Quebec Premier Defends Notwithstanding Clause in Ottawa Meeting

OTTAWA, Canada - Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette met with Prime Minister Mark Carney in Ottawa on Friday, less than 48 hours after her swearing-in, to defend the province's use of the Constitution's notwithstanding clause and discuss key economic and social priorities.

Fréchette, who assumed office at age 55 following her victory in the Coalition Avenir Québec leadership race after former Premier François Legault's resignation, arrived at Parliament Hill emphasizing the clause's importance. The provision allows governments to temporarily override certain Charter of Rights and Freedoms protections, such as freedom of expression and religion, to enact laws. Quebec has invoked it 72 times since 1982, including to shield its secularism law, Bill 21, which prohibits public servants in authority positions from wearing religious symbols.

"Don't limit the Constitution's notwithstanding clause," Fréchette told reporters upon arrival. "It's an important tool for Quebec, for our nation." Her comments followed remarks by federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser, who expressed concerns about provinces using the clause for laws that could violate Canadians' rights. Fraser told CBC News that...