17.38°C Vancouver

Sep 19, 2025 6:15 PM - The Canadian Press

Liberals’ new hate crime bill targets 'symbols' of hate

Share On
liberals-new-hate-crime-bill-targets-symbols-of-hate
Justice Minister Sean Fraser says the bill will create new crimes of obstruction and intimidation aimed at protecting religious institutions.(Photo- The Canadian Press)

The Liberal government has introduced legislation to create four new hate-related criminal offences.

Justice Minister Sean Fraser says the bill will create new crimes of obstruction and intimidation aimed at protecting religious institutions.

Fraser says the bill will make it a criminal offence to wilfully promote hate through the use of hate symbols.

That designation would apply to two Nazi symbols — the swastika and the SS bolt — and symbols of designated terrorist entities.

Fraser says the bill also would create a new category of hate crime which would be layered on top of existing offences and would apply in cases where the crime was motivated by hate towards the victim.

He outlined aspects of the bill at a press conference that took place before the text of the bill was made available to media.

Latest news

BCJul 09, 2026

Two drivers killed in head-on crash in Kootenay National Park

Two drivers were killed in a head-on collision on Highway 93 in Kootenay National Park on Wednesday evening, according to the RCMP. Police said officers responded at about 5:30 p.m. to reports of a serious crash near the Simpson Monument. Investigators determined that a westbound vehicle crossed the centre line while negotiating a curve and collided head-on with an oncoming vehicle. According to the RCMP, each vehicle was occupied only by its driver. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene. A third vehicle was also involved in the incident, and its two occupants suffered minor injuries.
raja-warring-calls-for-punjab-cm-dgp-to-resign-after-grenade-blast-at-moga-police-station
IndiaJul 09, 2026

Raja Warring calls for Punjab CM, DGP to resign after grenade blast at Moga police station

Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring has called for the immediate resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav following the recent hand grenade blast at a police station in Moga. In a statement, Warring questioned the state's security arrangements, saying that if police stations themselves are not secure, it raises concerns about the safety of the public. He made the remarks while criticizing the Aam Aadmi Party government over the incident. Warring also claimed, citing what he described as a report by a U.S.-based investigat
two-men-charged-in-windsor-child-grooming-human-trafficking-investigation-police-seek-two-more-suspects
BCJul 09, 2026

Two men charged in Windsor child grooming, human trafficking investigation

Two Windsor men are facing a combined 17 criminal charges after a Windsor Police Service investigation into the alleged grooming, sexual exploitation and human trafficking of two underage girls. Police say two additional suspects remain outstanding. According to a Windsor Police Service news release, the investigation began in April 2026 after the Human Trafficking Unit received information that a youth had been groomed and sexually exploited by an unknown suspect. Investigators allege the victim met a man using the name "Jack" on Snapchat before the relationship moved offline. Police allege t
109-people-died-from-unregulated-drugs-in-b-c-during-may-preliminary-coroner-data-shows
BCJul 09, 2026

109 people died from unregulated drugs in B.C. during May, preliminary coroner data shows

A preliminary report from the BC Coroners Service says 109 people died from unregulated drug toxicity in British Columbia during May 2026, an average of 3.5 deaths per day. According to the BC Coroners Service, this is the lowest monthly total since February 2020, when 79 deaths were recorded. The agency noted the figures are preliminary and may change as investigations are completed. The provincial government said adults between the ages of 30 and 59 accounted for 68 per cent of all unregulated drug deaths recorded during the first five months of 2026, while men represented 76 per cent of tho
BCJul 09, 2026

Three charged after Surrey investigation into alleged 3D-printed firearms and drug trafficking

Three people, including one woman, have been charged following a British Columbia anti-gang investigation into the alleged manufacture of illegal firearms using a 3D printer and drug trafficking in Surrey. According to the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC), the charges follow an investigation stemming from the execution of a search warrant at a Surrey residence in September 2025. Media Relations Officer Sgt. Sarbjit Kaur Sangha said investigators found a 3D printer actively producing a firearm when officers entered the home. Police said officers seized a 3

Related News