top of page

Bill C-9: Coalition Endorsement of ALCCA Chair’s Recommendations

  • Writer: ALCCA Staff
    ALCCA Staff
  • Nov 14
  • 2 min read

Updated: Nov 16

Parliament

As Parliament continues its review of Bill C-9, The Combatting Hate Act, the Alliance of Canadians Combatting Antisemitism (ALCCA) has taken a leading role in shaping how this important legislation can better protect Canadians while upholding fundamental freedoms.


Thirty-four ALCCA member organizations have endorsed Chair Mark Sandler’s written submissions to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights (JUST). These submissions, prepared in his capacity as an expert in criminal law and hate-crime legislation, set out recommendations designed to strengthen Canada’s legal framework to address hate-motivated and extremist activity while preserving safeguards against misuse of the law.


For greater particularity, the endorsed recommendations:


  1. Support the creation of the offence of wilful promotion of terrorist groups or terrorist activities. This proposed new offence would address existing deficiencies in the Criminal Code by targeting extremists who publicly promote terrorist activities or the activities of a terrorist group.

  2. Support the creation of the new intimidation and obstruction offences.

  3. Support the creation of the new hate offence.

  4. Recommend amendment of the definition of “hatred” to fully align with the Supreme Court of Canada’s definition.

  5. Support the creation of a new offence of displaying terror symbols, subject to the amendments proposed in Mr. Sandler’s submissions.

  6. Oppose the repeal of s. 430(4.1), the bias, prejudice or hate-motivated mischief offence.

  7. Oppose the removal of the Attorney General’s consent requirement or, as an acceptable alternative, oppose the removal of the consent requirement in relation to privately initiated prosecutions. The consent requirement must remain for private prosecutions.


These recommendations represent a balanced and principled approach — enhancing Canada’s ability to combat hate and extremism. Read the full submissions here.


ALCCA and its coalition members will continue to engage with Parliament and monitor developments as the House Justice Committee completes its hearings on Bill C-9.



bottom of page