Calgary, Alberta – Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has once again invoked the notwithstanding clause, something meant for only the most dire times to pass legislation, to get around a small legal problem.
“This is exactly the kind of reason the notwithstanding clause exists,” argued Smith while double-parked in a handicap spot. “If me want to do something, me get to do it, notwithstanding. As a last resort.”
Danielle Smith has received criticism of late for using the clause, seen as a last resort, for a number of petty reasons including cutting the line at her local McDonald’s, driving 190 kilometres per hour in a school zone, and not washing her own hands after using the washroom.
“I was going to say not washing your hands was a freedom of speech thing,” explained Smith. “Instead, I just use the notwithstandy thing again. I promise not to use it again, too soon, this week.”
A whistleblower, who is a close friend of Smith’s, leaked that the Premier once used the clause to get out of the dinner tab when they were out at a fancy restaurant. Allegedly, Smith told her friend that she ‘had this one,’ then proceeded to show the waiter a copy of the charter of rights and freedoms, ripping it up in front of him.
Smith’s behaviour has emboldened other Premiers to misuse the legal provision, leading to Ontario Premier Doug Ford to ban colours he thinks are “too girly.”
