Canada is facing a significant rise in hate-motivated incidents, reflecting a troubling global trend. Reports of vandalism at places of worship, online harassment, and intimidation on college campuses are becoming more common. Statistics Canada reported 4,882 hate incidents in 2024, with 1,343 of these crimes motivated by religion. Jewish Canadians were the most affected, with 920 incidents, followed by Muslim Canadians, who experienced 229 incidents. Ethnically motivated hate crimes are also prevalent, particularly impacting Black Canadians. Additionally, attacks based on sexual orientation accounted for 13 percent of all reported hate crimes. These statistics indicate a broader increase in hate crimes since 2020.

In response to this crisis, the Canadian government has introduced Bill C-9, known as the Combatting Hate Act. This legislation aims to address the growing concern over hate incidents and fulfill the government's commitment to take action. Bill C-9 includes three key measures designed to enhance safety and promote inclusion.

First, the bill aims to protect access to community spaces. It emphasizes the importance of peaceful expression, which is a fundamental aspect of democracy. The legislation makes it illegal to obstruct or intimidate individuals accessing places of worship, schools, or cultural centers. This provision is intended to safeguard vulnerable communities from criminal intimidation while allowing for lawful protests.

Second, Bill C-9 seeks to strengthen hate crime enforcement. Currently, only a small percentage of hate incidents are reported to law enforcement, and even fewer lead to charges or convictions. The new legislation introduces a specific hate crime offense and establishes a legal definition of hatred. This will empower law enforcement to act more effectively against hate crimes. The bill also removes the requirement for provincial attorney general consent in hate propaganda cases, streamlining the prosecution process.

Lastly, the bill addresses the public display of hate symbols. It prohibits the display of symbols associated with hate and terrorism, such as the Nazi Hakenkreuz and flags of designated terrorist organizations like Hezbollah and Hamas. This measure aims to prevent the use of these symbols as tools of intimidation and radicalization, reinforcing that freedom of expression does not extend to actions that threaten the dignity and safety of others.

Canada's multiculturalism is a source of pride, but for it to thrive, all Canadians must feel safe, regardless of their appearance, sexual orientation, or religious beliefs. Bill C-9 is not just a legislative measure; it embodies the values of respect and inclusion that Canadians hold dear. The government urges all members of Parliament to support this bill, emphasizing the need for unity in ensuring that Canada remains a place where diversity is celebrated and where everyone can live without fear and prosper.