The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA), in collaboration with the Canadian Muslim Public Affairs Council (CMPAC), has co-authored a joint open letter, signed by 37 civil liberties and community organizations, raising concerns about Bill C-9, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (hate propaganda, hate crime and access to religious or cultural places). The letter highlights that, as currently drafted, the Bill may significantly affect fundamental freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly. It identifies several provisions, including the new intimidation offence, restrictions on public demonstrations near certain buildings, and the removal of Attorney General oversight, that could lead to arbitrary or inconsistent enforcement and have a chilling effect on lawful advocacy and dissent.
The letter emphasizes that these measures could disproportionately impact Muslim, Palestinian, and other equity-deserving communities, which have historically faced heightened surveillance and policing of political expression. CMPAC and CCLA call on the government to withdraw Bill C-9 and instead pursue non-carceral, community-based approaches that protect vulnerable groups while upholding Canada’s constitutional commitments to civil liberties and democratic rights.
Access to Press Release and Joint Open Letter: https://ccla.org/press-release/civil-society-groups-demand-federal-government-rethink-bill-c-9/
