CMLA Statement re Combatting Hate Act (Bill C-9)

On September 19, 2025, the Government of Canada introduced the Combatting Hate Act (also known as Bill C-9). The bill seeks to amend the federal Criminal Code, including through the creation of new offences to criminalize and punish hate-motivated activity.

While the CMLA welcomes the government’s continued focus on rooting out hate crimes everywhere in Canada, we have serious concerns about whether the drafting of the government’s bill will achieve its stated aims.

The CMLA’s concerns primarily relate to the vagueness and overbreadth of the current draft of Bill C-9. The definitions of what symbols are considered to “promote hatred” and what “promoting hatred” itself means are vague and unclear. This ambiguity could lead to certain cultural, ethnic, or religious symbols – as well as public demonstrations on specific issues— being inappropriately targeted for political reasons. Such an approach risks inconsistent enforcement, disproportionate targeting of specific groups, unconstitutional arrests, and a chilling effect on otherwise constitutional activity.

The CMLA would like to see all cultural, ethnic, and religious institutions, and all persons, protected from the horrific hate-related violence we have seen rising in recent years. We must also ensure that the government’s approach does not lead to politicized arrests, chilling of lawful speech and activity, and the disproportionate targeting of vulnerable minorities.

The CMLA welcomes the opportunity to discuss these matters with the federal government, before this bill is passed, to ensure that these concerns are properly considered.