Overview
- The House justice committee halted a clause-by-clause session expected to consider the Bloc amendment, with chair James Maloney citing high emotions and no clear path forward.
- Bloc Leader Yves‑François Blanchet says Liberals had agreed to back the change and warns of political consequences if they retreat.
- Justice Minister Sean Fraser’s office says the government is engaging with parties and remains open to amendments that strengthen protections against rising hate.
- Conservatives oppose both the bill and the amendment, arguing the change would threaten religious freedom, with Pierre Poilievre claiming it could criminalize sections of sacred texts.
- Bill C‑9 would create offences for hate‑motivated obstruction of access to places of worship and for publicly promoting hatred using designated hate or terrorism symbols, leaving the bill’s passage uncertain without Bloc votes.