More than 400 legal professionals co-signed the letter, which was sent to Queen’s Park on Sunday. For the first time in Ontario history, the bill invokes the notwithstanding clause under Section 33 of the charter, which allows Ottawa and the provinces to overrule charter rights that go against a government’s legislative agenda. “The process here, and the use of the notwithstanding clause — that’s what’s really scary.” He added that if Mulroney were to vote against Bill 31, it would be “a really strong statement.” “The Premier is just one vote at the end of the day. The lawyers’ letter concludes by reminding Caroline Mulroney of her party’s pledge to protect charter rights. “Brian Mulroney, who was the Prime Minister shortly after the Charter of Rights and Freedoms was enacted, has said that he had no interest in ever using the Notwithstanding Clause,” the letter states.

Source: thestar September 17, 2018 01:55 UTC