Court Decisions Before the Supreme Court

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

Sponsors: 

Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today at douglas.ca/canadaland

Visit fizz.ca to learn more about Fizz mobile and its long list of added-value features. 

Activate a first plan using the referral code CAN40 to get 40$ off and 10GB of free data.

Everyone is still finding their way. Find yours and feel lighter.

Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.

Did you know we have a monthly supporter exclusive show? Last episode, we asked you if you’ve ever fallen for fake news. I guess even our savvy, discerning audience isn’t infallible. You all had a lot to say! 

If you want to hear that (or if you want to catch up on all the great episodes of Off The Record you’ve missed!) become a supporter at canadaland.com/join.

It’s crowd-finding time at Canadaland! Share this episode with three people or simply send them over to canadaland.com/share and we’ll help them get started with a starter pack of some of our favourite episodes.

If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. 

Can't get enough Canadaland? Follow @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram for clips, announcements, explainers and more.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.