As Alberta invokes the notwithstanding clause, here's what you need to know

Alberta invoked the notwithstanding clause on Monday as it introduced legislation to force striking teachers back to work.

Here's a quick primer on the rarely-used mechanism, and why it matters.

What is the notwithstanding clause?

The notwithstanding clause refers to Section 33 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms .

Essentially, it allows a federal or provincial legislature to pass legislation that violates certain constitutional rights and freedoms, “notwithstanding” the protection of those rights in the Charter.

Which rights are affected?

Section 33 can only be used to override sections 2, and 7–15. Those cover the “fundamental,” “legal” and “equality” rights.

Those sections include some of the Charter's key principles, such as the:

freedom of expression

freedom of