OTTAWA — Ontario Premier Doug Ford criticized the federal government on Thursday regarding its recent comments about the notwithstanding clause of the Constitution. This clause allows provincial legislatures or Parliament to enact laws that can override certain provisions of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms for a period of five years.

In a submission to the Supreme Court of Canada concerning Quebec’s secularism law, the federal government argued that the constitutional limits of the notwithstanding clause prevent its use to "distort or annihilate" the rights guaranteed by the Charter. Justice Minister Sean Fraser stated that the Supreme Court's ruling will influence how both federal and provincial governments utilize the notwithstanding clause in the future.

The Ontario government, in its submission, emphasized the importance of the notwithstanding clause to Canada’s constitutional democracy. It argued that the clause allows democratically elected representatives to prioritize laws that serve the public interest, even if they conflict with certain Charter provisions.

During a press conference in Vaughan, Ford specifically targeted Fraser and Prime Minister Mark Carney, labeling the federal position as "the worst decision" Carney has made. He warned that it could lead to significant negative consequences. Ford, whose government has invoked the notwithstanding clause multiple times, asserted that legislatures should hold supreme authority over judicial decisions. "There’s not one person I’ve talked to that has said, ‘We want to give the judges — politically appointed judges — more authority,’" he stated.

Ford also criticized Fraser's previous roles in immigration and housing, questioning his current position as attorney general. He suggested that Fraser should concentrate on pressing issues like bail reform and legislation concerning young offenders rather than engaging in constitutional debates.

In response, Fraser did not directly address Ford's criticisms regarding the notwithstanding clause. However, he emphasized that political disputes would not enhance community safety. "We are moving ahead with legislation this fall that will strengthen the Criminal Code and help protect communities against crime," Fraser said. He noted that Ontario's engagement in these discussions has been constructive, highlighting a recent productive meeting with Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey.