Bill C-9

by

A letter from Bishop Dan regarding Bill C-9 under review in Parliament.

Dear clergy,

Many of you know that Bill C-9 which is currently under review in Parliament is being widely discussed amongst religious communities. The bill is also known as the Combating Hate Act and was introduced in September 2025 as a response to the rise in antisemitism in Canada. The good intent of the bill is to protect access to religious sites and services from threats or intimidation.

Amendments

However, On December 9, the Justice Committee removed an important protection for religious expression when it voted to amend Bill C-9 so that it removes the religious belief defence from the hate speech provisions in Criminal Code s. 319(2). 

Also of concern, is that Bill C-9 proposes a definition of hatred that is looser than the definition currently used by the courts.

Concerns

There are three concerns about these changes to Bill C-9 raised by Christian legal experts (including the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) and the Christian Legal Fellowship (CLF)

  1. Hatred is defined in vague, emotion-based language that makes robust Biblical teaching vulnerable.
  2. The removal of the religious-belief defence risks criminalizing good-faith preaching on marriage, sexuality, and gender.
  3. Canada already has sufficient laws regarding hate speech; the problem is lack of enforcement, not lack of legislation.

This means that Bill C-9, if passed in its current form, could put pressure on faithful Gospel ministry.  However, our confidence does not rest in human legislation. Our confidence rests in the Lordship of Jesus Christ. His Good News has never depended on the approval of current laws or cultural values. Our task, as always, is to be faithful witnesses and ambassadors for Him with joy, courage and a calm trust in Him.

Our Shared Response: Action and Engagement

While we remain confident in Christ, we are also called to be responsible citizens and stewards of the tools we’ve been given. Because this legislation potentially affects the proclamation of the Gospel,  it is right for us to do what we can to actively take part in this process. I encourage you to take the following steps:

  • Stay Informed: Our diocese is an associate partner with the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC).  They have provided helpful updates and excellent high-level analysis of the bill’s implications. They have also given useful advice to the judicial committee on how to improve the flaws in Bill C-9,  Please review their latest and very helpful backgrounder here: https://files.evangelicalfellowship.ca/si/Abuse/Bill-C-9-two-pager-13-Jan-2026.pdf
  • Engage Your MP:  It is not too late for you and your congregants, to write to your local Member of Parliament. Respectfully expressing our concerns as constituents is a vital part of the democratic process, and it makes a difference.
  • Lead with Peace: Carry on faithfully proclaiming the Gospel of God’s grace in our Lord Jesus Christ. Continue to speak the truth in love, and do not let fear dictate your ministry or communication. Lead your people in prayer for our leaders and this legislative process that they may be granted wisdom to uphold justice and freedom for all.

May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

In His grace,

+Dan

Leave a Comment