Ontario’s attorney general says a landmark case before the Supreme Court of Canada could reshape the country’s constitutional balance for generations, and is asking judges to resist calls to limit the use of the notwithstanding clause.
In an exclusive interview with QP Briefing following his rare personal appearance before the court, Attorney General Doug Downey framed the high-stakes hearing as a defining moment for Canada, centred on who ultimately has the final say on Charter rights: courts or elected governments.
“This is a case of profound significance… for the entire federation,” Downey said. “It really is about the balancing act between the judiciary and the legislative branch.”