S-218SenateSecond reading (Senate)

An Act to amend the Constitution Act, 1982 (notwithstanding clause)

Presented by: Peter Harder, sénateurLegislature 45, Session 1Type: Senate Public Bill

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At a glance

This bill aims to amend the Constitution Act, 1982 regarding the notwithstanding clause. It proposes changes to the conditions and application of this clause by provinces and the federal government.

Detailed summary

Bill S-218 aims to amend the Constitution Act, 1982 concerning the notwithstanding clause. This clause allows provincial and federal governments to temporarily override certain rights guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The main provisions of the bill include changes to the conditions under which the notwithstanding clause can be invoked. This may involve additional requirements for its use, such as public consultations or detailed justifications.

The Constitution Act, 1982 would be amended to incorporate these new conditions and requirements related to the notwithstanding clause.

Provincial governments and the federal government would be directly affected by these changes, as they would impact their ability to invoke the notwithstanding clause. Canadian citizens might also be indirectly affected by changes to the protection of their rights.

Legislative progress

Senate

  1. First readingMay 28, 2025
  2. Second readingIn progress
  3. Third readingUpcoming

House of Commons

  1. First readingUpcoming
  2. Second readingUpcoming
  3. Consideration in committeeUpcoming
  4. Report stageUpcoming
  5. Third readingUpcoming
  1. Royal assentUpcoming

Recent debates

  1. First reading in the Senate

Official source: ourcommons.ca

This summary was generated by artificial intelligence from public documents. It does not constitute legal advice.

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