Could Canada emulate what has worked in the UK?

I believe law enforcement officials in the UK had maintained that they did not have the legal authority to control hateful protests. They seem now to have reversed that stance. If so, could Canada emulate what worked in the UK?


The UK has had mixed results in combatting hate activities. Rather than emulating the UK experience, we should recognize that the lawful authority exists to address protests when and if they cross the line into unlawful activities in one of two ways:

  • When the protestors are violating conventional criminal laws or municipal bylaws, such as:
  • intimidation through use of threats of violence, intimidating persons, threatening damage to property, or blocking or obstructing roads and intersections
  • interfering with the lawful use, enjoyment or operation of property by others (whether on public or private property)
  • unlawful assembly, 3 or more persons assembling in a way that causes persons to reasonably fear they will disturb the peace tumultuously,
  • use of disguises during an unlawful assembly or with intent to commit an indictable offence
  • disturbing religious worship, including meetings for a moral, social or benevolent purpose, where applicable
  • Various municipal bylaws such as noise, explosive, traffic related infringements
  • if passed under C-9, new offences of intimidation or obstructing access to vulnerable spaces such as places of worship

Or when the content of their speech violates hate speech laws such as wilful promotion of hatred, or public incitement of hatred against an identifiable group likely to lead to a breach of the peace. Bill C-9 also contemplates a new offence of wilful promotion of hatred through public display of terror related symbols. We have also proposed addition of a wilful promotion of terrorist groups or terrorist activities offence.