Last mentioned: Mar 23, 2026
Supreme Court Hearings
The Supreme Court of Canada begins hearing the final appeal on the law's constitutionality.
Court of Appeal Decision
The Quebec Court of Appeal upholds the law in its entirety, overturning the English school board exemption.
Superior Court Ruling
Quebec Superior Court largely upholds the law but exempts English-language school boards.
Bill 21 Passed
The Quebec National Assembly passes the Act respecting the laicity of the State with the notwithstanding clause invoked.
The Supreme Court of Canada has begun landmark hearings on Quebec’s Bill 21, a secularism law that prohibits public sector employees in positions of authority from wearing religious symbols. The ruling will center on the controversial use of the notwithstanding clause, potentially redefining employment rights and provincial legislative power across Canada.