Poilievre to Invoke Notwithstanding Clause for Sentencing

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has announced plans to use the notwithstanding clause to override the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, aiming to empower judges to impose consecutive life sentences for individuals convicted of multiple murders. This move comes in response to a 2022 Supreme Court ruling that deemed such sentences unconstitutional. If implemented, it would mark the first federal use of the notwithstanding clause in Canada, a provision that allows governments to override certain Charter rights for a limited period. Poilievre argues that such measures are necessary to ensure that serious offenders, like the Quebec mosque shooter Alexandre Bissonnette, remain incarcerated for life. Despite constitutional concerns, Poilievre insists that this approach is essential to uphold justice and prevent 'sentence discounts' for multiple murders. Critics, however, warn that this could set a dangerous precedent by undermining judicial independence and Charter protections.