Some unions say they are exploring legal options following the passing of Bill 307.
The Ontario government invoked the notwithstanding clause late yesterday to pass the bill, which limits third-party election advertising and allows legislatures to override portions of the charter for five years.
The Progressive Conservative government argued the move was necessary to protect elections from outside influence, but a judge found it was unconstitutional last week since it was 12 months before an election call.
Unions have said the rules infringe on their rights to free speech and critics insist the move is only aimed at silencing opposition ahead of next June’s election.
The head of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association said it was “a day of infamy for Canada’s constitution.”
A day of infamy for Canada’s constitution, with Ontario using the notwithstanding clause for the first time, using guillotine motions to silence debate, for a third-party election spending gag law ruled unconstitutional by the courts.
We are considering our next legal steps.
— Canadian Civil Liberties Association (@cancivlib) June 14, 2021
“We won’t forget this government’s self-serving attempt to silence critics and rig the next election in their favour.” @PattyCoates.
FULL STATEMENT ⬇️https://t.co/G6vXR2u1WW #WeWontForget #NotwithstandingClause #onpoli #onlab
— OFL (@OFLabour) June 14, 2021
Today, Doug Ford & his government abused their power to crush dissent & silence folks he’s hurt – like LTC survivors & families, parents of kids with autism, health care workers & educators.
People deserve a government that protects & prioritizes them, not 'King' Doug. #ONpoli https://t.co/6FWZHil5f6
— Andrea Horwath (@AndreaHorwath) June 14, 2021
What is Doug Ford so afraid of? He's afraid of the frontline heroes who are speaking out against the Conservative government's poor handling of the pandemic. #onpoli pic.twitter.com/LSIyDvv3b1
— Steven Del Duca (@StevenDelDuca) June 14, 2021
I just voted against Ford's decision to invoke the #NotwithstandingClause.
I cannot stand by while the govt prioritizes political self-interest over Ontarians' Charter Rights. #onpoli pic.twitter.com/35q9y1PMSu
— Mike Schreiner (@MikeSchreiner) June 14, 2021