The parties' promises on Charter rights and the Supreme Court

This is a page from the 2025 Canadian general election.

Charter rights and the Supreme Court platforms

Here's what the 2025 Canadian election parties are promising.

Expand the Court Challenges Program, which provides funding for people to bring court cases of national significance related to the constitution, quasi-constitutional laws, or human rights

"Enable Canadians to take more action to affirm their rights by expanding the Court Challenges Program." — liberal.ca, retrieved 2025-04-22

Override the Charter of Rights and Freedoms to impose consecutive sentences for multiple-murderers

"Ensure consecutive sentences for mass murderers by restoring true life sentences for multiple murderers. The Supreme Court's shocking decision in the Alexandre Bissonnette case resulted in the sentences of some of Canada’s most notorious killers being reduced, giving them a chance to walk free early." — Change, retrieved 2025-04-23

"Poilievre will reintroduce the Protecting Canadians by Ending Sentence Discounts for Multiple Murders Act, which the Supreme Court of Canada struck down in 2022 because, in their opinion, it was too hard on mass murderers. Poilievre will restore this legislation using Section 33 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms." — conservative.ca, retrieved 2025-04-23

Militer pour que le Québec puisse sélectionner les juges issus du Québec siégeant à la Cour suprême
S’opposer à toute remise en question de l’utilisation de la clause dérogatoire par le Québec
Imposer un délai maximal au fédéral pour remplir les postes vacants à la magistrature
Assurer que tous les juges nommés à la Cour suprême maîtrisent le français

We don't have any NDP policies on Charter rights and the Supreme Court.

Oppose the pre-emptive use of the notwithstanding clause to override Charter rights
Require the federal government to choose three Supreme Court justices from a list of nine candidates submitted by the Québec government

"Guarantee Quebec’s participation in Supreme Court appointments by requiring the federal government to choose from a list of nine candidates submitted by the Quebec government, from which three would be appointed." — Change: Vote For It, retrieved 2025-04-25
Support legislative measures to restrict use of the notwithstanding clause

"Oppose the pre-emptive use of the notwithstanding clause and support legislative measures to restrict its application, ensuring it remains a tool of last resort in exceptional circumstances." — Change: Vote For It, retrieved 2025-04-25