OntarioBill 39First Reading

Bill 39: Notwithstanding Clause Limitation Act, 2025

Sponsor: Collard, LucilleIntroduced June 2, 2025Last checked August 30, 2026

Read the official text on ola.orgOfficial version — Legislative Assembly of Ontario

What this bill does

This Ontario bill restricts the provincial government's ability to invoke the notwithstanding clause of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, limiting its use to urgent situations where a court has already found a Charter violation, requiring an Attorney General's justification report and a two-thirds legislative majority for passage.

Plain-language summary by Legisail.

Business impact

This bill primarily affects the legislative process in Ontario rather than targeting specific businesses or industries directly. However, it indirectly impacts all Ontario businesses by strengthening Charter protections — making it significantly harder for the provincial government to pass laws that override fundamental rights such as freedom of expression, association, or equality rights. Businesses that have previously been affected by notwithstanding clause legislation (such as those in sectors touched by back-to-work legislation or labour disputes) would benefit from greater procedural safeguards. The impact is province-wide and applies regardless of business size or sector.

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Where this bill is

First ReadingJune 2, 2025

Next: Second Reading debate

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At a glance

Bill number: BILL-39