Bill C‑9: Canada’s “Combatting Hate Act” Under Debate in Parliament

Bill C‑9, officially titled An Act to amend the Criminal Code (hate propaganda, hate crime and access to religious or cultural places), is currently before the House of Commons of Canada. Introduced by the federal government, the bill proposes a series of changes to how hate‑related conduct is defined and prosecuted under the Criminal Code. (Ministère de la Justice)

If passed, Bill C‑9 would create new criminal offences aimed at addressing hate‑motivated conduct and protecting access to buildings used for religious worship, cultural events, education, and similar purposes. The proposed changes include making it a crime to intentionally block or intimidate individuals from accessing these places, and giving law enforcement new tools to address hate‑motivated offences. The bill also proposes a new hate crime category for offences motivated by hatred based on factors such as race, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, language, or national/ethnic origin. (Ministère de la Justice)

Another key change under debate is the creation of a distinct offence for the wilful promotion of hatred by displaying certain symbols — including those associated with terrorist groups or Nazi ideology — in public spaces. The bill also would remove the requirement that the Attorney General’s consent be obtained before pursuing some hate propaganda offences, potentially speeding up prosecutions. (Civics Project)

Supporters of Bill C‑9 argue it strengthens protections for vulnerable communities and modernizes Canada’s approach to hate‑motivated crime. Civil society groups and critics, however, have raised concerns that some provisions could infringe on freedom of expression or protest or grant law enforcement broad discretionary powers. (Catholic Saskatoon News)

Currently, Bill C‑9 is being studied clause by clause by the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights. Canadian lawmakers are expected to continue debate and consider amendments before the bill returns for further readings in the House of Commons. (iPolitics)