Ontario Government Passes Bill 307 with Notwithstanding Clause

Opposition saying bill silences criticism

 

The Ontario government has passed a bill which limits third party election advertising.

Bill 307 used the notwishstanding clause to reintroduce parts of the law which were shot down by a judge earlier last week.

The judge found it was unconstitutional for the government to double the restricted pre-election spending period for advertising for third parties to 12 months before an election. The clause will override portions of the charter for a five year term.

Opposition argued on Monday the current government was trying to silence criticism during the June election next year.