Alberta considers use of notwithstanding clause as clause under debate

As the Supreme Court of Canada considers limits on the use of the notwithstanding clause, the Alberta government is considering invoking the clause to preserve three pieces of legislation affecting transgender minors in the province.

A memo from Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s office directs the Alberta justice ministry to develop plans for the use of the notwithstanding clause to protect the controversial legislation from being struck down by the courts, The Canadian Press reported Thursday.

“As you are aware, the premier’s office has directed that legislation be developed for the fall legislative session to amend the following pieces of legislation to permit each to operate notwithstanding the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Alberta Bill of Rights,” says the memo from