Notwithstanding the Charter, the state, and religion

Quebec's secularism law is expected to be appealed before the Supreme Court of Canada. The Quebec case is fundamental to the use of the notwithstanding clause as it affects numerous rights and freedoms protected by the Charter. It has had widespread publicity across the country for several years and fixed views have emerged on the override clause and in the use of religious symbols by persons interacting with citizens on behalf of the State.
Quebec Premier François Legault's government introduced Bill 21, which purports to ensure the neutrality of the government by insisting no one in a position of authority be allowed to wear ‘religious symbols’ while exercising their functions.
The summer nears its end with the pandemic still ubiquitous, the results of the federal election clouding our equanimity, and the menace of a troublesome constitutional crisis is on the horizon. Our winter months will not want for an agenda.

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