Doug Rogers

What is the Notwithstanding Clause—and why is it so controversial in Canadian politics? In this video, we break down Section 33 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, also known as the “Notwithstanding Clause”, in a simple, engaging way. We’ll bypass all the boring bits.

You’ll learn:

1) What the clause actually does

2) Which rights it can override

3) Real-life examples from Quebec, Ontario, and Saskatchewan

4) Why it matters for democracy in Canada

From Pierre Poilievre wanting to use it if elected, to Quebec’s language laws, this powerful legal tool has shaped major debates about freedom of expression, equality, and who should have the final say—courts or elected officials.

Let’s talk about it: Should the government be allowed to override our rights? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!