Conservative MP Leslyn Lewis has raised concerns that two provisions in the Liberal government’s new bill targeting hate crimes could end up putting a chill on freedom of expression in Canada.
Lewis said Bill C-9, dubbed the Combatting Hate Act, would make two “dangerous” changes to Section 319 of the Criminal Code. That section deals with the public incitement of hatred and wilful promotion of hatred against identifiable groups.
While Section 319(6) of the Criminal Code currently requires the consent of the attorney general before someone can be charged with a hate crime, Lewis said Bill C-9 would remove this safeguard that prevents “political or overzealous prosecutions.”…