The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) has applied to intervene in the ongoing pronoun case in Saskatchewan.
In a release issued on Tuesday, the CMA stated that it would like to intervene before the Supreme Court in the landmark case between the Government of Saskatchewan (Minister of Education) v. UR Pride Centre for Sexuality and Gender Diversity (“UR Pride”).
Right on, CMA!
“The notwithstanding clause should not be a tool to end public and legal debate,” CMA president Dr. Margot Burnell said in a statement.
The CMA says being able to obtain Charter rulings, even when laws remain in force under the notwithstanding clause, remains critical for transparency, accountability and evidence-based health policy.
The CMA warns the outcome could have ripple effects beyond Saskatchewan, including its own legal challenge of Alberta’s Bill 26, which it argues interferes with evidence-based medical care and physicians’ freedom of conscience.
Alberta has also invoked the notwithstanding clause to shield that legislation.
