CCLA responds to the introduction of Bill 596, which would limit the use of the notwithstanding clause in Quebec

Montreal – On 7 May 2026, Anaïs Bussières McNicoll, Quebec spokesperson and director of Fundamental Freedoms for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA), issued the following statement:

“The CCLA welcomes the introduction of Bill 596, An Act to Strengthen the Integrity and Protection of Human Rights and Freedoms, which would limit the Quebec government’s use of the notwithstanding clause.

While stricter limits would have been preferable, the introduction of this bill is a step in the right direction. Bill 596 brings before the National Assembly a now urgent public debate regarding the dangers to which the notwithstanding clause exposes Quebec’s human rights protection system.

For several months, the CCLA and other Quebec civil society organisations, such as the Barreau du Québec and the Ligue des droits et libertés, have been sounding the alarm about the increasing and pre-emptive use of the notwithstanding clause.

Far from being a necessary tool to protect Quebec’s distinct character within Canada, this clause instead allows the Quebec government to deprive certain Quebecers of basic human rights without justification.

The rise of authoritarian regimes worldwide, including the rapid collapse of U.S. democracy, highlights the importance of robust human rights protections. However, our Quebec society cannot be considered truly free and democratic if our governments can trample on some of our most fundamental rights with impunity.

The CCLA will continue to advocate for strict limits on the use of the notwithstanding clause.”