Martin would remove s.33

[Ted-Easton]

If anyone else caught the leader's debate tonight, you may have been surprised to hear Paul Martin say that he would push for a constitutional amendment to remove s.33, the Notwithstanding Clause. While exceedingly difficult to do, this could have far-reaching implications, depite the fact that the clause is rarely used today (and almost never outside Quebec).

If you're not familiar with it, the clause permits governments to enact legislation notwithstanding (in spite of) certain sections of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It has only ever been used by Quebec to enact certain legislations to protect the French tongue, and by Saskatchewan (albeit unnecessarily).

For more information, see here.
Or to read about s.33, see wikipedia.

Thoughts?

[sdhonda]

HOLY ****! Didnt see that coming.

I doubt it will happen though.

[Peregrinus]

I can almost guarantee that won't happen. Martin would need to challenge the entire charter in order to remove the Notwithstanding clause. That wont fly with any of the provinces. I think he just lost himself the election by saying that. Removing the Notwithstanding clause would mean that, for example, priests might be forced (against their convictions) to preside over gay marriage.

[sdhonda]

At 1/10/06 11:12 AM, K-Pingu wrote: I can almost guarantee that won't happen. Martin would need to challenge the entire charter in order to remove the Notwithstanding clause. That wont fly with any of the provinces. I think he just lost himself the election by saying that. Removing the Notwithstanding clause would mean that, for example, priests might be forced (against their convictions) to preside over gay marriage.

Martin got slaughtered in the debates, and wasnt exactly doing fine before. He wont win at this rate.

But if harper wins, he will try to make gay marriage (and homosexuality if he had his way) illegal agian. Its either that, or enact gun legislation because albertans will kill him (heh, airfarce).

[Peregrinus]

At 1/10/06 02:14 PM, sdhonda wrote: Martin got slaughtered in the debates, and wasnt exactly doing fine before. He wont win at this rate.

Well see if he tries to cover his ass tonight in the French language debate. He'll probably say something like "let me be perfectly clear: I fucked up last night"

Quote from "The Return of the State: Protestors, Power-Brokers, and the New Global Compromise" by Adam Harmes:

"Part of the reason Paul Martin is where he is today is because of his ability to obfuscate, to be all things to all people. Who else could begin every statement with 'Let me be perfectly clear', and then leave you even more confused on where he stands on the issue."