Controversial Bill C-63 Sparks Heated Debate in Canada

The Online Harms Act, aimed at curbing online hate speech and protecting minors, faces criticism over potential free speech restrictions.

Bill C-63, also known as the Online Harms Act, is currently in its second reading in the House of Commons and aims to address online hate speech and protect minors from internet crimes.
Critics argue that the bill's provisions could severely restrict free speech, with penalties including life sentences and mandatory tracking devices for potential hate speech offenders.
A Digital Justice Summit in Ottawa saw civil society groups and lawmakers discuss the bill, with some advocating for more free speech protections and others calling for stricter regulations on social media platforms.
Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner has proposed an alternative bill, C-412, which focuses on protecting minors without expanding the Human Rights Commission's authority or creating new bureaucracies.
The bill has sparked a national debate on the balance between protecting children and preserving free expression, with significant opposition to the reinstatement of Section 13 of the Canadian Human Rights Act.