstanding Clause

The following statement was issued by Jagmeet Singh, Leader of Canada's NDP:

"Our caucus is deeply troubled by Ontario Premier Doug Ford's use of the Notwithstanding Clause.

He is using the clause to suspend democratic rights in what appears to be a personal and petty vendetta against the City of Toronto.

We are even more troubled by Premier Ford's threats that he'll do it again.

The Notwithstanding Clause was designed to be used only in the most exceptional of circumstances.

Repeated and reckless use of the Notwithstanding Clause could lead to an erosion of Canadians' fundamental and democratic rights. Such actions have far reaching implications across our federation and therefore all provinces must be brought to the table.

This is why the NDP has formally requested an emergency meeting of the Standing Committee on Justice to gather input from expert witnesses and discuss ways of working together with the provinces to protect the rights of Canadians.

The NDP has long defended the Charter of Rights and Freedoms that unites Canadians around fundamental rights including freedom of religion, freedom of expression, freedom of the press, freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of association and will continue to stand up for the rights of Canadians."