Poilievre justice proposals spark heated debate on legislative powers

April 17, 2025, 6:20 am

In recent political discourse, proposals advanced by Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre have sparked debate over the intended use of the nearly dormant notwithstanding clause to enforce tougher sentencing for mass murderers. Critics warn that such a move would shift legislative power excessively toward elected officials at the expense of established judicial safeguards, while supporters contend it offers a route to enhance public safety. This policy controversy highlights a growing ideological split in approaches to criminal justice reform.

citynews.ca / Explaining the controversy around the notwithstanding clause

This week, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre re-ignited debate about Section 33 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Poilievre is pledging to use the notwithstanding clause to bring in justice reforms, including reviving Harper-era consecutive life sentences that were ruled...

nationalpost.com / Understanding Canada’s notwithstanding clause and what it means in this federal election

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre wants to use the rarely-used clause to allow harsher sentences for mass murderers. His opponents disagree

nationalpost.com / Terry Newman: Won’t somebody please think of the mass murderers?

Use of the notwithstanding clause would simply put legislation back into the hands of elected MPs

3 stories from 2 sources in 41 hours ago #politics #federal #law #justice #publicpolicy #conservatives

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Poilievre justice proposals spark heated debate on legislative powers

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