One of the key figures in patriating Canada’s constitution and bringing the Charter of Rights and Freedoms into being says the Carney government is out of line. Former Newfoundland Premier Brian Peckford, the last living elected official who helped seal the deal, says in asking the Supreme Court to alter the Notwithstanding Clause, the Carney government is acting unconstitutionally.

The Notwithstanding Clause, otherwise known as Section 33 of the Charter, is currently before the Supreme Court as part of a challenge to Quebec’s Bill 21. That law bans public servants from wearing visible religious symbols on the job, a likely Charter violation, but the province invoked the Notwithstanding Clause to prevent court challenges.

LILLEY: Carney gov't acting unconstitutionally, ex-N.L. premier says Back to video

In a shocking move, the Carney government submitted a factum to the Supreme Court last fall and then presented verbal arguments last month calling on the court to put limits on the use of the clause.

Carney’s constitutional claims are a call for an amendment

“The temporary character of........

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