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The Canadian Constitution Foundation is deeply concerned by the Carney government’s passage of Bill C-9. The Combatting Hate Act represents a significant threat to the freedoms Canadians have historically enjoyed and expect their governments to protect. Parliament passed it despite objections from tens of thousands of alarmed citizens, including over 30,000 who wrote to their members of Parliament using the CCF’s letter-writing campaign.

Bill C-9 will expand Canada’s hate speech laws and strip away longstanding protections for religious expression, pushing more Canadians toward self-censorship precisely when contentious issues demand frank and open debate. That is where this law leads.

Most people do not need to be prosecuted to change what they say. The possibility of being hauled in front of a judge for speaking their mind is enough.

Ordinary Canadians whose beliefs fall outside the mainstream, and who can least afford a prolonged legal battle, will bear the greatest burden of Bill C-9. They are often the first casualties when governments lose confidence in the principles of individual liberty.

The CCF will watch closely how Bill C-9 is interpreted and enforced, and will remain vigilant in defending constitutional rights and freedoms. Despite Parliament’s apparent lack of confidence in Canadians’ ability to engage with controversial ideas, we are committed to defending their right to do so.

– Christine Van Geyn, CCF Executive Director (Interim)