Newsfeed & Content Library

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.

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 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.

Conservative MP Roman Baber has introduced Bill C-257, a Private Member’s Bill to amend the Criminal Code of Canada, creating a new criminal offence of “Wilful Promotion of Terrorist Activity or a Terrorist Group.”

In this week’s Hate Crime & Legal Update, we report on additional charges laid arising out of the November 5 forced entry by masked intruders into a private event near TMU, and two other arrests in assault and criminal harassment cases related to ALCCA's mandate.

ALCCA shares key recommendations endorsed by 34 member organizations to strengthen Bill C-9 and better protect Canadians from hate-motivated activity.

Days after the violent assault on Jewish students and guests at a private event, five individuals have been charged with multiple offences. ALCCA Chair Mark Sandler’s legal report outlines the existing charges, what the ongoing police investigation should address, and the university as a breeding ground for extremist conduct. He also cites the Toronto Star reporting on this violent assault as a case study in media bias.

The Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights is examining antisemitism in Canada, building on prior work by the House of Commons. Read opening statements from Secure Canada CEO Sheryl Saperia and Centre for Countering Digital Hate Founder Imran Ahmed, offering critical insights on terrorism, online extremism, and hate in the digital age.