Timing, Elections, and Court Independence

The notwithstanding clause has been controversial since it was written into Canada’s Constitution, and now it’s facing its biggest test yet. The Supreme Court of Canada just wrapped up its longest-ever hearing on Bill 21 — Quebec’s law on religious symbols. What started as a debate over laïcité has become a major constitutional showdown. Host Noor speaks with Pearl Eliadis to break down what’s really at stake, and what this case could mean for the future of the notwithstanding clause in Canada.

Plus, an update on the controversial Liberal Bill C-12 from Adam B. Sadinsky.

Host: Noor Azrieh

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)

Guests: Pearl Eliadis, Adam B. Sadinsky

Image credit: Pat Lachance

Background reading:

• A Canadian Supreme Court Case Could Test the Country’s Unity – The New York Times 
• A Supreme constitutional clash: Canadians’ rights against government powers – The Globe and Mail
• 6 key moments from the Supreme Court challenge of Quebec's secularism law – CBC News
• Opinion: Bill 21 the product of modern identity politics, not the Quiet Revolution – Montreal Gazette
• Bill 21: Supreme Court chief justice calls English community's argument 'almost outrageous'  – Montreal Gazette
• A major immigration reform bill is now law in Canada. Some worry it rolls back refugee rights – CBC News

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