[Pontiac]

6 Jan. 9: Martin suddenly vows, mid-debate, to scrap the feds' ability to use the "notwithstanding" clause in Charter cases. Even senior Liberals are shocked.

I hope someone can explain this one to me.

In the US ‘not withstanding’ means despite what this other law says this law says we will do this.

But I believe Canada’s Charter is equivalent to our Constitution, so I don’t get it.

[goldstategop]

The Notwithstanding Clause allows Parliament to overrule an adverse court ruling. Its never been invoked in Canadian history.

(Denny Crane: "I Don't Want To Socialize With A Pinko Liberal Democrat Commie. Say What You Like About Republicans. We Stick To Our Convictions. Even When We Know We're Dead Wrong.")