The Notwithstanding Clause & the Future of Canadian Democracy

The Charter of Rights and Freedoms made Canada a constitutional democracy in which unelected courts, not elected legislatures, have the final say about rights and freedoms. Yet Section 33 (the Notwithstanding Clause) was built in to let governments override the courts on certain matters. That clause has been contentious ever since – never more than now when it is increasingly being invoked to deny key democratic freedoms and human rights. Join a panel of leading legal experts to explore what’s a stake, what options are possible, and what they would mean for the future of Canada’s democracy.    

Cosponsored by PEN Canada.

Panelists:

• Eric Adams – Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Alberta
• Anaïs Bussières McNicoll - Director, Fundamental Freedom Program, Canadian Civil Liberties Association
• Richard Moon – Professor Emeritus, Faculty of Law, University of Windsor

Moderator:

• James L. Turk, Director, Centre for Free Expression

Zoom link to event torontomu.zoom.us/j/91941276567

This is a free event and no registration is required.

Please contact cfe@torontomu.ca if you require accommodation to ensure inclusion in this event.