The governing Progressive Conservatives at Queen’s Park are drawing criticism over an historic decision to use the notwithstanding clause to pass election-related legislation deemed unconstitutional by a judge.

Monday’s vote in favour reintroduces amendments that limit what third parties may spend on advertising in the 12 months before a provincial election is called.

A statement from the Canadian Civil Liberties Association says it’s “considering next legal steps.”

And from the Elementary teachers Federation of Ontario, a statement says legal options are being considered to challenge the decision.

There were shouts of “shame” from oppostion MPPs, including Green Party Leader and Guelph MPP Mike Schreiner.

“Today is a dark day in Ontario’s democracy, a day when the premier used the notwithstanding clause for the first time in Ontario’s history, completely motivated by his own political self-interests,” Schreiner lamented.

Referring to Premier Ford as “King Doug”, Opposition NDP leader Andrea Horwath is accusing the PC government of abusing power to silence people like long term care survivors, educators, and health care workers.