Pierre Trudeau’s contribution to the remaking of Canada cannot be questioned. Throughout the 1980 to 1982 constitutional debates, he reminded Canadians of their country's basic values.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is seen with Québec Premier Francois Legault in December 2018 at the opening of a first ministers’ meeting. Legault has accused Trudeau of insulting Québecers because of the federal Court Challenges Program.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
Anne Levesque, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa
Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms doesn't mean much if it can't be enforced. That's why the Court Challenges Program is so important — no matter what the Québec premier says.
The Trudeau government’s federal price on carbon survived Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe’s challenge.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Matt Smith
A ruling by the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal recognizes the threat of climate change, but its approach is too narrow.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s threat to wield the notwithstanding clause reveals flaws in Canada’s Constitution in terms of how municipalities are completely unprotected.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
Ontario's recent threat to use the notwithstanding clause to reduce the size of Toronto's city council is a reminder that municipalities have little protection under the Constitution.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford speaks to reporters in Toronto on Sept. 10, 2018, after announcing he’ll invoke the notwithstanding clause in his battle to shrink Toronto city council. Is Ford taking on the “Court Party?”
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov.
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.