News Feed

A detailed legal analysis examining the debate surrounding Bill C-9 (Combatting Hate Act) and the proposed removal of the religious exemption defence to wilful promotion of hatred. The article corrects misinformation at both ends of the debate, explains how the offence and its defences actually operate in law, and urges parliamentarians not to be distracted from strengthening existing hate speech laws.

ALCCA’s Chair Mark Sandler joined host Neil Silvert on the Your Grey Matters podcast to discuss the recent mezuzah thefts in Toronto and what they reveal about the broader rise of antisemitism in Canada. Mark highlights the urgent need for stronger law enforcement responses, the realities facing Jewish Canadians, and how ALCCA’s coalition of 65+ organizations is building bridges across communities.

In this week’s legal update, ALCCA’s Senior Criminal Counsel Rochelle Direnfeld examines three significant developments impacting community safety: arrests following disruptive protests at the Munk Debate, shifting enforcement strategies at Bathurst and Sheppard as counter-protesters continue to target a Jewish neighbourhood, and the ongoing investigation into the theft of dozens of mezuzahs from a seniors’ residence.

Jewish community leaders, including ALCCA, issue a joint statement on Bill C-9, urging Parliament to strengthen hate-crime laws, uphold religious freedom, and act urgently to protect Jewish Canadians from rising antisemitism.

An update on the criminal case involving the vandalism of Canada’s National Holocaust Monument, including recent court submissions and ALCCA’s coordinated Community Impact Statement outlining the profound impact on Jewish communities and allies across the country.

ALCCA Senior Criminal Litigation Counsel Rochelle Direnfeld joined Toronto Today to explain why recent protests at Bathurst and Sheppard, and marches into nearby Jewish neighbourhoods, do meet the criminal threshold for criminal intimidation and unlawful assembly.

ALCCA Chair Mark Sandler joined Canadian Justice for a powerful conversation on the rise of antisemitism in Canada. Appearing alongside representatives from ALCCA member organizations, the panel examined how contemporary antisemitism is increasingly expressed through anti-Zionism, the surge in hate-motivated incidents since October 7, and the growing intimidation faced by Jewish families, students, and communities.

ALCCA Chair Mark Sandler addresses inaccurate claims made during recent Senate testimony related to the IHRA Definition of Antisemitism and the realities of antisemitism in Canada. Drawing on his supplementary submissions to the Senate Human Rights Committee, he provides an evidence-based correction as ALCCA continues its engagement on Bill C-9. Read more to see what was misstated – and why accuracy matters.

Access ALCCA's November 27, 2025 Newsletter.