The Combatting Hate Act

Bill C-9 adds standalone hate crime offences to the Criminal Code for the first time. Until now, hate motivation was treated as a sentencing factor on top of another crime — C-9 makes hate-motivated acts their own category of offence with distinct charges, penalties, and reporting requirements.

Every Canadian. The bill targets those who commit hate-motivated mischief, intimidation, or violence — particularly around places of worship, schools, and community centres. It also affects online platforms, which face new reporting obligations when users post content that incites hatred.

Maximum penalties for hate-motivated mischief and intimidation increase significantly. A new offence of intimidation near protected community spaces is created. Online platforms must report content that incites hatred to a designated authority within set timeframes, and face civil penalties for non-compliance.

The bill was introduced on September 19, 2025 and passed all three readings in the House of Commons by late March 2026. The Senate passed it at third reading on June 4, 2026. The only remaining step is Royal Assent, after which the bill becomes law.