The fate of the federal government’s anti-hate legislation, Bill C-9, is uncertain following reports that Justice Minister Sean Fraser’s office struck a deal with the Bloc Québécois without obtaining 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 specific groups in public using certain hate- or terrorism-related symbols. It also seeks to establish hate-motivated crimes as a distinct offense and address the willful intimidation and obstruction of individuals outside places of worship.
Given the minority Parliament situation, the Liberals require support to pass the bill, which is scheduled for detailed scrutiny by the justice committee comprised of Liberal, Conservative, and Bloc Québécois MPs.
Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet recently disclosed that his party had reached an agreement with the Liberals to modify the Criminal Code by eliminating a religious exemption from Canada’s hate speech laws. However, sources reveal that the bill’s progress was halted as the Prime Minister had not greenlighted the deal brokered by Justice Minister Sean Fraser’s office with the Bloc Québécois.
The incident prompted a last-minute notice for a justice committee meeting to complete the clause-by-clause examination of the bill. Despite this, a spokesperson for Fraser denied any discord with the Prime Minister’s Office, emphasizing their collaboration on various critical matters.
Blanchet insisted that his party would not support the bill unless the religious exemption was removed, a stance opposed by the Conservatives. The Bloc has persistently advocated for the removal of the religious exemption, citing concerns that it could be exploited to promote hate under the guise of religion.
Several religious groups, including Catholics and Muslims, expressed apprehension over the potential impact of the proposed amendment on religious speech, fearing it could stifle or criminalize such expressions.
On the other hand, five Jewish organizations, including the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), urged parliamentarians to advance the bill, highlighting the pressing need to combat rising levels of hate and intimidation in Canada.
The Liberals’ stance on supporting the Bloc’s proposed amendment remains unclear, with Ontario Conservative MP Andrew Lawton criticizing the erosion of religious protections in the deal. Bloc Québécois MP Rhéal Fortin and committee chair MP James Maloney expressed disappointment over the stalled progress of the bill, citing challenges in navigating the contentious legislation.
As the House of Commons prepares to adjourn for the holidays, the future of Bill C-9 hangs in the balance, awaiting further developments when Parliament reconvenes.