Feds Respond to Saskatchewan’s Plan to Invoke Notwithstanding Clause Over Pronoun Policy

Premier Scott Moe has said his government would use the notwithstanding clause to put its policy into effect. 

Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Arif Virani speaks during a media availability after a cabinet swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on July 26, 2023. Justin Tang/The Canadian Press

Federal Justice Minister Arif Virani has taken to social media to criticize the Saskatchewan government’s decision to use the notwithstanding clause to override a court injunction to pause its pronoun policy. 

The Saskatchewan government announced on Aug. 22 that schools would need to seek the consent of parents of children under 16 who want to change their pronouns. The policy would also allow parents to opt their children out of sexual health classes.