An Act to amend the Criminal Code (hate propaganda, hate crime and access to religious or cultural places)
On September 19, 2025, Justice Minister Sean Fraser introduced Bill C-9, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (hate propaganda, hate crime and access to religious or cultural places), which seeks to strengthen protections against hate-motivated conduct and safeguard access to religious, cultural, and educational spaces.
The CRRF supports the government’s objective of addressing the alarming rise in hate crimes in Canada. In 2024, police reported a record 4,882 hate-motivated incidents—the largest number recorded since systematic data became available in 2009.
Behind these numbers are real communities living with fear and trauma.
While we support the government’s commitment to combatting hate and protecting communities, including certain aspects of the Bill, we are concerned that several of the Bill’s provisions are unworkable, duplicative, or risk undermining Charter-protected freedoms. Some elements of Bill C-9 expand the reach of the criminal law without corresponding safeguards and may inadvertently chill legitimate protest, expression, and assembly. As it stands, the bill is an incomplete and at times contradictory response to hate—one that prioritizes new offences over the systemic reforms, data collection, and victim supports that communities have consistently asked for.
Based on engagement with legal and law enforcement experts and communities, we are recommending adjustments to ensure that the bill effectively addresses hate-motivated conduct while maintaining protections for fundamental rights and freedoms.
Learn more and read our official submission to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights below.
Concrete action from the government to address rising hate in Canada is an important step forward, and new offenses may partially respond to this urgent national issue. However, reversing the trend will require a more comprehensive approach, including systemic change, better data, and more support for victims. We look forward to continuing to work with our federal partners to turn those changes into reality.