One major reason for the proposed changes is the radical upsurge of antisemitic attacks in Canada. According to B’nai Brith Canada’s “Annual Audit of Antisemitic Incidents in Canada,” ntisemitic incidents rose 124 percent from 2022 to 2024.
“Since Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attacks in Israel, Jewish institutions in Canada have faced unprecedented threats, such as shootings, arson and bomb threats,” the report added.
But what are called “hate” laws frequently violate freedom of speech, of the press, and of religion. They also tend to be vague and, hence, their scope expands and governments use them to punish views that they simply do not like. Moreover, in free societies, they do not reduce extremist activity.
In addition, as the Canadian Constitution Foundation argues: “Bill C-9 would … remove safeguards against politically motivated charges, remove political accountability for charges, would create a risk of overcharging to force plea bargains, expand the availability of hate offences beyond the criminal law, and risks limiting constitutionally protected protest activity.”
Even if one were to accept the necessity of such laws, sections 318 and 319 of the criminal code already ban advocating genocide and the willful promotion of hatred against an identifiable group.
Canada’s Bill C-9 And The Growing Threat To Religious Freedom @drpaulmarshall https://t.co/ear0ALDqsE
— Baylor ISR (@BaylorISR) December 24, 2025