Thank you all for signing our petition!  There should be no 2nd Class Canadians!

The Task Force is fighting Bill 96 for you, it is what we do. In a world filled with false narratives and division, many have wanted to ignore politics and just carry-on, even when their rights were under attack. By signing our petition, you have indicated you care and are interested in the fight against this mean-spirited and discriminatory law. But with new threats on our country, we know we must do even more to ensure Canada remains “True North Strong and Free.” And, if you are like us, you certainly do not want to be remembered as part of the generation that failed to protect human rights in Canada.

Bill 96 isn’t just a “language law”; it’s an attack on Constitutional rights. The law hides behind the Notwithstanding Clause and strips freedoms from 1.25 million English-speaking Quebecers. So far, with the help of our donors we’ve filed our case, applied for an injunction, and defended against an attempt by the federal government to dismiss our case (with the ruling still pending). If you've donated—THANK YOU. If it’s been a while, please consider supporting us again as we face the next steps. If you haven’t yet, please consider.  Also be sure to join us on our website www.thetaskforce.ca so we can keep you updated on news and events.

We always expected our legal fight would have to reach the Supreme Court to get real change. Whether we’d win or lose in Superior Court, we’d expect appeals all the way up. Only the Supreme Court or a constitutional amendment can limit the use of the Notwithstanding Clause— and the chance of a constitutional amendment is likely nil given the current political climate. That’s why it’s up to us, the grassroots, to challenge these laws in court.

Here’s the good news! We have a chance to be heard sooner. Thanks to those fighting Bill 21, a shortcut to the Supreme Court is now available. We can apply for Intervenor Status and join their case, making sure our voices are heard in a ruling that will shape the future of constitutional rights in Canada.

We had rights prior to 1982 when our Constitution was repatriated.  However in doing so, an 11th hour bargain to include the Notwithstanding Clause was incorporated. Now we must live with legislatures’ ability to cancel those rights.  We will stand with those fighting Bill 21 and request the court answer “What is the interpretation of the extent and scope of the Notwithstanding Clause. i.e.,  and how far can it go to take away our rights?”  It is high time for Canadians to know if they have rights or not!

So why should the grassroots fighting Bill 96 get involved with Bill 21 when the federal government has already announced it will intervene in the Bill 21 case?  The reason is simple: We don’t know what their position will be! They had the chance to act and chose not to. We believe they’ll focus only on the Notwithstanding Clause’s preemptive use, not its broader implication - i.e., that legislatures can cancel rights for their own political agenda.

Hope is not a strategy. We must be strong and act to shape our future. And, the time is now. Bergman and Associates, our lawyers, believe the Supreme Court ruling on Quebec’s Bill 21 will set the precedent on how the Notwithstanding Clause’s use, scope and application is addressed by the courts for decades to come. The stakes are high. We must ensure our voices are part of the conversation. But it will be expensive—likely over $250,000. But, there is no doubt, with your help, we can do this!

We need your support now to raise the funds necessary to be heard. History is in the making, will you be a part of it? Please donate at www.theTaskForce.ca.  AND, to make your donation go even further, forward this message to all in your network.  By building the momentum needed, we can be the change we want to see for our community.

Together, let’s make history. Our fight will benefit all Canadians going forward. 

Sincerely, 

The Task Force Team.