The fate of the federal government’s Bill C-9, aimed at combating hate, 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, sources have disclosed to CBC News.
Bill C-9 introduces new Criminal Code offenses, including one that criminalizes the deliberate promotion of hatred against identifiable groups in public using specific hate- or terrorism-related symbols. Additionally, the bill seeks to establish hate-motivated crimes as a distinct offense and address the intentional intimidation and obstruction of individuals outside places of worship.
Given the minority status of the Parliament, the Liberals require support to pass the bill, which is scheduled for a detailed examination in the justice committee comprising Liberal, Conservative, and Bloc Québécois MPs.
Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet announced last week that his party had reached an agreement with the Liberals to modify the Criminal Code by eradicating a religious exemption from Canada’s hate speech laws. However, issues arose as the Prime Minister was reportedly not onboard with the deal.
A sudden notice was issued for a justice committee meeting on Tuesday to finalize the clause-by-clause review of the bill after the cancellation of previous committee sessions by the Liberals.
In response to speculations of discord with the Prime Minister’s Office, a spokesperson for Minister Fraser, Jeremy Bellefeuille, stated, “Minister Fraser maintains constant communication with the Prime Minister, and we have been collaborating closely on various critical matters, including this one.”
Blanchet had insisted that his party would not support the bill unless the religious exemption was removed, while the Conservatives expressed opposition to both the proposed amendment and the bill in its current form.
The Bloc has persistently advocated for the removal of the religious exemption, citing concerns that religion could be exploited as a shield for promoting hatred, such as homophobia and antisemitism.
A source familiar with parliamentary proceedings indicated that there is a pending amendment at the justice committee with similar language. However, news of the agreement between the Liberals and the Bloc Québécois stirred reactions from religious groups, including Catholics and Muslims, who voiced apprehensions about potential chilling effects on religious speech.
Jewish organizations, including the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), called on parliamentarians to advance the bill, emphasizing the urgent need to combat escalating hate and intimidation in Canada.
The stance of the Liberals on the Bloc’s proposed amendment remains uncertain as the bill faces further deliberations. Ontario Conservative MP Andrew Lawton expressed little surprise at the current uncertainty surrounding the deal, citing concerns about potential infringements on religious freedoms.
Bloc Québécois MP Rhéal Fortin criticized the government’s failure to honor the agreement struck with the Bloc, deeming it a disappointing and unusual development.
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.