Committee alters budget bill clause criticized for undermining the rule of law

Conservative amendments aimed at tightening provisions in Bill C-15, which allows cabinet ministers to exempt entities from federal laws for up to three years, were approved by the finance committee with Liberal support. Critics, including opposition parties and civil rights groups, argue the exemptions pose a threat to democratic principles, potentially allowing laws on labor, health, and the environment to be bypassed at a minister’s discretion. The amendments add safeguards by expanding the list of laws that cannot be exempted.

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