Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about a matter of crucial importance: protecting the rights and freedoms enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Since 1982, this document has been not only a legal instrument, but also a symbol of our identity and our democracy.

Canadians see the charter not only as a law, but as a living guarantee that protects everyone, regardless of their origin, faith or background.

The charter is a pillar of our democracy. Above all, it has become an essential bulwark against arbitrary decisions. It protects all citizens. In fact, polls show that over 80% of Canadians believe it has been good for our country. In Quebec, there is also a large majority that recognizes its importance.

It is not a coincidence that other nations, such as South Africa and New Zealand, have looked to Canada's charter when drafting their own bills of rights.

As a Quebecker, I want to say today that the notwithstanding clause is a dangerous tool. Let me explain.

Section 33 says that the notwithstanding clause allows certain fundamental rights to be suspended: freedom of religion, freedom of expression, the right to equality and the right to a fair trial. These rights are at the heart of our democracy. Suspending these protections undermines the bedrock of our society.

The notwithstanding clause may appear technical, but its impact is very real. It allows governments to bypass the courts and silence minority voices. That is why its use must remain exceptional.

Religious freedom is a test of our democracy. Religious freedom, guaranteed in section 2(a), protects the right to believe or not to believe, as well as the right to express one's faith openly and without fear. It allows everyone, whether they attend a mosque, church, synagogue or temple, to express their faith with dignity.

Restricting this freedom through the notwithstanding clause sends a message that religious minorities can be pushed aside based on the political choices of the majority. We need to be careful and make a clear distinction between secularism and the Bloc Québécois' idea of secularism. The Bloc wants to impose values on us. They claim to know what Quebec's values are, and they want to decide what those values are. Quebec's values include the French language, as well as Quebec's rich diversity. That is Quebec's value. That is Quebec's culture. I want to come back to religion.

Freedom of religion includes the right to wear symbols of faith in public life. In Canada, multiculturalism is not an abstract principle. It is a lived reality, and religious diversity is at its core.

This clause raises other questions. It may affect freedom of expression and freedom of the press, which are essential for informing citizens and holding governments to account. The right to life, liberty and security, under section 7, protects against arbitrary interference by the state. The right to protection from unreasonable searches, in section 8, guarantees privacy. The right to equality, in section 15, prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion, sex, sexual orientation, origin or disability.

When one group's rights are suspended, all Canadians are weakened. Democracy is not only about majority rule; it is about protecting minorities as well.

It is a matter of principle. Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us of this in his letter from the Birmingham jail: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

Our duty as legislators is to protect the charter as a whole, without picking and choosing which rights are the most convenient to defend depending on the circumstances.

Steadfast respect for charter rights, without resorting to section 33, benefits all Canadians, strengthens our democracy and upholds the rule of law.

Respecting charter rights and freedoms is not just an abstract principle. It is a very real responsibility toward all citizens. Failure to protect these rights and freedoms undermines our democracy. Protecting these rights and freedoms strengthens our country's confidence, diversity and unity.

Quebec chose 44 Liberal MPs, many of them women and men from diverse backgrounds. Quebec voters chose a significant number of women. A huge percentage of people from diverse backgrounds represent the people of Quebec. I think the Liberal Party has the right to represent Quebec culture, Quebec values and, most importantly, Quebeckers' rights and freedoms.

Abdelhaq Sari

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