Share this Story : National Post Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr

Chris Selley: The notwithstanding clause is the bulwark against a Canadian 'Trump moment'

The legal arguments against Section 33 are desperately bad. The practical arguments are worse

You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.

Some things, thankfully, even in 2026, have nothing to do with President Donald J. Trump. One of them is Bill 21, Quebec’s law barring certain civil servants — notably teachers — from wearing religious symbols like hijabs, turbans, kippahs and (in theory) crucifixes on the job.

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.

Unlimited online access to National Post.

National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.

Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

Support local journalism.

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.

Unlimited online access to National Post.

National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.

Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

Support local journalism.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account.

Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.

Enjoy additional articles per month.

Get email updates from your favourite authors.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account

Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments

Enjoy additional articles per month

Get email updates from your favourite authors

Sign In or Create an Account

And yet there was The Donald, on Monday, horning in on the long-awaited appeal of the law before the Supreme Court of Canada.

Chris Selley: The notwithstanding clause is the bulwark against a Canadian 'Trump moment' Back to video

Frédéric Bérard, a prominent Quebec lawyer, Université de Montréal law professor and media commentator, argued it was “easier than ever to invoke the notwithstanding clause” here in Canada. And he linked it to what was going on in other countries, including the one directly south of us.

This newsletter from NP Comment tackles the topics you care about. (Subscriber-exclusive edition on Fridays)

There was an error, please provide a valid email address.

By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.

A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.

The next issue of Platformed will soon........

© National Post