Bill C-9 is out of committee and heading back to the House of Commons for third reading, final debate, and a vote that could turn it into law.
In this episode of The Political Orphans, Nico Lagan and Rob Ambrose break down what Bill C-9 actually does, why it matters for Canadians, and why civil liberties groups are raising serious concerns about the bill’s impact on free speech and the criminal code.
For decades, Canada’s Criminal Code has included the offense of “willful promotion of hatred” under Section 319, but the law never contained a formal definition of the word hate. Courts relied instead on the Supreme Court’s interpretation from the 1990 case R. v. Keegstra, which set an extremely high threshold — requiring intense and extreme hatred that goes far beyond simple dislike or offense.
Bill C-9 introduces major changes to that legal framework.
The bill proposes a statutory definition of hate while also removing the “good faith” defense currently found in Section 319(3)(b) of the Criminal Code. That defense has historically protected individuals who express opinions on religious subjects based on sincerely held beliefs or religious texts.
Critics argue that removing this protection could create new legal uncertainty for religious expression and public debate.
The bill would also remove the long-standing requirement that the Attorney General approve prosecutions related to hate propaganda offenses, giving local prosecutors and police greater discretion to pursue charges.
Civil liberties advocates warn that these changes could significantly expand the scope of hate-related prosecutions in Canada.
As Bill C-9 moves toward a final vote in Parliament, the debate around free speech, religious freedom, and the limits of criminal law is heating up.
Meanwhile in Ottawa, the political landscape continues to shift.
Another MP has crossed the floor to join the Liberal Party, raising new questions about the balance of power in the House of Commons and whether the government is moving closer to securing a working majority.
The move comes just as several federal by-elections approach — and could change the political math in Parliament.
Tonight we break down what’s really happening in Ottawa and what it means for Canadians.
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