Quebec's premier-designate says he is prepared to invoke the notwithstanding clause to enforce a prohibition on any public employee from wearing a religious symbol such as a hijab or kippa in the workplace.
.... But when asked by reporters about the notwithstanding clause and his immigration policy, he didn't back down.
"I think that the vast majority of Quebecers, they would like to have a framework where people in an authority position must not wear a religious sign," Legault said.
Political leaders generally have been reluctant to use the notwithstanding clause, which is viewed by many as politically perilous.
However, just last month, new Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatened to use the constitutional provision to override an Ontario Superior Court ruling that struck down the government's bill shrinking the size of Toronto city council on the grounds that it violated the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. [CBC/Radio-Canada] Read more
