Nova Scotia Federation of Labour Celebrates Major Victory for Workers’ Democratic Rights Across Canada. The “notwithstanding clause” should not be used to bypass our Charter rights

The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour (NSFL) applauds the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision to uphold the ruling that struck down Ontario’s Bill 307. This landmark judgment is not just a victory for Ontario’s workers, it strengthens the rights of all working people and their unions across Canada, including in Nova Scotia.

When the Ford government attempted to muzzle unions by restricting their communication with the public, they attacked fundamental freedoms that belong to all of us, including our unions.  This ruling delivers a resounding message to every provincial government, workers’ voices cannot be silenced through legislative overreach.

The legal battle began when Ontario’s government introduced legislation to bar unions from sharing information on key issues for an entire year before the elections. Then, the Ontario government invoked the rarely used “notwithstanding clause” to bypass our Charter rights.

The good news is that the courts determined these actions violated our democratic right to vote, including access to diverse perspectives before making electoral decisions. The ruling is significant for workers in Nova Scotia and other provinces. Our governments cannot arbitrarily suppress union activities. This decision fortifies the democratic safeguards that protect working people across the country. The Supreme Court’s verdict establishes critical principles for our labour rights in our country.

• Governments cannot censor unions simply because they disagree with their messaging.
• The right to vote extends beyond casting a ballot, it encompasses the right to receive and consider diverse political viewpoints.
• Provincial legislatures, regardless of political majority, must uphold these democratic freedoms.

Workers in Nova Scotia should recognize this victory as another great victory recognizing our charter rights. When unions stand together like they did in Ontario, we safeguard the rights of all workers. This ruling ensures that Nova Scotia’s unions can continue advocating for better working conditions for all without the looming threat of government-imposed silencing tactics in the political environment.

The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour stands in solidarity with our union allies in Ontario who waged this lengthy legal fight. Their determination underscores the strength of our democracy and that it functions best when workers have an unrestricted voice to express our values and beliefs.