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Canada introduces new law to tackle rising hate crimes
The Combatting Hate Act raises penalties for crimes or threats motivated by hatred.
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Malvika Choudhary - Mon, 22, Sep 2025
- 12:53 EDT
- 19
Department of Justice Canada logo / Department of Justice Canada
Canada on Sept. 19 introduced sweeping new legislation to address the sharp rise in hate crimes, intimidation and obstruction targeting vulnerable communities in the country.
Justice minister and attorney general Sean Fraser tabled the Combatting Hate Act in Parliament, calling it a critical measure to ensure Canadians feel safe in their neighbourhoods and community spaces.
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The bill proposes amendments to the Criminal Code that would make it a crime to intimidate or block people from accessing places such as places of worship, schools, cemeteries, seniors’ residences and community centres used primarily by identifiable groups.
Serious offences could carry prison terms of up to 10 years, while lesser cases would be punishable by up to just under two years in provincial custody
The legislation would also create a specific hate-crime offence, increasing penalties for acts such as threats if motivated by hatred. For example, the current maximum of five years for uttering threats would rise to ten if prosecuted as a hate crime.
A new propaganda offence would ban the public display of terrorism or hate symbols, including the Nazi swastika, SS bolts and emblems of listed terrorist groups, except when used for educational, artistic or journalistic purposes.
To address legal grey areas, the bill would codify a definition of “hatred” drawn from Supreme Court jurisprudence, distinguishing detestation and vilification from mere dislike or offence. It also eliminates the requirement for attorney general consent before laying hate propaganda charges, a move intended to let police act faster.
Officials emphasized that the act does not establish protest “bubble zones,” which remain under provincial and municipal jurisdiction. Fraser insisted the legislation balances public safety with constitutional protections.
“Canadians deserve to live freely in their communities, regardless of the colour of their skin, the god they pray to, or the person they love,” he said. “This legislation strengthens protections against hate so Canadians of all races and ethnicities, faiths, sexualities and genders can feel safe.”
Hate crime reports underline the urgency. Police recorded nearly 4,900 incidents in 2024, with most targeting race, ethnicity or religion. Jewish and Muslim communities accounted for 85 percent of religion-based hate crimes, while Black Canadians were most frequently targeted for their race.
Indian-origin communities have also reported a surge in online and offline abuse. Between May 2023 and April 2025, more than 26,600 posts on platforms like X contained slurs aimed at South Asians, a rise of 1,350 percent over the previous year.
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