Canadian rights groups denounce new Combatting Hate Act for vague risks
A coalition of 60+ groups condemned Canada's Combatting Hate Act for chilling free expression.
Why it matters: This law raises major legal concerns about civil liberties and compliance with hate speech regulation in Canada. Legal teams advising on human rights and legislative risk need to navigate these new challenges carefully.
- The Combatting Hate Act (Bill C-9) was introduced Sept 19, 2025, and passed in March 2026.
- It introduces new Criminal Code offences related to intimidating or obstructing access to places used by identifiable groups.
- Over 60 rights groups warn the Act’s vagueness could chill freedom of expression and peaceful protests.
- Indigenous leaders criticize the Senate's rejection of criminalizing residential school denialism under the Act.
On June 19, 2026, more than 60 Canadian rights organizations publicly denounced the recently enacted Combatting Hate Act, also known as Bill C-9, citing concerns over its vague language and potential to infringe on Charter-protected freedoms like expression and peaceful assembly. The Act was introduced in Parliament on September 19, 2025, and passed third reading in March 2026.
The law creates new Criminal Code offences, including intimidating or obstructing access to places used by identifiable groups, and expands the definition of hate propaganda. Critics argue that the broadened scope threatens free speech. For example, The Democracy Fund stated Bill C-9 "removes protections for religious speech" and introduces sweeping new hate-related offences despite existing laws addressing such conduct.
The Black Legal Action Centre warned that the Act might disproportionately curtail rights of marginalized communities, limiting their ability to advocate and challenge systemic injustice.
Moreover, the Centre for Free Expression and 36 other civil society organizations called for the withdrawal of Bill C-9, fearing criminalization of peaceful protest.
Indigenous voices also criticized the Act for omitting criminal sanctions on Indian Residential School denialism — an amendment rejected by the Senate — which Indigenous leaders see as a betrayal of survivors. Linda Debassige, Grand Council Chief of the Anishinabek Nation, expressed this outrage publicly.
By the numbers:
- 60+ rights organizations denounced the Combatting Hate Act on June 19, 2026
- Bill C-9 introduced Sept 19, 2025; passed third reading in March 2026
- 36 civil society groups joined calls to withdraw Bill C-9
Yes, but: The government argues Bill C-9 addresses gaps in hate crime legislation; however, critics say existing laws already cover hate-related offenses adequately and worry about overreach.
What's next: Legal teams should monitor potential government responses or amendments addressing these rights concerns amid ongoing public pressure.