The True Post (Web News)Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has called on the federal government to invoke the Notwithstanding Clause to overturn a Supreme Court ruling that struck down the mandatory one-year minimum sentence for possessing or accessing child pornography.
Smith said the Supreme Court’s decision was “deeply concerning,” adding that “a one-year sentence is already far too lenient for such a heinous crime.” She urged Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government to act immediately to restore the law.
The clause allows governments to suspend certain constitutional rights for up to five years to maintain a balance between legislative and judicial powers.
Earlier this week, Smith also used the clause provincially to end a teachers’ strike across Alberta, citing widespread disruption to students’ education and well-being.
However, rights groups including Amnesty International and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association have criticized her actions as overreach, while leaders such as Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe have backed Smith, saying governments must retain the authority to act in the public interest.
