March 22, 2026, Bill C‑9, formally titled the Combatting Hate Act, has reached the Report Stage in the House of Commons—one of the final steps before a potential vote on passage.
The bill has moved forward rapidly. In the process, several developments have raised serious questions for Canadians who care about freedom of expression, freedom of religion, and due process under the law.
This is a moment that deserves close public attention.
Where Bill C‑9 Stands Right Now
Bill C‑9 has completed its clause‑by‑clause review at the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights. The committee reported the bill back to Parliament on March 13, 2026.
The government has now scheduled debate and possible Third Reading during the week of March 23–27, 2026, under an expedited process.
Only one day has been allotted for the report stage and one day for third reading, following a time‑allocation motion adopted earlier this month.
For legislation that expands criminal law and engages Charter‑protected freedoms, this compressed timeline is significant.
What Changed at Committee —
And Why it Matters
Several amendments adopted during committee study have drawn widespread attention.
The Removal of the Religious “Good Faith” Defence
An amendment repealed the long‑standing “good faith” religious defence found in section 319(3)(b) of the Criminal Code.
Historically, this provision has protected individuals who express sincerely held religious beliefs without the intent to promote hatred. Its removal has prompted concern from faith communities and civil liberties organizations across the country.
A Rushed Legislative Process
The government used time‑allocation to force the conclusion of committee debate, limiting witness testimony and detailed scrutiny of a bill with clear Charter implications.
Opposition members and advocacy groups have argued that this curtailed Parliament’s ability to fully examine the consequences of the proposed changes.
A Narrow Vote
The bill passed committee by a 5–4 vote, supported by Liberal and Bloc Québécois members and opposed by Conservative members—underscoring how contested the legislation remains.
What Bill C‑9 Proposes
Originally introduced in September 2025, Bill C‑9 would significantly expand Canada’s hate‑crime framework by:
- Creating new criminal offences related to intimidation and obstruction of access to religious, cultural, or educational institutions
- Establishing a standalone hate crime offence
- Criminalizing the public display of certain hate or terrorist symbols, such as Nazi swastikas
- Removing the requirement for Attorney General consent before laying hate‑propaganda charges, streamlining prosecutions
Each of these changes carries legal and constitutional implications that deserve careful public debate.
Why This Moment Matters
Combating hate is a legitimate and important goal. But in a free and democratic society, laws aimed at doing so must be carefully balanced against Charter‑protected freedoms.
These include the right to express sincerely held beliefs, to engage in robust debate, and to live without fear of criminal sanction for lawful expression.
When criminal law is expanded—and when long‑standing safeguards are removed—the burden on Parliament to proceed with care becomes even greater.
Our Commitment at
First Freedoms Foundation
The First Freedoms Foundation will continue to monitor Bill C‑9 closely as it proceeds through Parliament.
We remain committed to:
- Informing Canadians clearly and accurately
- Encouraging respectful, lawful civic engagement
- Defending the fundamental freedoms that form the foundation of a free and democratic society
We encourage our supporters to stay informed and engaged in the days ahead.
Thank you for reading—and for standing with us in defence of Canada’s first freedoms.
Get involved: https://www.stopc9.ca/
