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Pierre Poilievre Pledges First Federal Use of Notwithstanding Clause to Reinstate Consecutive Sentencing

The Conservative leader's proposal to override a Supreme Court ruling raises concerns over Charter protections and judicial independence.

The Supreme Court of Canada is seen, Wednesday, August 10, 2022 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
MONTREAL, CANADA - APRIL 14: Canada's Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre speaks at a press conference during a campaign event on April 14, 2025 at the Holiday Inn & Suites in Montreal, Canada. Pierre Poilievre made an announcement that, if elected, he will be tougher on crime by restoring consecutive sentences for mass murderers. (Photo by Andrej Ivanov/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Pierre Poilievre has formally committed to invoking the notwithstanding clause at the federal level to restore consecutive life sentences for multiple murderers, overturning a 2022 Supreme Court ruling.
  • The Supreme Court had unanimously struck down the legislation, deeming it cruel, unusual punishment, and incompatible with human dignity.
  • This would mark the first federal use of Section 33 of the Charter, a provision historically employed by provinces on issues like language laws, education, and labour rights.
  • Critics argue the move undermines Charter protections, risks abuse of power, and sets a dangerous precedent for judicial oversight in Canada.
  • Poilievre frames the proposal as addressing perceived gaps in the justice system and responding to public demand for tougher sentencing policies.