MPs debate contentious hate crimes legislation as House of Commons resumes

OTTAWA — Members of Parliament continued debate on the government’s contentious hate crimes bill Monday after they returned to Ottawa following a break week that saw both the Liberal and Conservative leaders on international trips.

The Liberals have passed a motion to impose a time limit on debate for Bill C-9, which would define hatred in criminal law for the first time.

The proposed law has been criticized by civil liberties groups who say it’s being rushed through Parliament, and has faced stiff opposition from the Conservatives, who say it’s an attack on freedom of religion.

Labour groups have warned the bill would restrict the right to protest and public accountability, and argue the legislation isn’t needed because the Criminal Code already deals with mischief, harassment and intimidation.

The bill would create new offences for intimidating or obstructing someone outside a religious or cultural institution. It makes it a criminal offence to wilfully promote hate through the use of hate symbols, including the symbols of designated terrorist entities.

At issue for opponents of the legislation is an amendment the Bloc Québécois successfully negotiated with the Liberals.

The amendment removes a religious exemption for hate speech in the Criminal Code if the speech in question was a good-faith expression, argument or opinion based on “a belief in a religious text.”

The Liberals argue they dealt with concerns about that change by including language that clarifies that things like preaching, reading scripture, praying or teaching a faith would not be criminalized if they are done “in good faith.”

Conservative MP Andrew Lawton said hundreds of religious organizations have expressed their opposition to the bill.

“There are very few people backing Bill C-9,” he said.

He said the Conservatives are trying to push the government to drop the amendment this week as the debate comes to a close.

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre were not in the House of Commons for question period on Monday, after both were out of the country last week.

Carney was on vacation in Europe after his latest official trip overseas to Norway and the United Kingdom.

Poilievre made a swing through the U.S., where he met with energy industry representatives in Texas and made a high-profile appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast.

Parliament is set to take another break starting Friday. MPs will return April 13, the same day that three byelections are being held that could grant the Liberals a majority in the House of Commons.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 23, 2026.

— With files from Anja Karadeglija

Sarah Ritchie, The Canadian Press