Testimony Remarks: Senate Committee on Human Rights, Study of Bill C-9

These remarks were delivered by Richard Marceau, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, on May 20, 2026. 

Thank you, Honourable Senators, for the opportunity to appear before you today.

I am here representing CIJA, the advocacy agent of Canada’s Jewish Federations and vibrant Jewish communities across this country that contribute immensely to Canadian society and to the fabric of our shared Canadian life.

Since the Hamas-led terrorist attacks of October 7, Canada has experienced the most severe wave of antisemitism in generations.

The escalation of violence, intimidation, and attacks targeting the Jewish community this year alone is unprecedented.

And statistics only tell part of the story.

Jewish Canadians have endured:

• Schools shot at
• Synagogues firebombed
• Violent assaults and stabbings
• Coordinated intimidation campaigns targeting community institutions
• Open glorification of listed terrorist organizations
• And multiple terror plots targeting Jewish communities here in Canada

They are the result of growing extremism, radicalization, and the normalization of support for terrorism.

What was once confined to the fringes of society is now visible on our streets, on university campuses, online, and increasingly in our neighbourhoods.

And the worst fear of all: whether Canada could soon experience the kind of deadly attack against the Jewish community that has taken far too many lives in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia.

Canada’s own security agencies have warned that a violent attack targeting the Jewish community is a realistic possibility in the coming months.

But let’s be clear: this is not something Canadians should ever accept as normal.

That is why this legislation matters.

Bill C-9 represents an important and necessary step to strengthen the tools available to law enforcement and prosecutors to protect targeted communities and hold criminals accountable.

We welcome several key provisions in particular.

First, the bill’s definition of hate now mirrors the exact language established by the Supreme Court of Canada in R v. Keegstra. That amendment was important. It ensures clarity and consistency with established jurisprudence, while protecting free speech and preventing the risk of abuse and overreach.

Second, the new intimidation and obstruction offences are urgently needed.

Across the country, Jewish community institutions — including schools, synagogues, and community centres — have repeatedly been targeted by harassment and intimidation campaigns.

Nobody should fear dropping their children off at school, visiting an elderly parent, or attending religious services.

Third, the creation of a new standalone hate crime offence would have significant real-world impact.

It would ensure that hate motivation is treated as an integral element of the crime itself, not merely something considered later at sentencing.

That matters because it would reduce the likelihood that an accused person would be released on bail, increase the likelihood of stronger sentences, particularly for repeat offenders, and immediately appear on an individual’s criminal record when searched through the national police database. 

We would further encourage Parliament to consider adding this offence to the list of reverse-onus bail provisions.

The list of offences that triggers a reversal of onus for bail hearings has been significantly expanded in recent years, and it would be appropriate to consider adding this new offence to the list to ensure consistency and coherence across the Criminal Code.

We also strongly support the bill’s provisions targeting the public display of terrorist symbols.

The glorification of listed terrorist entities should carry meaningful consequences.

By anchoring this new offense to the symbols of listed terrorist entities, Canada will ensure that this new mechanism relies on a credible and transparent foundation. This prohibition will also help prevent the spread of terrorist ideologies that radicalize and endanger Canadians.

In addition, the decision to maintain the existing Criminal Code provision addressing vandalism motivated by bias, prejudice, or hatred, highlights its continued importance and is also a welcome amendment. 

It has been shared with our community that this tool is particularly appreciated from law enforcement and should be preserved.

We note that Parliamentarians decided to include clarifying language confirming that the intent of the legislation through the removal of the so-called good faith religious exemption defence for certain offences is not to imperil or otherwise undermine freedom of religion or expression, which would remain protected under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

We believe that this clarifying language is a positive addition to ensure the legislation strikes the right balance. 

This amendment should not be considered a barrier to advancing meaningful protections against hateful extremism in Canada.

And importantly, this legislation has broad support — including from Jewish organizations, legal experts, and law enforcement leaders, such as the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, which described Bill C-9 as a balanced and principled approach to strengthening public safety and ensuring hate crime laws are applied consistently and responsibly.

Honourable Senators,

This legislation alone will not solve the crisis we are facing.

But consistent enforcement matters.

Strong laws matter.

And public confidence in the justice system matters.

Passing Bill C-9 would send a clear message that Canada will not tolerate hate-motivated violence, intimidation, or the support for terrorism.

And I want to end with a message not only to Jewish Canadians, but to all Canadians.

Extremists are not only targeting Jewish Canadians.

They threaten the safety of us all, and the values we share.

We need all Canadians to take a stand.

Because while Jews may be the target today, what extremists are aiming at is something bigger.

Our Canadian way of life.

Thank you.