Advertisement

François Legault accuses Justin Trudeau of attacking Quebec’s democracy and people

Click to play video: 'François Legault accuses Justin Trudeau of attacking Quebec’s democracy and people'
François Legault accuses Justin Trudeau of attacking Quebec’s democracy and people
WATCH ABOVE: Quebec Premier François Legault criticized Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for “attacking Quebec’s democracy and people” by proposing to limit the use of the notwithstanding clause. In a series of Tweets published Saturday morning, Legault said that this expressed desire by Trudeau is a “frontal attack” on the Quebec nation’s ability to protect its collective rights – Jan 21, 2023

Quebec Premier François Legault is criticizing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for “attacking Quebec’s democracy and people” by proposing to limit the use of the notwithstanding clause.

In a Tweet posted Saturday morning, Legault said that this expressed desire by Trudeau is a “frontal attack” on the Quebec nation’s ability to protect its collective rights.

Story continues below advertisement

Legault was reacting to an interview the prime minister gave to La Presse in which he noted his intention to better regulate the use of the notwithstanding clause, which permits provincial and territorial governments to override certain provisions of the Constitution. He told La Presse he’s also considering referring the matter to the Supreme Court.

Breaking news from Canada and around the world sent to your email, as it happens.
For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Legault says no Quebec government has ever adhered to the 1982 Constitution Act, which he says “does not recognize the Quebec nation.”

He says governments led by the Parti Québécois, the Liberal Party and the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) have all used the notwithstanding clause, notably to protect the French language.

Click to play video: 'François Legault feeling optimistic after Montreal meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau'
François Legault feeling optimistic after Montreal meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

He says it is up to Quebec’s national assembly to decide on the laws that will govern the province and Quebec would never accept such a weakening of its rights.

Since first coming to power in 2018, Legault’s government has invoked the notwithstanding clause twice to protect a recently introduced secularism law and language law reforms from potential legal challenges.

Story continues below advertisement

–with files from Alessia Maratta, Global News

Sponsored content

AdChoices