Notwithstanding – iPolitics

Good evening to you.

The penultimate week of the federal election campaign started with Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre explicitly stating his intention to use the notwithstanding clause of the constitution to bypass the court decisions that would obstruct what he has proposed as the “biggest crackdown on crime in Canadian history.”

More specifically, during a campaign stop in Montreal, Poilievre promised to “give judges back the power to sentence multiple murderers to consecutive prison sentences without parole eligibility beyond 25 years,” which was then followed by an accelerated version of his now-familiar argument that Liberal leader Mark Carney is just like his predecessor, Justin Trudeau.

After opening the floor for questions from journalists, Poilievre was asked if he believes Supreme Court decisions have any weight, and he assured the room — in French and in English — that he respects court rulings and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which is why he’ll use S33 of that same charter “to protect law-abiding Canadians against the dangers that are spreading everywhere in our streets.”

He also delivered a strong defence of both the right of Jewish people to live in safety and freedom, including “cracking down on hate-based vandalism” and “violence targeted at places of worship,” and also came out in support of the right of people to wear visible religious symbols.

Another journalist wondered if he might use the notwithstanding clause in “other areas,” and Poilievre says he’d do so on issues of “criminality,” but not to “take away” the rights of Canadians.

Liberal Leader Mark Carney also spent the day in la belle province, where he visited the Bombardier factory in Dorval, Que., to outline his plans to overhaul defence procurement by modernizing existing regulations, establishing a “Bureau of Research, Engineering and Advanced Leadership in Science” and helping defence businesses expand into international markets.

When asked how a Liberal government would fix the current procurement system, Carney launched into a slightly more expanded explanation of exactly how the new agency would set up would streamline the process. He also flagged the need for Canada to “diversify” its “reliable partners,” and again points to Europe as an example thereof.

As predicted, Carney was also quizzed over the now-infamous button prank involving Liberal staffers planting fake merchandise at a recent conservative conference in Ottawa. He categorically declared it to be “unacceptable,” and “cannot happen again.” (He also noted that he was unaware of it.)

Meanwhile, shortly after Poilievre’s announcement, a journalist asked Carney if there was any scenario in which he would invoke the notwithstanding clause. He didn’t say no, but he certainly seemed to be leaning in that direction, and he warned that “politicizing” certain issues just leads to “more politicization.” He also made the case that being “tough on crime” also requires “being smart on crime,” including “gun crime,” and pointed out that Poilievre has consistently voted against measures to tighten gun laws.

You can keep up with all the news by checking out iPolitics‘ live blog, which will run everyday until the federal election. Also, stay tuned to our daily Campaign Countdown newsletter for a recap of the day’s events. You can find that here.

Turning to provincial politics, the members of Ontario’s legislature have chosen Donna Skelly as the province’s first female Speaker.

Skelly has represented the Hamilton-area riding of Flamborough-Glanbrook for the Progressive Conservatives since 2018 and has served as a deputy Speaker.

She becomes the 43rd Speaker of Ontario, as Ted Arnott retires after nearly seven years in the role.

Skelly, who entered politics after a 30-year career in broadcast journalism, said earlier that she wants to bring a more professional tone, with “less chaos” to question period.

The vote for Speaker is one of the only times members cast a secret ballot, making it a free vote.

Electing a Speaker is the legislature’s first and only order of business on the first day back after the February provincial election, and members are now set to return Tuesday for the government’s speech from the throne that outlines its priorities.

CP reports.

From Rebel to Rabble: The Rebel to Rabble Review: Right-leaning media outlets converge on Poilievre’s ‘massive’ rally in Edmonton

In Other Headlines

U.S. President Donald Trump ‘s top advisers and Nayib Bukele, the president of El Salvador, said Monday that they have no basis for the small Central American nation to return a Maryland man who was wrongly deported there last month. Bukele called the idea “preposterous” even though the U.S. Supreme Court has called on the administration to “facilitate” Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s return.

Trump administration officials emphasized that Abrego Garcia, who was sent to a notorious gang prison in El Salvador, was a citizen of that country and that the U.S. has no say in his future. And Bukele, who has been a vital partner for the Trump administration in its deportation efforts, said “of course” he would not release him back to U.S. soil.

“The question is preposterous. How can I smuggle a terrorist into the United States?” Bukele, seated alongside Trump, told reporters in the Oval Office Monday. “I don’t have the power to return him to the United States.”

AP has the full story.

Still stateside, a 5.2-magnitude earthquake shook Southern California on Monday morning, swaying lights and rattling cups off shelves, but officials reported no injuries or major damage.

The quake was centred in San Diego County near the mountain town of Julian, which is known for its apple pie shops, and was felt as far north as Los Angeles.

A San Diego County firefighter who answered the phone at the Julian fire station said there were no reports of damage and no calls for service after what was a “good shaking.” The county police and sheriff’s departments also said they had received no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

AP also has the latest there.

In Other International Headlines

The Kicker

Team Canada is off to the quarterfinals at the women’s world hockey championships, where they’ve won three games but lost a highly-anticipated matchup with the U.S.

Canada will now play either Sweden, Japan, or Germany in the quarters, as things shape up for an expected rematch with the states in the gold medal game.

And with that, we’ll see you tomorrow…