Ford says Trudeau being ‘selective’ in criticizing use of notwithstanding clause

"If he wants to sit down with all the premiers and have a conversation about the constitution, that's something he needs to decide for himself," Premier Doug Ford said.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford took a swipe at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday, saying Trudeau is being “selective” when deciding to criticize the use of the notwithstanding clause.

Ford made the remarks at a press conference at Queen’s Park where he provided an update on the ongoing dispute between the government and 55,000 education workers represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) that has lead to school closures.

Last week, the province passed legislation to impose a contract on the employees in a bid to avoid a strike by the union.

The government’s legislation included the controversial use of the notwithstanding clause to guard against potential constitutional challenges. The clause allows legislatures to override parts of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms for a five-year term.

CUPE workers have staged a walkout despite the government’s move. Ford said Monday that he would repeal the legislation and return to the bargaining table if CUPE ended the walkout.

Trudeau has called Ford’s use of the notwithstanding clause “wrong.”

“The suspension of people’s rights is something that you should only do in the most exceptional circumstances, and I really hope that all politicians call out the overuse of the notwithstanding clause to suspend people’s rights and freedoms,” the prime minister said last week.

Trudeau also said his government is weighing “all different options” when asked Friday whether Ottawa will seek to amend the use of the controversial notwithstanding clause.