Bill C‑9: What Every Canadian Needs to Know
Bill C‑9 has passed Third Reading in the House of Commons as of March 25, 2026. Once it becomes law, critics warn that it could change what Canadians can say, write, and share online — and how faith communities express their beliefs.
Learn what it does, why it matters, and how to protect your freedom of expression and religious rights.
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Freedoms Advocate is preparing legal action to protect Canadians’ freedom of speech and religious expression against Bill C‑9.
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What does Bill C-9 do
Bill C‑9 introduces changes to how online content is regulated and expands the scope of hate-related provisions in the Criminal Code. It could affect lawful speech, including criticism, public debate, and religious expression.
Why This Matters: Charter Freedoms at Stake
Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects:
Freedom of expression—the right to speak, write, debate, and share ideas openly
Freedom of religion—the right to hold and express religious beliefs, and participate in religious practice publicly
Bill C‑9 could affect how these freedoms are applied in everyday life, including online communication, classrooms, churches, and public discussion
Recent Legal Changes in Bill C9
Attorney General Consent Restored The Attorney General must now consent before hate speech prosecutions can proceed. While this reinstates an important legal safeguard, the decision remains discretionary, and ordinary Canadians could still face prosecution for lawful expression.
Removal of the “Good Faith” Religious Defence This legal defence has historically protected the sincere expression of religious beliefs from being treated as criminal hate speech. Its removal increases the risk that lawful religious expression could be challenged.
New Offences and Updated Definition of “Hatred” Bill C9 adds new criminal offences, including intimidation and obstruction related to protected spaces, and restores the Supreme Court’s original definition of “hatred”: an emotion of an intense and extreme nature that is clearly associated with vilification and detestation.
Amendments Under Debate Clarifications have been proposed to protect worship, sermons, and religious education, but the good faith defence is not restored, leaving ongoing uncertainty for religious expression.
Status of the Bill
Bill C‑9 has been debated in the House of Commons and reviewed in committee. It is currently under consideration in the Senate, with motions to accelerate its progress. Canadians still have the opportunity to communicate concerns to elected officials before final decisions are made.
Who Could Be Affected
Bill C‑9’s scope extends beyond religious cases. It could affect:
- Independent writers and bloggers
- Social media users sharing opinions
- Teachers discussing controversial topics
- Faith communities posting sermons or religious content online
- Individuals expressing beliefs on public issues or morality
Ordinary lawful expression could be affected under the bill’s expanded definitions and new enforcement provisions.
Download the Full Guide
Our guide explains what Bill C-9 says, how it could affect free speech and religious expression, and its real-world impact.
Support Our Legal Action Against Bill C‑9
Bill C-9 threatens freedom of expression and religion in Canada. Freedom Advocate is taking legal action to defend Canadians’ Charter rights.
Your support helps fund legal research, court challenges, and public education.
Every donation makes a difference—help protect your rights and the rights of all Canadians.
What Canadians Can Do
1. Contact Your Member of Parliament (MP)
Your MP represents you in the House of Commons. Sending a clear message ensures your concerns are officially recorded.
How to contact:
- Find your MP: https://www.ourcommons.ca/members/en
- Email, call, or write a letter.
Sample Message:
Subject: Concerns About Bill C9
Dear [MP Name],
I am writing to express concern about Bill C9. The bill’s removal of the “good faith” religious defence could restrict lawful expression and public discussion. As my elected representative, I request you protect Canadians’ freedom of speech and religious rights.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[City, Province]
2. Contact Senators
Senators review legislation and can propose amendments. Contacting them ensures your concerns are officially recorded.
How to contact:
- Find Senators: https://sencanada.ca/en/senators/
- Send email, letter, or attend public meetings.
Sample Message:
Dear Senator [Name],
I am contacting you regarding Bill C9. I am concerned that the removal of the “good faith” religious defence and the bill’s broad definitions could limit lawful speech and religious expression. I urge you to protect these fundamental freedoms.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
[City, Province]
3. Participate Publicly
- Attend town halls or public meetings
- Ask direct questions about Bill C9’s impact on freedoms
- Submit written correspondence for the official record
4. Share and Discuss
- Discuss with family, friends, and colleagues to raise awareness
- Share the Freedoms Advocate guide and action sheet (PDF)
5. Support Legal Action
Freedoms Advocate is preparing a legal challenge to Bill C9 to defend Canadians’ Charter rights. Your contribution helps cover:
- Legal research and expert analysis
- Court filings and representation costs
- Public education and updates
Donate to support legal action:
Summary of objections to communicate to government:
- Removal of the “good faith” religious defence
Bill C9 no longer protects sincere religious expression from being prosecuted as hate speech, creating legal uncertainty for sermons, teachings, and religious commentary. - Broad discretion for prosecutors despite restored Attorney General consent
While the Attorney General must now consent, the decision remains discretionary. Individuals expressing lawful views could still face investigation or charges. - Vague and expansive enforcement powers
The law allows regulators and law enforcement to act on content deemed “harmful” or “intolerant,” terms that remain undefined in practice, putting ordinary expression at risk. - Ongoing ambiguity around religious and educational speech
Proposed clarifications for worship, sermons, and religious education do not fully restore the historical legal protections. Faith communities and educators may still self-censor. - Potential chilling effect on everyday speech
Ordinary Canadians—bloggers, social media users, teachers, journalists, and faith communities—may avoid sharing opinions or teachings for fear of complaints or legal action. - Expanded offences affecting public and protected spaces
New offences related to obstruction or intimidation in spaces such as churches, schools, and community centers could be applied to lawful activities, including peaceful gatherings or public events.
Act now to make your voice heard and support the legal challenge to Bill C9.