Sask. lawyers call out premier for 'judicial overreach' comments
CTV
The Saskatchewan Trial Lawyers’ Association (STLA) is calling out the premier for his comments in the wake of a court injunction over a controversial government policy.
The Saskatchewan Trial Lawyers’ Association (STLA) is calling out the premier for his comments in the wake of a court injunction over a controversial government policy.
In September, a Regina judge issued an injunction against a new Ministry of Education policy requiring students under 16-years-old to seek parental consent before changing their pronouns or preferred first names in a school setting. The injunction put a pause on the policy until the court rules on a legal challenge mounted by the University of Regina Pride Centre for Sexuality and Gender Diversity (UR Pride).
In a statement sent to media, Premier Scott Moe vowed to recall the legislature early to rush legislation that would enshrine the policy in law, invoking the notwithstanding clause to skirt claims that it breaches Charter rights.
"Our government is extremely dismayed by the judicial overreach of the court," Moe said.
The STLA, which comprises over 300 lawyers across the province, says his statement was concerning.
“While we respect the premier and our government, we believe such remarks to be premature with the potential to erode public trust in our judiciary,” the STLA said in a news release on Friday.
“The pause directed by the court is particularly crucial given the Charter arguments raised and the broader concern for our community, particularly our younger population.”
