RE: Open Letter to Prime Minister Carney on the Formation of Majority Government
Dear Prime Minister Mark Carney,
On behalf of the Canadian Muslim Public Affairs Council (CMPAC), we extend our congratulations on the Liberal Party’s formation of a majority government. The outcome of this byelection reflects a new mandate from Canadians and presents a defining opportunity to lead with principle and accountability.
With fewer procedural constraints, your government is uniquely positioned to act decisively in the public interest and to uphold the rights and freedoms that form the foundation of Canada’s democratic system. At a time when many Canadians are paying close attention to how decisions are made and who they impact, your government has an opportunity to lead in a way that is transparent and rooted in principle.
Canadians will rightly expect that this mandate be used to strengthen, not limit civil liberties, and to build trust across communities. In this context, we are compelled to express concern regarding a series of legislative initiatives that, taken together, risk sending the wrong message about the direction of rights protections in Canada. Bills such as C-12, C-9, C-8, and C-22 have raised significant questions among civil society organizations, legal experts, and affected communities regarding their implications for privacy, due process and freedom of expression.
Of particular concern is Bill C-9 (the Combatting Hate Act). While its stated objective, to address hate, is one that we strongly support, the legislation in its current form risks undermining fundamental freedoms, including protections for lawful expression and religious practice. We respectfully urge your government to withdraw Bill C-9 and engage in meaningful consultation with legal experts, civil liberties organizations, and impacted communities to develop a revised framework that effectively addresses harm while safeguarding constitutional rights.
More broadly, your government now has the opportunity to reset the approach to legislation impacting civil liberties. A principled review of recent and proposed measures is essential to ensure that Canada’s legal framework reflects both the Charter and the lived realities of its diverse population.
Internationally, your remarks following the World Economic Forum at Davos signaled a commitment to principled leadership grounded in peace, accountability, and respect for international law. We encourage your government to translate these commitments into concrete action in Gaza and Lebanon. Canada’s global credibility depends not only on its rhetoric, but on its willingness to uphold international humanitarian and human rights standards consistently, including through diplomatic engagement, accountability mechanisms, and responsible policy choices in regards to the situation in the Middle East.
At home the Liberal Party’s efforts to strengthen Canada’s sovereignty and economic independence must proceed in tandem with sustained recognition of labour rights, meaningful partnership with Indigenous communities, and policies that foster equity and social cohesion.
Prime Minister Carney, this moment presents a rare convergence of political mandate and public expectation. Your government has the capacity to set a course that reinforces rights, restores trust, and ensures that Canada remains a leader in both democratic governance and principled international engagement.
The real path to combat hate includes building a cohesive society and with our established community presence and institutional capacity, we are well positioned to contribute to this objective by fostering cross-community engagement, advancing bridge-building initiatives, and supporting meaningful efforts to reduce polarization across Canadian society.
CMPAC stands ready to engage constructively with your government in advancing these shared objectives.
Respectfully,
Canadian Muslim Public Affairs Council
