The future of the federal government’s proposed anti-hate legislation, Bill C-9, is uncertain following a deal brokered by Justice Minister Sean Fraser’s office with the Bloc Québécois, reportedly without approval from the Prime Minister’s Office, according to sources familiar with the matter. Bill C-9 aims to introduce new Criminal Code offenses, including criminalizing the intentional promotion of hatred against identifiable groups using specific symbols associated with hate or terrorism. Additionally, the bill seeks to establish hate-motivated crimes as a distinct offense and address acts of intimidation and obstruction near places of worship.
In the context of a minority Parliament, the Liberals require support to pass the bill, which is currently undergoing detailed review by the justice committee comprising members from the Liberals, Conservatives, and Bloc Québécois. Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet disclosed that his party reached an agreement with the Liberals to amend the Criminal Code by eliminating a religious exemption in Canada’s hate speech laws. However, sources revealed that the bill’s progress was hindered because the Prime Minister had not given approval for the deal negotiated by Justice Minister Fraser’s office with the Bloc Québécois.
A last-minute notice was issued for a justice committee meeting scheduled to finalize the clause-by-clause examination of the bill on Tuesday, following the cancellation of previous committee sessions by the Liberals. Despite reports of tensions, a spokesperson for Fraser refuted any discord with the Prime Minister’s Office, emphasizing ongoing collaboration on crucial matters within the minority Parliament setting.
The Bloc Québécois has insisted on removing the religious exemption, citing concerns that religion could be exploited as a guise for propagating hatred, such as homophobia and antisemitism. The proposed amendment aligns with the Bloc’s longstanding advocacy, echoing a private member’s bill introduced by Blanchet in 2023 seeking to eliminate the religious exemption clause in the Criminal Code.
The deal between the Liberals and the Bloc Québécois has sparked reactions from various religious groups, with some expressing apprehension that the legislation could impede religious expression. Conversely, several Jewish organizations have urged swift parliamentary action to combat rising levels of hate and intimidation. As deliberations continue, uncertainties loom over whether the Liberals will endorse the Bloc’s amendment during the upcoming proceedings.
Ontario Conservative MP Andrew Lawton voiced skepticism about the agreement, highlighting concerns raised by numerous Canadians regarding potential infringements on religious freedoms resulting from the proposed changes. Bloc Québécois MP Rhéal Fortin criticized the government’s handling of the deal, emphasizing the importance of honoring agreements struck with ministers representing the government.
The House of Commons is expected to adjourn for the holidays later this week and reconvene on January 26, with the fate of Bill C-9 hanging in the balance amid evolving political dynamics.