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With Prime Minister Mark Carney in attendance at question period on Wednesday, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre asked if the Liberals would “invoke the notwithstanding clause in order to protect the rights of children ahead of the rights of those who abuse them?” “I’m sure I join all members of this House in condemning the exploitation of children as the most reprehensible sort of crime,” Carney replied. He added that his government will be “tabling legislation to penalize those responsible, that works within our constitution.” The Constitution’s notwithstanding clause gives provincial legislatures or Parliament the ability to pass legislation that effectively overrides provisions of the Charter for five years. This follows the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision last Friday to strike down mandatory jail time for child predators convicted of possessing child abuse material.