Justice Minister Sean Fraser appears quite proud of the federal government’s intervention into the constitutional challenge of Quebec’s Bill 21, its sct respecting the laicity of the state. But he ought to bear in mind: pride goes before destruction.

In his news release, Fraser states his ambition plainly: he hopes his efforts will alter how the provinces can employ the notwithstanding clause for years to come. The only path to this outcome involves a Supreme Court ruling that would serve as a de facto constitutional amendment — contrary to the intentions of those who framed it. If Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government gets its way, the ruling would inflame the most significant secession crisis since Quebec’s two independence referendums.

During the 1980 referendum campaign, Pierre T

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