Chrétien warns of ‘very bad sign’ as Trump deploys National Guard to quell protests

Former prime minister Jean Chrétien says Canadian premiers are misusing the Charter’s notwithstanding clause and expressed alarm over political developments in the United States, including U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent deployment of National Guard troops to suppress protests in several major cities. Speaking at a Journalists for Human Rights event in Toronto, Chrétien called the move a troubling sign for American democracy. Chrétien, who originally negotiated the notwithstanding clause in 1981 while serving as justice minister, said it was intended as a rare safeguard for lawmakers when courts overreached — not as a routine political tool. He said premiers using it “for anything” are straying from its purpose. Recent examples include Alberta invoking the clause to end a teachers’ strike, along with previous uses in Quebec, Ontario and Saskatchewan.

Turning to global politics, Chrétien voiced concern about the state of democracy abroad and particularly in the United States one year into Trump’s second term. He described the deployment of armed forces against domestic protests as a “very bad sign.” Chrétien also reflected on Canada–U.S. relations. Asked how Canada should respond to U.S. tariffs and threats of territorial annexation, he said Canada must assert itself, and noted he is “quite happy” with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s handling of current challenges.

The 91-year-old recalled meeting former U.S. president Bill Clinton earlier in the day, saying Clinton was encouraged by Democratic election victories, including Zohran Mamdani’s win in the New York City mayoral race. Chrétien viewed those results as a positive signal of American engagement.
He also shared personal memories, including the 1995 break-in at 24 Sussex Drive, during which his wife Aline helped protect him. He credited her influence for his decision not to send Canada to war in Iraq, calling their partnership a major guiding force in his political life. Chrétien concluded by saying Canada must rebuild international relationships at what he described as a moment of “decline of the American empire,” emphasizing the need for strong and steady global leadership.