The notwithstanding clause is section 33 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It permits federal or provincial governments to temporarily enact legislation that overrides certain Charter protections, specifically those set out in section 2 and sections 7 to 15, for a renewable period of up to five years. When invoked, the clause shields the legislation from being struck down by the courts on Charter grounds, notwithstanding where it greatly infringes on fundamental freedoms.