By Canadian Press

Conservatives clarify opposition to Bill 21 following vote for notwithstanding clause

Feb 14, 2023 | 12:49 PM

OTTAWA — The federal Conservatives are trying to reassure the World Sikh Organization of Canada that the party remains opposed to Quebec’s secularism law after its MPs voted in support of a provision the province used to make it into law.

On Monday the Conservatives voted en masse in favour of a Bloc Québécois motion recognizing that provinces have a “legitimate right” to use the notwithstanding clause, including pre-emptively.

In a letter to the Sikh association Tuesday Deputy Conservative Leader Tim Uppal says the Liberals are trying to spin a narrative that the Conservatives explicitly support the “pre-emptive use” of the clause.

That’s when a province invokes the clause to prevent anyone from launching a Charter of Rights and Freedoms legal challenge in court.

Uppal says the provision is a “long-standing part” of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the ability of provinces to use it is “the legal reality.” 

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But he says Leader Pierre Poilievre has been clear he is against the Quebec law which bans some public servants from wearing religious symbols at work.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 14, 2023. 

The Canadian Press