While expressing his “concerns” about Quebec’s Bill 96, federal Justice Minister David Lametti announced that his government will present its arguments against Bill 21 on state secularism to the Supreme Court.
“Once the Court of Appeal has ruled [sur la loi 21]we are going to the Supreme Court to give our opinion on it, ”said Minister Lametti on Wednesday, who is also Attorney General of Canada.
He said he “does not rule out” also leading a protest against Law 96, which notably reforms the Charter of the French language and which was adopted Tuesday at the National Assembly, during a press briefing. chaotic Wednesday morning. David Lametti was interrupted by a Palestine activist and passing buses and emergency vehicles as he fielded questions from reporters in his Montreal riding of LaSalle—Émard—Verdun.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has never closed the door on federal assistance for the legal challenge of Bill 21 in court. However, he repeated that he would let Quebecers themselves challenge in court the ban on the display of religious symbols in the functions of certain government employees in positions of authority, such as peace officers, prosecutors and teachers.
The minister attacked Quebec’s use of the derogatory (or “notwithstanding”) clause, a legal provision that has the effect of exempting bills from certain articles of the Canadian and Quebec charters of rights and freedoms.
“We have, as we have said from the start, concerns about the pre-emptive use of the notwithstanding clause. We said from the start that we wanted to leave room for Quebeckers before the courts, but once it comes before the Supreme Court of Canada, it is by default a national issue. We will be there to deliver our arguments, ”promised the minister.
Further details will follow.