TORONTO — CCLA is relieved that the Ontario government does not intend on using the notwithstanding clause pre-emptively to override the rights of unhoused people. We are deeply concerned with the declared intention of using the notwithstanding clause if the government disagrees with the outcome of court decisions.
“Court decisions enforcing Charter rights should be respected by governments, not circumvented”, said Anaïs Bussières McNicoll, Director of the Fundamental Freedoms program at CCLA. “The notwithstanding clause should not be used to override basic human rights.”
“Vulnerable and marginalized people, just like every other member of our society, have rights”, said Harini Sivalingam, Director of the Equality Program at CCLA. “Governments should enact laws that align with the rights and freedoms guaranteed in the Charter.”
About the Canadian Civil Liberties Association
The CCLA is an independent, non-profit organization with supporters from across the country. Founded in 1964, the CCLA is a national human rights organization committed to defending the rights, dignity, safety, and freedoms of all people in Canada.
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