S-218Government of Canada
An Act to amend the Constitution Act, 1982 (notwithstanding clause)
Senate bill that would amend Section 33 of the Constitution Act, 1982 (the notwithstanding clause). Would require any federal or provincial use of the clause to first survive a vote by a two-thirds supermajority of the legislature invoking it. Sweeping constitutional reform; would require 7-50 amendment formula support.
Status
✓
Introduced✓
1st Reading✓
2nd Reading4
Committee5
Report6
3rd Reading7
Royal AssentQuick learn
Senate proposal to make the notwithstanding clause much harder to use. Right now a simple majority of MPs or MLAs is enough to invoke it; this bill would require two-thirds. Provincial premiers who use the clause frequently (especially Quebec and Saskatchewan) have already opposed the idea publicly.
Issues this bill touches
- Federalism & Quebec
Procedural Senate bill on the notwithstanding clause (s.33 of the Charter).
Legislative history
- First reading
First reading in the Senate.
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Official source
Read full text on Parliament of Canada