What’s the Controversy Around Ottawa Wanting to Limit Use of Notwithstanding Clause?

Ottawa is asking the Supreme Court of Canada to set limits on the manner in which provincial governments can use a controversial clause in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Section 33 of the Charter, known as the Notwithstanding clause, permits provincial governments to override specific provisions of the Charter by enacting a law, which simultaneously prevents judicial review of the legislation in question for five years.