City council is a level of government deserving of recognition and autonomy. That’s why Toronto must continue to fight Ontario’s attempt to exert its will over the city.
Doug Ford’s wielding of the notwithstanding clause is part of a broader opposition to judicial activism that has developed among right-wing politicians and academics in the post-Charter era.
Doug Ford is invoking the province’s broad powers over municipalities in a manner that tramples on fundamental principles of fairness, reasonable notice and the right to effective representation.