03/11/2026
••Today marks a significant setback for liberty in Canada. The Liberal government, in collaboration with the Bloc Québécois, has expedited the motion to limit debate on Bill C-9, the "Combatting Hate Act," effectively undermining Conservative efforts to safeguard fundamental rights.
This legislation is not aimed at addressing genuine hate crimes, as existing laws already encompass violence and incitement. Rather, Bill C-9 broadens the definition of "hatred" to include mere "detestation or vilification," eliminates the requirement for Attorney General consent for hate propaganda charges—potentially leading to politicized prosecutions—and introduces ambiguous offences related to the display of certain symbols or "intimidation" in accessing buildings. Most concerning is the removal of the long-established religious defence in the Criminal Code, which has historically protected sincere religious expression from being classified as criminal "hate speech." This shift could subject religious leaders to prosecution for upholding traditional beliefs if deemed to promote hatred against protected groups.
Despite vigorous attempts by Conservatives to amend the bill and preserve essential safeguards, the Liberal government and its separatist allies curtailed debate and advanced the legislation toward a third reading. This expedited process raises concerns of authoritarianism, suppressing dissent under the pretext of compassion.
Canadians should express their outrage. Free speech is not a privilege but a cornerstone of democracy. Allowing the state to determine which opinions, symbols, or religious texts constitute criminal behavior jeopardizes the rights of all citizens.
This troubling trajectory threatens censorship and undermines Charter rights. While the struggle is not over, time is of the essence. Canadians must urge their Members of Parliament to reject this overreach before it becomes law, as the preservation of liberty is at stake.
