Notwithstanding Clause erases the Charter of Rights

The Calgary Herald is reporting that "The day after the UCP hit teachers with the notwithstanding clause, they used their power again — to clarify rules on big gifts for top government staffers."

CBA Alberta is reporting that "The Alberta government has invoked the notwithstanding clause to order teachers back to work. The Back to School Act imposes a collective agreement on teachers and prohibits them from striking until August 31, 2028."

OK I understand that teachers in Alberta are well paid and I also understand the Teachers strike in Alberta was well supported. Without commenting on the merits of the strike, I will express my concern about the use of the Notwithstanding clause. This isn't the first time Daniel Smith has threatened to use it. 

The Notwithstanding clause is a very dangerous tool that can easily be abused. The US Constitution doesn't have one. It basically says Canadians have these rights notwithstanding certain circumstances. Justin Trudeau suspended Charter of Rights by erroneously declaring a state of Emergency. It's basically the same thing. It's a very bad precedent. 

Back in the day, Canada Post was repeatedly declared an essential service and the federal government would legislate Postal workers back to work during a strike. 

Alberta has the right to legislate teachers back to work but waving the Notwithstanding clause around the way they are is very dangerous and a complete contradiction for a party that claims to support civil liberty. 

Recently the Supreme Court struck down a law implementing a one year mandatory minimum sentence for child pornography. They've done this before about minimum sentences. Committing crime is not a Charter Right. Bad judges need to be replaced. 

Danielle Smith and Pierre Poilievre are jumping at the opportunity to use the notwithstanding clause to override the Supreme court on Child Porn minimum sentences. That's concerning because this is a manufactured emergency with a preplanned solution. They are eager to find an excuse to suspend the Charter of Rights. That's concerning. 

Another flaming concern is the fact that Stephen Harper and Danielle Smith just took a trip to Saudi Arabia together. Stephen Harper is  a bad man. He is not a Conservative, he is a Neo Con. He has always been an enemy of the Charter of Rights. 

Putting Harper in charge of the Alberta Pension was a huge mistake. Danielle Smith publicly endorsing a Neo Con is a very bad thing. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia doesn't have a Charter of Rights. Trump sold out domestic production of oil so his son in law could get $5 billion for his hedge fund from Saudi. 

Saudi Arabia is tied directly to the CIA's arms dealing. They are a big part of the World Economic Forum's Agenda which Stephen Harper has been an avid supporter of. Buyer Beware.