What it is
Bill C-9, the Combatting Hate Act, amends the Criminal Code to create new hate-motivated criminal offences and to increase penalties for crimes driven by hatred based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation and similar grounds. It gives police and prosecutors clearer tools to charge hate-motivated conduct as a standalone offence rather than treating hate only as a sentencing factor after a conviction for something else.
Who it affects
The law applies to everyone in Canada. It most directly affects people accused of hate-motivated crimes, who now face specific charges and longer sentences. Communities frequently targeted by hate — including racial, religious and 2SLGBTQ+ groups — are the intended beneficiaries. Police, Crown prosecutors and courts will absorb the added caseload and interpretation work.
What changes
The Criminal Code now includes distinct hate crime offences, so prosecutors no longer have to rely solely on hate as a sentencing aggravator. Maximum penalties for hate-linked conduct are raised, and the definitions used to trigger the new offences are set out in the Act. Sentencing judges are directed to treat hate motivation as a serious aggravating factor when they impose punishment.
Where it stands
The bill was introduced on February 5, 2026, passed by the House on June 4, 2026, and received Royal Assent from the Senate on June 18, 2026. It is now law. Remaining steps involve any coming-into-force dates set by regulation and implementation by police and courts.
Pros & Concerns
👍 Pros
Supporters say clear standalone hate offences make it easier to charge and convict people who target others because of who they are. Stiffer penalties send a stronger deterrent signal and give victims formal recognition that hate was central to the crime, not an afterthought at sentencing.
👎 Concerns
Critics worry broad definitions could capture speech or conduct that falls short of violence, raising Charter concerns about expression. Defence lawyers note longer sentences add pressure on already strained courts and prisons, and some question whether tougher penalties actually reduce hate-motivated behaviour.
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official source using HillPulse's editorial AI · last refreshed Sun, 19 Jul 2026 06:18:05 GMT